Varsha Jorawar

Varsha Jorawar is a Guyanese immigrant and Waterbury resident for the past 10 years. She has lived in practically every part of the city, but Waterbury’s East End holds a special place in her heart. Graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science and an unremitting interest in community work, she started her career in nonprofit program development at a refugee centered organization where she worked extensively to create, run programs and engage in grant writing.  

Being on the grantee side of grantmaking has given perspective as to how essential philanthropy is to nonprofit work. Today, as the Research and Operations Specialist at the foundation, she is a pipeline to the community and its leaders. With a good understanding of the landscape in the city of Waterbury and her passion for nonprofit work, her aspirations align with the Leever Foundation’s mission of supporting Waterbury’s already existing asset– its people.