Values-Based Leadership with a Focus on Justice & Compassion
I’ve spent my career launching and leading high-impact initiatives, programs, and organizations—and teaching the next generation of leaders.
Places I’ve worked (partial list)
Philanthropy: Program Officer at Ford and Open Society Foundations; President and CEO, Heising-Simons Foundation; President, Southern California Grantmakers
Academia: Executive Director, Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, Harvard University; Lecturer / Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard, Tufts Fletcher School, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Southern California
Areas of Expertise
Technology and Society | Human Rights and Global Justice | Philanthropy | Leadership, Negotiation, and Communications
What People Are Saying
“Sushma encourages and challenges me in my work, and her commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights comes through in all she does. Sushma demonstrates effective leadership within the Carr Center and among Harvard faculty, government officials, and human rights defenders. She fosters an exciting environment, engaging bright minds on pressing human rights issues. She naturally builds community and brings people together in a spirit of collaboration.”
— Matthew Smith, Co-Founder & CEO, Fortify Rights, award winning human rights organization working in South and Southeast Asia
“Sushma is an insightful thinker, professional, and activist with a deep and complex understanding of the conditions of human powerlessness and how to address them. Her passion for justice is without parallel. Her fund of knowledge is global, She is a delight to work with.”
— Makau Mutua, Professor, SUNY Buffalo Law School
“I have known Sushma for more than a decade and have long been impressed by her deep commitment to human rights and her leadership of human rights organizations.”
— John Shattuck, former President of Central European University
“Sushma is a superb leader and careful, logical, and visionary planner, always grasping the nuances of issues and respecting the diversity of agendas and personalities. I am honored to recommend her work.”