As a member of both Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) and the Association for Women’s Business Centers, Sheela Jane Rao believes in making your voice known and having a say in what is going on in the world around you. This type of activeness is something she encourages in everyone, whether it be her students, coworkers, friends, etc.

Through her event planning company, Sheela Jane Rao has worked with many charities that have admirable causes, but the one she became most enticed with was the domestic violence awareness group Breaking the Silence. It is through this organization that Sheela Jane Rao has met some incredible people who have overcome some devastating conditions. With such strong bonds made and stories shared, Sheela Jane Rao has promised herself that she will continue fighting for this amazing cause and hopefully create some beneficial change and awareness; two things she believes there are not enough of.

One of the biggest reasons Sheela Jane Rao is so dedicated to the war against domestic violence is because of the documentaries she has seen on its physical and mental effects on the victim.

“Most of us go through situations that leave us wondering, ‘What’s next?’ but these women, and in some cases men, constantly question the present and when the next hit will come. I couldn’t imagine being in that situation, especially without help, which is I why I’m such a supporter of Breaking the Silence! I want to be able to help these victims and have them know they’re not alone,” said Sheela Jane Rao.

Sheela Jane Rao has worked with many different types of people over her career and has said that she finds the most genuine individuals tend to be volunteers. They simply understand humanity at a deeper level and are easier to connect with because of it. Of her closest friends, Sheela Jane Rao says many have worked alongside her to volunteer and give back to the community.