08/19/2026
"The prologue to my story, started very long ago, when I was a child! Growing up in India, I was surrounded and influenced by family members who were administrators, police officers, and in civil service....I wanted to be in public service to make an impact.
At the same time, I watched my mother serve as a co-founder and president, at the age of 26, of a women's non-profit. Apart from being a full time homemaker, she was deeply involved in the community trying to teach women...and encouraged them to volunteer locally...she was dedicated, passionate and the driving force for the non-profit to thrive and sustain for the last 53 years.
Remember, I was an aspiring civil servant, wanting to leave my mark and make an impact...but the universe had something else planned for me. After I graduated with my MA in History, I got married and emigrated to the United States with my husband. After a couple unsuccessful attempts to pursue higher studies...I settled in and fully embraced the role of a corporate wife, later motherhood, and an exciting life of traveling with my husband's professional careers.
Some 20 years ago, at a new place as expats, I realized I don’t have to have a title or position to make an impact! The moment was right there and then, as our life happened, in whatever community I live in at the time. That changed my perspective, my personality and the way I wanted to pursue my dreams. I am still on that journey. While I do still have my moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, authentic vulnerability and a sense of unaccomplishment, I am absolutely loving my involvement and work, as a community volunteer, advocate, connector, fundraiser and mentor, locally here in Fort Wayne for the last 10 years!"
- Harini Bonam (Women's Fund Steering Committee, YWCA Marketing & Development Committee, President of Sangam Fort Wayne)
Every great story has a Prologue— that single, defining moment of resilience, choice, or discovery that sets the stage for everything that follows.
Read about the powerful moments, realizations, or challenges that led other community leaders to where they are today by checking out the link (https://ywcanein.org/prologue-project/)
