Ranjana Bhargava is a pioneering and transformational force for the community in Chicago. Over the course of her storied career, she has built and strengthened movements and institutions, and bravely forged new networks to serve those in need, particularly women and
girls. Her leadership and influence has had immeasurable impact since she arrived in Chicago fifty years ago.
Ranjana was the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Apna Ghar, among the first organizations established primarily for South Asian families impacted by domestic violence in the nation, and the Executive Director of Asian Human Services, which provided comprehensive
social services to Asian families in Chicago. She also served in other community-based organizations, where her work included the provision of support services to incarcerated women; advocacy for the health/mental health needs of low-income families; and the establishment of school-based health centers.