Anurima Bhargava

Anurima Bhargava is a prominent civil rights advocate and the Founder and President of Anthem of Us, a strategic advisory firm focused on promoting dignity, equity, and justice across various sectors, including education and corporate environments. She has a distinguished career in civil rights law, having served as the Chief of the Educational Opportunities Section at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2010 to 2016. In this role, she was instrumental in enforcing federal civil rights laws in educational institutions and led significant initiatives aimed at preventing campus sexual assault.123

Bhargava's work extends beyond her time at the DOJ; she has held various leadership positions, including serving as Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi in December 2018. Her commitment to social justice is reflected in her involvement with multiple organizations, including the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund and the Poverty Race Research Action Council.12

She is also known for her contributions to narrative and storytelling in advancing justice, advising on documentary films, and co-chairing the National Advisory Board on Public Service at Harvard University. Bhargava's educational background includes a law degree from Columbia Law School and graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College. She was raised on the south side of Chicago.123

In addition to her advocacy work, Bhargava has engaged in political campaigns and served on various boards related to civil rights and education reform, highlighting her dedication to fostering inclusive environments.12