From first-generation Pakistani American immigrant to national leader in educational equity, Dr. Sana Shaikh shares her journey of using identity and lived experience to transform communities and advance opportunity for all.
Sana Shaikh is a nationally recognized expert in education, policy, and economic development, currently serving as a Business Development Specialist at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. With over 14 years of experience spanning K–12 education, nonprofit leadership, and public policy, she has dedicated her career to building systems that center equity, inclusion, and authentic human connection. Her journey began as a Teach For America corps member teaching high school in Baltimore, where the realities of systemic barriers reshaped her understanding of opportunity and inspired her to pursue a PhD at Brandeis University.
Sana’s path has been marked by pivotal turning points, from teaching in under-resourced schools to leading cross-sector initiatives in economic development. She reflects candidly on the challenges of navigating higher education, professional spaces, and personal life as a mother and immigrant. These experiences highlighted that meaningful change is not just about credentials but about authentic relationships, curiosity, and connecting deeply with others to understand their real needs.
Throughout the conversation, Sana shares practical insights on fostering trust, cultivating empathy, and leveraging personal and professional privileges to create systemic impact. Her frameworks emphasize authentic engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and the power of intentional collaboration. She also explores how exposure to diverse communities and perspectives strengthens leadership, broadens empathy, and equips individuals to address inequities thoughtfully.
Listeners will leave inspired by Sana’s message that impactful work requires both courage and vulnerability, and that each person can use their unique identity and experiences to make a difference. Tune in to hear her stories, lessons, and actionable advice on turning lived experience into leadership and lasting community impact.
Chapters
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00:38 Meet Dr. Sana Shaikh and Her Journey of Sacred Synthesis
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02:27 Dr. Sana Shaikh’s Immigrant Experience and Career Path
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06:14 Building Authentic Connections and Impactful Policy
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24:08 Balancing Life While Pursuing a PhD
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26:24 The Emotional and Physical Labor of Academia
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27:01 Navigating Relationships and Negotiations During Doctoral Work
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30:30 The Art of Building Connections
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36:17 Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Communities
LinksLinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananaeemshaikh/Check out Dr. Sana Shaikh’s LinkedIn to explore her work in educational equity, economic development, and cross-sector collaboration, and discover how she turns lived experience into meaningful impact.
Episode 75
