Gauthami Vemula-Queijo: A Voice for Families, A Champion for Child Welfare Reform
- The Élève Team
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
In a world where families in crisis often go unheard, Gauthami Vemula-Queijo stands as a powerful advocate, mentor, and changemaker.
As the Founder of the Color Me SAFE Foundation, she has turned personal trauma and decades of experience in child welfare into a transformative force for families navigating the complexities of the CPS system.
From Guntur to New Mexico: A Story of Identity and Resilience
Born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and raised in Hobbs, New Mexico, Gauthami's early experiences gave her a unique cultural lens. As a first-generation Indian American, she balanced her Telugu roots with small-town life in the U.S. These formative years, steeped in tradition and tight-knit community, laid the groundwork for her deeply empathetic and justice-driven career.
Surviving Trauma, Finding Purpose
Gauthami's journey hasn’t been easy. A survivor of dating violence in college, she endured a year-and-a-half-long abusive relationship that nearly cost her life and disrupted her dreams of medical school. But she rebuilt her life, earning a degree in science followed by a master’s in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. That pivotal experience became her "why" for supporting survivors and families in crisis.
On the Front Lines of Child Welfare
After graduate school, Gauthami worked at Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas, where she investigated some of the most difficult cases, including child sexual abuse. Over nearly a decade, she witnessed systemic inequities that disproportionately impacted families of color, immigrants, and those with limited resources. Her time at CPS exposed the deep flaws in the system—and planted the seed for something more sustainable and compassionate.
The Birth of Color Me SAFE Foundation
In 2012, Gauthami co-founded Color Me SAFE as a consulting firm to help families navigate the CPS system. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible, equitable support, she launched the Color Me SAFE Foundation in 2023. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides free consultations, case analysis, parenting strategy support, and mental health programs for families facing CPS involvement and custody issues.
Color Me SAFE Foundation: Advocacy in Action
With over 40 years of combined experience, the Color Me SAFE Foundation focuses on three key areas: Direct Family Consultations, Parenting Strategies, and Education and Awareness. This includes providing safe spaces through initiatives like Ask Auntie, Hey SAATHI, and our partnership with UTD-Mannmukti.
A Movement Rooted in Equity
Gauthami's work is centered on equity, dignity, and systemic change. The foundation not only addresses child protection but also emphasizes emotional well-being, cultural sensitivity, and personalized advocacy.
Through community outreach, public speaking, and creative initiatives like empowering apparel and children’s books, Gauthami is reshaping how we view child welfare—not just as a system to navigate, but as a space to heal, grow, and thrive.
Leading with Heart
Beyond her professional impact, Gauthami is a musician, author, and mentor. She credits her husband as a pillar of support and continues to use her voice to break cycles of trauma and silence in the South Asian community and beyond.
Styled with Purpose: A Personal Moment with Gauthami
We recently had the joy of styling Gauthami through The Élève Initiative—and it was an experience as meaningful as it was inspiring.
Her style reflects who she is: a blend of quiet confidence and bold expression. Think glam statements, minimalist lines, and a love for rich jewel tones that echo both strength and warmth. ✨
We curated 12 versatile pieces that seamlessly transition from smartwear to casual—each one intentionally selected to reflect her presence, purpose, and day-to-day rhythm.
Alongside the curated wardrobe, we shared styling suggestions using complementary items she may already own, ensuring the pieces were fitting to her style, but also versatile in everyday life.
All items were sourced through consignment, chosen with care for their condition, quality, and character. Because at the heart of what we do, we believe style should be both thoughtful and transformative—an extension of identity, empowerment, and possibility.
“Being styled through The Élève Initiative was such a gift—not just in how I looked, but in how the experience made me feel. What they’re building is more than fashion—it’s about restoring confidence, dignity, and hope. I left feeling seen, uplifted, and inspired.”— Gauthami Vemula-Queijo, Founder of Color Me SAFE Foundation
Learn More & Support the Mission
Visit Color Me SAFE Foundation to learn more about their services, impact, and ways to get involved.
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