Sister Usha has been a senior nun of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) monastic community since 1973. Born and raised in New York City, she had a desire to serve humankind early in life. By the time she was 12, she was actively involved in social outreach efforts, including mentoring to students from inner city areas by helping them with their studies and exposing them to the city’s many cultural opportunities. Sister Usha – whose name means “dawn,” personified as the daughter of heaven – currently serves as one of a dedicated group of nuns who provide spiritual counseling to SRF members throughout the world, and conducts weekend programs at the SRF Retreats in Encinitas, Calif.