Sana Shaikh

About Sana Shaikh

I work at the intersection of tech, public service, and philanthrophy.I am a purpose-driven strategist and organizational expert passionate about leveraging business tools for social good. With 15+ years of experience spanning program development, strategy, and operations, I bring a systems-level approach to advancing change, innovation, and economic opportunity.Currently, I serve as a Business Development Specialist at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, where I support entrepreneurs, local businesses, and ecosystem partners to drive inclusive economic development and community wealth-building. My work focuses on turning bold ideas into actionable strategy, connecting vision to impact with a strong foundation in organizational behavior and people-centered design.I hold a PhD in Social Policy and Management from the Heller School at Brandeis University, where my dissertation explored how teacher relationships influence student outcomes—a study in the power of workplace culture to drive performance. I apply this same lens to economic ecosystems, championing collaborative, equity-focused solutions that grow organizations and communities.An award-winning speaker and published writer, my voice has appeared in The New York Times, Glamour, Huffington Post, Today, Authority Magazine, and EdSurge. In 2022, I delivered a TEDxNewHaven talk titled \"Building Bridges, Not Bias\", focused on dismantling exclusion and leading with empathy.Above all, I’m committed to building organizations and communities that work for everyone. I live in Farmington, Connecticut with my husband, Dr. Rayhan Shaikh, and our three young children, who are my greatest inspiration and joy.Let’s connect: s••••••••@gmail.comMore at:

Experience

1. Business Development Specialist

   The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

   Apr 2025 — Present

   Convener of 26+ Economic Support Organizations to support, accelerate, and incubate entrepreneurs throughout ConnecticutDeliver personalized 1-on-1 coaching to entrepreneurs and serve as a key connector to NHE3 grant opportunities, supporting the distribution of $7.2 million statewide.Lead the design and execution of programming and operations for MIC convenings.Represent the Mission Investment Funds at public forums, including the Angel Investor Forum and various municipal, state, and federal partnership events.

Education

• Granite Bay High School

  High School Diploma

• University of California, Berkeley

  Bachelors of Arts, Political Science and Government, Near Eastern Studies, Global Poverty and Practice

• Stanford University

  Ethics, Tech, & Public Policy

  2023

• Brandeis University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Social Policy and Management

• The Johns Hopkins University

  Masters of Science, Urban Studies/Affairs

• Brandeis University

  Masters of Science, Social Policy

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Foreign Languages
• Event Management
• Research
• Microsoft Office
• Writing
• Leadership
• International Relations
• Program Management
• Curriculum Design
• Politics
• Training
• Teaching
• Nonprofits
• Grant Writing
• Higher Education
• Volunteer Management
• Editing
• Program Development
• Community Outreach
• Organizational Leadership