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Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that examines the stories of life and leadership for smart, amazing women (and men). Each episode features powerful conversations with people who are changing the world and making a difference in their communities. Our guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice on how to break through barriers and achieve success and, in the process, provide access to new ideas, resources, and expertise that can expand opportunities for us all.
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Show Notes:
In this episode, Maheen Kaleem, a human rights lawyer and Vice President of Programs and Operations at Grantmakers for Girls of Color discusses her inspiring journey from her family’s roots in Pakistan to her impactful role in philanthropy. Central to their dialogue is the critical mission of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, which focuses on empowering and supporting transformative work led by girls and gender expansive youth of color. Maheen highlights the challenges these communities face, including the stark disparity in funding, with less than 0.5% of philanthropic giving directed towards women and girls of color. The episode underscores the importance of visibility, investment, and support for these young leaders who are essential drivers of social justice movements, providing hope and paving the way for a more equitable future.
About Maheen Kaleem:
Maheen is a human rights lawyer who has dedicated her life to creating a world where girls of color are safe and free. She is the Vice President of Programs and Operations at Grantmakers for Girls of Color, a philanthropic organization dedicated to amplifying and mobilizing resource to supportive transformative organizing work led by girls and gender-expansive youth of color. In just three years, she has co-stewarded the regranting of over $25 million to 400 organizations in all fifty states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Maheen has over twenty years of experience engaging youth and families impacted at the intersections of sexual violence and criminalization to lead efforts to advance racial and gender justice. Maheen holds both bachelors and law degrees from Georgetown University. She is a first generation Pakistani-American who was raised mostly in the bay area of California, on Ohlone land. Maheen was named as one of the P100 in Unboxed Philanthropy’s 2023 Philanthropy 100.
About the Operations at Grantmakers for Girls of Color:
Grantmakers for Girls of Color (G4GC) is a premier national philanthropic organization committed to the empowerment of girls, femmes, and gender-expansive youth of Color across the United States and its territories. G4GC focuses on raising funds to uplift these individuals and works deliberately to dismantle oppressive systems through transformative organizing efforts. The organization is founded upon the core values of partnership, healing, reciprocity, and love, reflecting its dedication to fostering a meaningful impact within the communities it serves.
Episode Timestamp:
01:10 – Introduction of Maheen Kaleem and her role at Grantmakers for Girls of Color.
02:05 – Dr. Nancy O’Reilly begins the conversation with Maheen about her journey and background.
06:41 – Discussion on importance of funding for girls and women of color.
08:38 – Maheen explains the mission and work of Grantmakers for Girls of Color.
12:00 – How Grantmakers for Girls of Color identifies and supports organizations.
16:37 – Maheen’s work with the Novo Foundation and addressing sexual trafficking.
21:15 – The importance of investing in young people and the hope they bring.
28:38 – How to honor and support the girls in our lives.
32:37 – Information on how to learn more about Grantmakers for Girls of Color and get involved.