Sadia Kalam
Hi, I’m Sadia.
I am a writer and accomplished program leader with a track record for quickly acclimating to new areas of focus, building strong working relationships, and advancing outcomes.
Throughout my career in the social sector, I have been committed to strengthening the capacity of others to achieve their potential.
I’ve worked on promoting equity in policy and systems change. I’ve worked directly with children, youth, and the elderly. I’ve worked for Executive Directors and board members. I’ve tried to change culture inside institutions and I’ve worked directly with youth to help them become change agents.
In the business of social change, I’ve discovered some truths. .
- The greatest change we can make is in our own selves.
- Equity starts with our heart.
I write about my own equity journey and my reflections here on Substack.
As a consultant, I take on projects and clients who align with my values, and I serve as a sounding board to help my clients think through program design and strategy.
Our work and word matter immensely in creating that vision.
I believe that writing is a step towards that greater future.
If you’re interested in working together, please reach out.
What I Do
Fundraising Training
1:1 Coaching
Grant Proposal Review
Research Writing
Essay Writing
Youth Workshops
Experiences
AUTHOR | Ugly Shoes & Paper Planes
Wrote and distributed weekly newsletter with personal insights and essays about adult learning and growth mindset and Sufism growing from 0 to 200 subscribers in 6 months
Philanthropic Consultant
Wrote a 5-year program impact assessment and helped rethink the processes for grantmaking data collection.
Program Associate at RWJF
Project managed and supported a $70M portfolio with research, writing, evaluating proposals, and monitoring programs that advance equity on behalf of kids and communities over 4 years
Project Manager at Cause Effective
Coordinated fundraising, social media, and marketing projects, influencing the growth of over 1000 adult learners.
Awards
SCHOLARSHIP | Write of Passage Writing School 2023
MUSLIM STORYTELLER SCHOLARSHIP | Doris Duke Foundation $ Highlights Foundation 2023
MENTEE | AWP Writer to Writer Program 2023
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEMBER| New York University Alumni Group 2014
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR | New York University 2007
BOARD MEMBER | South Asian Youth Action, NYC 2004-2007
FINANCE CHAIR | Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy NYC Chapter 2014
Education
MS | NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT | University of Pennsylvania
BA | PHILOSOPHY, MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES | New York University
Sadia Kalam 