E10S11Scaling& Leading: A Career in Social Justice, Academia, and Philanthropy

The Social Change Career Podcast

Episode 10 of Season 11 features Sushma Raman President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation. She is one of the leading innovators in the sector, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives.

You should listen to this episode to:

• Gain insights into building a meaningful career at the intersection of philanthropy and social impact.
• Get practical advice on upskilling and navigating the evolving landscape of the sector.
• Explore key trends and opportunities in philanthropy through the lens of a seasoned leader.
• Understand the impact of academia and philanthropy in fostering social change and innovation.
• Learn from a leading philanthropic leader about grantmaking processes.

Key Episode Insights:

- Sushma traces her journey from teen activism to pivotal roles at foundations like Ford and Open Society, offering mentorship-worthy advice to aspiring change-makers.

- Learn about the delicate balance and transition from academia to philanthropy, and how to harness the power of connectivity and collaboration.

- Discover the Heising Simmons Foundation's strategic approach to funding transformative work in education, climate action, and democracy.

- Get inspired by Sushma's approach to continuous learning and upskilling – an essential habit for anyone in the sector.

About Sushma: Sushma Raman is the President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an interdisciplinary and experienced philanthropic leader, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives. This includes building the capabilities of grassroots human rights organizations and their leaders. Sushma has also taught graduate courses in the public policy schools at UCLA, USC, Tufts Fletcher School, andHarvard Kennedy School.

She serves as a Board Member at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2023, she was the Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy since 2015. Her extensive background also includes roles at the Ford Foundation, where she launched and managed a $100 million global initiative to support emerging human rights and women’s funds, and at the Open Society Foundation, coordinating a significant grantmaking program. Additionally, Sushma led the Southern California Grantmakers association as its President from 2007 to 2012.

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