Ria John's thesis journey began with her volunteer work at a South Asian organization dedicated to assisting immigrant women as they adjusted to American culture. This role, which involved serving as a conversation buddy, allowed her to engage directly with these women, offering them support and companionship during their transition. It was during one of these sessions that Ria met a young Bengali woman who confided that she was living with an abusive partner.
The woman's poignant words, "I feel like I am stuck in a Kabar; I am of no value," profoundly impacted Ria. This expression of utter despair and entrapment catalyzed Ria's academic exploration, laying the groundwork for her thesis, Empowerment in Disguise: Supporting South Asian Immigrant Women Experiencing Violence in the US.