Five Years of Leadership, Growth, and Gratitude

March 2025 marks a deeply personal milestone for me: five years as President and CEO of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. I knew stepping into this role would carry immense responsibility, but I couldn’t have imagined just how much this work would shape me—how it would challenge me to grow, deepen my empathy, and ignite an even greater passion for the mission we hold so close to our hearts.

The girls we are privileged to work with are at the center of it all. They have profoundly impacted me, not just as a leader but as a person. Every story I’ve heard, every obstacle they’ve faced, and every moment of triumph they’ve achieved has been a reminder of why this work matters. Their resilience, courage, and strength humble me daily.

I’ll never forget the faces of each and every girl I have had the privilege to meet. They are girls who have faced more in their short lives than I could imagine facing in my many lives. They share their stories with such strength, even while their pain was evident, and remain determined to rebuild their lives. Being able to provide a safe and supportive space, where they feel heard and valued, reaffirms for me why I fight so hard for this work. These moments are a constant reminder that what we do isn’t just about systems or policies—it’s about girls’ lives, about real futures filled with hope.

The girls we serve teach me more than I could ever teach them. They remind me to persevere, to approach challenges with grace, and to never lose sight of the urgency of justice. They challenge me to think bigger, work harder, and never accept “good enough.” And they give me hope—hope that cycles of inequity can be broken, that healing is possible, and that dreams can be realized when given the right support.

Over these five years, we’ve accomplished so much together. We’ve grown programs like See the Girl: In the Community and See the Girl: In Elementary and In the Middle, reaching more girls with life-changing services and support. We’ve advocated for policies that keep girls out of incarceration and within their communities, where they can heal and thrive. We have released research that has helped to inform our future direction. And even when faced with challenges like staffing hurdles or funding gaps, we’ve risen above them with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to creating brighter futures.

None of this would have been possible without those who came before me. I owe so much to the incredible leadership of Dr. Lawanda Ravoira, whose vision laid the groundwork for where we stand today. And to Mrs. Delores Barr Weaver, thank you for believing in this mission and empowering us to dream big and deliver meaningful results. Your generosity and passion for justice inspire me every day.

To our board of directors, thank you for your guidance, trust, and dedication. You keep us grounded while giving us the courage to innovate. To the leadership team, who keep showing up, even on the hardest days and to our extraordinary team—your expertise, passion, and heart are what make this work not only possible but transformative. You inspire me every day to show up as my best self.

As I look back on these five years, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. But more than that, I am filled with gratitude—gratitude for the girls who allow us to walk alongside them in their journeys, for the partners and supporters who believe in this work, and for the opportunity to lead an organization so rooted in hope and transformation.

Looking ahead, I feel more determined than ever. There is still so much work to be done, but I know that together—with our team, our supporters, and the girls at the heart of it all—we will continue to push boundaries, dismantle inequities, and create a brighter, more just future.

Thank you for walking this path with me. Here’s to five years of growth, gratitude, and transformation—and to all the incredible work still to come.

With gratitude,
Inderjit “Vicky” Basra, DSW
President & CEO