The inspiration for Invest-Sakhi came from observing the unique financial struggles faced by immigrant women, particularly those on dependent visas. This project holds a deeply personal connection for us, as Malavika's mother had a similar journey. She came to the U.S. as a dependent immigrant and started her path to financial independence by researching investment opportunities and learning how to invest. Today, she serves as a Vice President at JP Morgan and Chase, exemplifying what perseverance, knowledge, and the right resources can achieve.
Many immigrant women face systemic barriers, such as limited access to employment, insufficient financial literacy, and difficulties in navigating complex visa regulations. These obstacles often prevent them from achieving independence and contributing fully to their households and communities. Inspired by this reality, we set out to create Invest-Sakhi—a platform designed to empower these women by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to build financial independence. Our goal is not only to guide them towards better financial decision-making but also to encourage them to start small businesses and become active contributors to their local economies.
Through this journey, we learned the importance of deeply understanding the unique challenges faced by immigrant women to develop tailored and impactful solutions. By integrating AI-powered features, such as our chatbot Lakshmi—named after the Goddess of Wealth to serve as a cultural symbol of guidance—and business validation systems, we enhanced the user experience while addressing complex needs effectively. Most importantly, this process deepened our empathy for the struggles of marginalized groups, underscoring the significance of creating tools that empower individuals and drive meaningful, lasting change
We faced several challenges throughout this journey. Understanding the diverse needs of immigrant women required extensive research and collaboration to identify their unique struggles and to tailor the solutions to them. To adapt financial tools to comply with various visa regulations proved to be a complex and demanding process. On the technical side, developing AI-powered features, such as the Groq API, and ensuring their seamless integration posed significant setback. Additionally, building trust was a critical focus, as creating a platform where users felt safe and comfortable required prioritizing privacy, transparency, and cultural sensitivity.
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