IPN Spotlight: Nageeb Sumar (Deputy Director, Philanthropic Partnerships at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
Nageeb Sumar is currently Deputy Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has over 10 years of experience in philanthropy, international development, legal, and budgeting. He has worked in over 16 countries within North America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
What skills have helped you in your career?
• Analytical ability
• Research and writing
• Diplomacy and advocacy
• Ability to brief principals
• Program evaluation skills
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
• Spent more time abroad prior to starting a family in order to obtain more fieldwork experience
• Identified a more appropriate graduate degree such as Public Policy or Business rather than Law school
• Shared opinions online and in order to build credibility as an opinion-leader
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
• Read trade publications (i.e., Chronicle of Philanthropy)
• Watch others and ask for their mentorship
• Push to be a public spokesperson on whatever you do
What is next for you in your career?
• Leading a team to advise the ultra-wealthy on their philanthropic goals
• Advising on how policies beyond the US can encourage philanthropy and charitable giving
• Unlocking how to provide better tools for US citizens to be more informed and intentional givers
What advice would you offer to others?
• Do work which you are passionate about
• Always pay it forward– help others as you never know how they might help you in the future
• Try to take risks and take yourself out of your comfort zone
• Speak up – your opinion is valuable!
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Careers in philanthropy
• Careers in international development
• Resume building
• Opportunities in Washington, DC in the development field
Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Nageeb Sumar
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