Komal Kaur is the President and Founder of Umeed-Hope, a Sikh-led mutual aid organization based in Central Indiana. Umeed is a coalition working in solidarity with other marginalized communities to dismantle systems of oppression and build a world rooted in justice, collective care, and liberation. Through mutual aid and community-driven initiatives, Umeed addresses interconnected issues such as gender-based violence, abolition, mental health, anti-war efforts, and systemic injustice. Grounded in Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and equity, the organization believes in the power of collective action and in creating inclusive spaces where everyone has access to the resources they need—and the opportunity to lead.

Komal founded Umeed after recognizing the need for something concrete, sustainable, and rooted in community care. Following the mass shooting at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, where many Sikh labor workers were affected, Komal stepped away from law school after completing two years. She became a liaison between government and social service agencies and the local Sikh community—advocating for families, translating trauma-informed services, and ensuring long-term support. That moment catalyzed her shift toward building Umeed as a permanent support system led by and for the community.

In response to growing institutional requests for culturally grounded consultation, Komal also launched Zara Consulting Group—an initiative designed to engage with larger nonprofits and public agencies working with South Asian populations. Zara Consulting partners with local FBI field offices, Departments of Child Services, and immigrant and refugee agencies that require guidance on cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed engagement, and community trust-building. The consulting group also engages with elected officials such as members of Congress, school board officials, and other policymakers to promote culturally competent policy development and advocate for systemic change. In addition to institutional partnerships, Zara Consulting offers private consulting services to organizations, practitioners, and leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of South Asian communities, enhance diversity and inclusion practices, and implement community-informed strategies. Through Zara, Komal continues to bridge critical gaps between institutions and South Asian communities, ensuring services are accessible, respectful, and effective.