Varsha Jorawar

Justice Advisor

She/her

Varsha Jorawar was born in Guyana and immigrated to the United States at the age of 13. From a young age, she experienced the shortcomings of various systems. Her family's decade-long immigration journey exposed her to the inherent flaws within the immigration system, and she also faced an education system that often fails to support people of color and non-Americans. As a public school student in Waterbury—currently leading the state in school-based arrests—she witnessed firsthand how the legal system disproportionately affected her peers, often unfairly imposing legal consequences that had a lasting impact on their futures.

Varsha graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Her academic background, combined with her personal experiences, provides her with a deep understanding of how outdated systems perpetuate the marginalization of vulnerable communities. Her past work in nonprofit development and her current role in philanthropy focuses on centering systems change and supporting organizations engaged in community-driven advocacy, reflecting her commitment to social justice and community-informed processes.

As a Justice Advisor with the Connecticut Justice Alliance, Varsha brings an unrelenting passion for community-led work and a firm belief that systems can be reformed when those most impacted are at the forefront of the change. She is dedicated to centering youth voices, believing that young people must be integral to any discussion about justice reform. Varsha is a strong advocate for restorative justice and community care, understanding that these approaches are crucial for healing and empowering communities most impacted. She aims to collaborate with her peers at CTJA to drive meaningful reforms and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities, particularly youth, are central to the legal process.