We caught up with Sobitha Sashikumar, a brand new addition to the Through Unity board. Sobitha currently works as an executive PMO (Programme Management Office) with UBS; and she has now committed to bringing her vast wealth of financial experience into helping the Through Unity family. 

 We hope you enjoy our conversation with Sobitha. If there’s anyone you’d like to see us in conversation with, please email aran@throughunity.com with your suggestion.

Sobitha, what was it about Through Unity that inspired you to join its board?

I’ve always wanted to be part of a charity, and I thought that by joining Through Unity it’d be a great way to give back to the community. That is something that’s always been close to my heart and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. 

Through Unity came to UBS looking for people to be on the board, and that provided that perfect opportunity for me to get involved; and I think that I’m at the right point in my life where I can give something back to a charity like Through Unity. 

I like the focus that we have in supporting the families that have been affected by homicide, and I feel good to be able to contribute to this cause which I feel quite strongly about. 

And what kinds of expertise and knowledge are you bringing to help the Through Unity family? 

I bring all of my experience — mainly my programme management and organisational skills (which I’m very good at!) and I provide everything: from guidance, how to manage the projects, how to gain funding, how to interact with key stakeholders, and so on. I bring all of that experience I’ve gained throughout my career from a project- and programmes-slant and I will apply it into Through Unity to help our supporters.

What are your ambitions for Through Unity, Sobitha? 

I want Through Unity to be more widely recognised. I want it to be a name that has reach. And if that happens — and I believe that it will — I think it will be much easier to gain things like funding and to get the buy-in we need to move forward. 

I think it’s a bit of a Catch 22, but I think if we can get the name out there, whether it be by developing our website or increasing our presence for those who need it most, then that would be my prime ambition.

If you had to describe what is special about Through Unity, what would it be for you? 

The cause. I feel that there is no other charity special in its own way like Through Unity is. I really like the support we offer in helping the people who’ve been affected by homicide. That uniqueness in the nature of what we’re setting out to do is what makes this charity special.

Finally Sobitha, if you had a closing message for the Through Unity family members who are reading this now, what would it be? 

Be assured that there is help. 

In addition to hope and time, which are all great healers, just be assured that there is help and that we’re able to provide that help. Reach out to us, make our name more widely known, so we’re in turn able to help you better.

If there’s anyone you’d like to see us in conversation with, please email aran@throughunity.com with your suggestion.