From Survivors to Summits: Anjali Mehta’s Journey with WINK

When we sit down with Anjali Mehta, the energy is immediate and electrifying. A seasoned human rights and humanitarian law lawyer, Anjali has turned her career—and her life—toward a higher purpose. In our recent WINK episode, she journeyed through her “survivors to summits” saga, unveiled The Power of We and shared the bold leap she made leaving Big Law to devote herself fully to nonprofit work. Here’s how her story unfolded.

Anjali is on a mission to conquer the Seven Summits—the highest peak on each continent—not just for the thrill, but to raise awareness and funds for survivors of gender-based violence. For her, each summit is a metaphorical and literal pinnacle of survival, perseverance, and transformation. As she explains, “transformation happens together,” highlighting a deeply held belief in collective action . At the center of her work is What is the Power of We?, the nonprofit she co-founded. It's not just an organization; it's a movement. Woven into her legal advocacy and athletic pursuits is a simple truth: community is essential to real change. Whether climbing mountains or advocating for legal reform, Anjali believes in the amplifying voice of solidarity, a sentiment she passionately shared in our conversation.

Anjali trained at NYU for humanitarian law and navigated a promising path in Big Law. But at a critical moment, she traded the prestige of private practice for purpose: dedicating herself to gender-based violence, asylum, human rights, and systemic change. Today she stands not in a boardroom, but in frontline advocacy—before international courts, in grassroots communities, and atop remote peaks

Her reach extends far beyond legal briefs. Anjali is a TEDx speaker, Fulbright scholar, professional artist and dancer, and a mountaineer. This interdisciplinary identity allows her to craft compelling stories and unique programs like somatic movement workshops—blending law, art, and embodiment—that she’s led at institutions like NYU and Yale.

Support the show

Thank you for joining WINK - You're worth knowing!