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Sushma Raman

Social Change Strategist - Author - Coalition Builder

Sushma Raman is an accomplished leader in the field of human rights and philanthropy, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. With over two decades of global experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing social justice and building the capacity of grassroots human rights organizations.

Professional Background

Carr Center for Human Rights Policy:
Raman joined the Carr Center in 2015, where she played a pivotal role in developing programs focused on racial justice and technology's impact on human rights. Under her leadership, the center became a key player in addressing pressing human rights issues through research, education, and advocacy efforts.14 She also hosted the Justice Matters podcast, which explores various human rights topics and has reached audiences in over 150 countries.32

Previous Roles:
Before her tenure at the Carr Center, Raman worked at the Ford Foundation as a Program Officer, managing a significant $100 million global initiative aimed at women's rights and social justice. She also contributed to the Open Society Foundation, where she was involved in establishing a $50 million fund to support immigrant and refugee rights.123

Education

Raman holds a B.A. in Economics from Smith College, an M.A. in African Studies from UCLA, and a mid-career MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, where she was recognized with the Lucius N. Littauer Fellowship for her academic achievements.14

Publications and Contributions

She co-authored the book The Coming Good Society: Why New Realities Demand New Rights, published by Harvard University Press in 2020, which discusses the evolving landscape of human rights in response to technological advancements.1 Additionally, she has written articles for Foreign Policy magazine and facilitated numerous events addressing critical human rights challenges.35

Current Role

As of February 2023, Raman transitioned from her role at the Carr Center to become the President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation, focusing on philanthropic initiatives related to scientific research, climate change, and human rights.25 Her leadership has been characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on elevating marginalized voices within the human rights discourse.

Raman's extensive experience and dedication to social justice make her a significant figure in contemporary human rights advocacy.

Highlights

Mar 29 · linkedin

Super excited to share this position announcement at Heising-Simons Foundation: Science Program Officer. Amazing team, meaningful work, great opportunity! #science #philanthropy #jobs

Mar 1 · linkedin

On this last day of #blackhistorymonth I had the honor and joy to witness a conversation with friend and colleague Keisha N. Blain, Ph.D. Renée Graham, and Hon. Kim Janey. Fabulous moderation by Zenzile Riddick!

🌳The event was on hallowed ground at the African Meeting House, considered the oldest extant Black church in the US, according to their site. Built in 1806, Frederick Douglass spoke here and William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society here.

🌳The speakers touched on themes of democracy and the role of Black women, lessons from history, and hopes for the future.

🍃”Jim Crow was born in Boston,” — Hon. Janey

🍃”I want the country to live up to its promise,” — Graham

🍃”I think of what Fannie Lou Hamer went through so that we can vote, we can’t simply be spectators”—Blain

Related Questions

What are some of the key achievements of Sushma Raman during her tenure at the Carr Center?
How did Sushma Raman's work at the Ford Foundation influence her approach at the Carr Center?
What is the Heising-Simons Foundation's mission and how does it align with Sushma Raman's previous work?
Can you provide more details about the Carr Center's Racial Justice and Technology and Human Rights programs launched under Sushma Raman?
What are the main themes of the book "The Coming Good Society" co-authored by Sushma Raman?
Sushma Raman
Sushma Raman, photo 1
Sushma Raman, photo 2
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Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States