Seema Srivastava

TRANSFORMING IDEAS INTO GLOBAL ACTION

I have dedicated over 25 years to leading transformative change in global communities. My passion for social impact and belief in collaboration have shaped my journey as a philanthropic leader, tackling complex challenges, and driving initiatives that inspire collective action.

Join me in making a lasting global impact together.

Seema Srivastava

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EMPOWERING
CHANGE

My unique value lies in combining strategic leadership with hands-on experience. I have successfully developed scalable, sustainable programs for diverse global organizations, establishing myself as a leading voice in international development.

Unique Value Proposition

Consistently elevating organizational performance, scaling global teams, and driving financial growth, through strategic leadership aligned with long-term goals.

Experienced across diverse sectors - public health, education, gender equity, climate change and sustainability, with a well-rounded perspective and the ability to foster innovative, cross-sector solutions.

Proven track record in transformational leadership

Multidimensional expertise

International experience across Asia, the Americas, and Africa with a deep understanding of diverse cultural contexts,and expertise in building multi stakeholder partnerships to drive global impact.

Led grassroots initiatives for global organizations, combining the agility of a forward-thinking leader with practical hands-on operational expertise.

Global mindset

Diverse leadership Experience

TURNING VISION
INTO REALITY

I leverage my strategic visioning, problem-solving, and fundraising skills to elevate organizations and their missions. My grantmaking experience equips me to identify growth opportunities and build impactful programs.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Demonstrated success in enhancing organizational performance and scaling global teams.

Financial Management

Expertise In Managing $25M+ Budgets.

Program Development

Launched Innovative Programs that Boosted Revenue and Impact by Over 45%.

Partnership Building

Cultivated high-impact cross-sector collaborations across regions.

Change Management

Executed Turnaround Strategies to Drive Resilience and Growth.

Grantmaking & Fundraising

Secured Major Gifts and Developed Sustainable Funding Models.

LEADERSHIP
IN ACTION

My leadership approach is an entrepreneurial mindset which combines fiscal responsibility, cultural competence and strategic vision to drive organizational success. Career highlights:

Managing $25 million+ budgets, optimizing financial health and operational efficiency
Leading diverse teams of 250+, fostering inclusive cultures.
Spearheading turnaround operations and scaling programs and partnerships
Cultivating talent and inspiring teams to achieve measurable, transformative results

Expertise

Download CV

LEADING WITH STRATEGIC FOCUS AND COMPASSION

My work spans critical sectors of public health, education, and human rights that address immediate challenges and ensure long-term sustainability. By crafting innovative solutions and leveraging my extensive network, I build partnerships that optimize resources and create lasting community impact.

Achievements

Revenue Growth & fundraising

Launched three innovative programs at Up with People, resulting in a 45% increase in revenue and donations and 400% increase in social media engagement.

Training & Capacity Building

Trained over 50,000 public officers to enhance governance capacities in India through the Strengthening Human Resource Management Project for UNDP.

Organizational Growth

Scaled the organization from a small team to over 50 members, impacting 75,000 youth through partnerships with over 50 schools at The Global Education & Leadership Foundation.

Leadership development

Launched the Women Leaders Fellowship, empowering over 100 women leaders at Ananta Aspen Centre.

ELEVATING SOCIAL EQUITY AND JUSTICE

My commitment to social equity and justice drives my work. I believe lasting change stems from addressing the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. My certifications in human behaviors, leadership, peace, gender equity and inclusion, reflect my commitment to elevating the voices of underserved communities.

Credentials

Advisory roles

Advisory Board Member, World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence.
Consultant, APNA GHAR, Chicago, Illinois.
Advisory Board Member, Yakjah Reconciliation and Peace Development Network.
Mentor, Winds for Change, Katalyst, India.
Leadership Coach - GAP Program, Head Held High Foundation.
Member, 2024 Winter Youth Olympics Committee, Gangwan, Korea.

Certificates

Whole Brain Practitioner (NBI), Kobus Neethling Creativity Institute, Johannesburg, S. Africa.
Myer-Briggs Type Indicator®.
Women Waging for Peace Trainer, Institute for Inclusive Security, Washington DC.
Good Work, The Good Project & Project Zero, Harvard University & GELF.
Improving Communication Skills, University of Pennsylvania.
Trainer Development Program - Govt of India.
Domestic Violence Counselor, Saheli & REACH, Boston, MA.
Diversity and Inclusion in Workplace, ESSEC, USA.

CONNECTING AND INSPIRING

I am a passionate writer, hiker, painter and cynophilist who blends creativity with a commitment to social impact. Outdoor exploration, mindfulness, and the aroma of coffee inspire my storytelling and fuel my drive to create meaningful change in the world.

About me

Blog

Art

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to social equity and justice. I believe systemic change and true transformation begins with truth, healing, and amplifying the voices of those most impacted.

Neha Gill

Executive Director, Apna Ghar Inc

Seema is a creative and talented leader with extensive cross-sectoral and cross-cultural experience. She is adept at handling complex situations and delivering results. Her leadership style is agile and innovative, but also consistent, which makes her uniquely suited to leading organizations, and projects of all sizes.

Raashi Bhatia

Founder, Bio Tree Integral, Consultant & Ph.D Candidate

I’ve worked with Seema on several projects and have always admired her clarity of thought and vision. She is strategic and at the same time detail-oriented. One of her biggest strengths is to invite diverse perspectives and build relationships with people from across industries and backgrounds. She brings in a wealth of knowledge and expertise backed by her impressive professional experience. I would love to work with her again and support any endeavor she pursues.

Phil Worcester

Chief Operating Officer, Up with People

Seema was the perfect leader to guide Up with People through the challenges of the pandemic. Drawing on her broad international experience, she refocused our efforts and set a clear path for growth. Seema has a pragmatic leadership style, building trust and engagement across the team and key stakeholders, uniting them around common goals. As COO, I witnessed firsthand her commitment to honoring the legacy, while regaining critical support for driving the organization forward.

Jishnu Baruah

Head UNDP SHRM PROJECT. IAS. Chairperson, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

I do not hesitate to say that Seema's leadership on the SHRM Project with the Government of India was exceptional. Her ability to design and execute a large-scale initiative that trained over 50,000 public officers was truly outstanding. She consistently demonstrated strategic foresight and unyielding persistence while navigating the complex maze of governmental structures. All this fostered collaboration and trust among stakeholders. Seema's deep understanding of data-driven performance management and her commitment to empowering local communities made her an invaluable asset not only to UNDP but also to the specific project itself. Her unwavering commitment to the project, unremitting hard work, and her amazing way with words stood out during that period. Her work has certainly left a lasting impact on the approach to the training of public officers sponsored by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.

Ashima Kaul

Founder & MD, Yakjah Reconciliation and Development Network

I have known Seema for over two decades, beginning with our collaboration at the Women for Peace training and later in her role as a resource person for Yakjah's residential workshops on healing and transformation in Jammu and Kashmir. Seema’s exceptional skills in program development, particularly in conflict transformation, peace-building and leadership, have been invaluable. Her ability to connect with both young people and educators has created a dynamic space for expression and growth. We couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and advisor. In her advisory role, Seema has not only guided our programs but also facilitated partnerships with key stakeholders in youth leadership and peace building. Her grit and energy has always brought a new momentum in the organization.

Robin Lokerman

Group President, MCI. Up with People Board of Directors

Seema Srivastava served as President & CEO of Up with People, and as a member of the Board of Directors, I worked closely with her and was impressed by how quickly she got to work and build a high performing team.
Seema has a global perspective and strong track record in Youth Development and Non Profit Management and was able to create a fully new touring program, “Voices”, within just a few months. With her team she flawlessly executed the first Voices tour through Latin America which was a great experience for the students and well received by the communities visited during the tour.
Her entrepreneurial spirit, growth mindset and ability to build strong teams can bring great opportunities to organizations looking to increase their impact.
Seema’s impact on Up with People will be felt for many years in the future.

I am excited to collaborate with organizations that share my vision for a more equitable world. I aim to leverage my expertise to create impactful programs, build strong coalitions, and inspire meaningful change in communities.

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