Sushma Raman

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.