My name is Rizwana, and I am deeply honored to serve as the Executive Director at The SOL Foundation. In this role, I am responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic vision, overseeing program development and implementation, and nurturing meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders. But beyond the responsibilities listed in my job description, my greatest commitment is to advancing the foundation’s mission—to create sustainable, inclusive, and empowering solutions for communities often left behind.
My path to leadership was inspired not by ambition alone, but by a deep, personal passion for social justice and community empowerment. Growing up, I was acutely aware of the structural inequities that shaped people’s lives—barriers to education, limited access to mental health care, and systemic gaps in opportunity. These early observations didn’t fade with time; they became fuel. They ignited a sense of responsibility in me, leading me toward a life of service and nonprofit leadership.
My journey began with volunteering—at local schools, public libraries, hospitals, mental health institutions, and community outreach programs. These experiences offered more than insight into community needs—they taught me how to lead with empathy, listen with intent, and act with humility. They also revealed the vital importance of grassroots engagement, where change is driven not for communities, but with them.
One of the most defining moments of my early career came in my twenties, when I led a small team in launching a community center in an underserved neighborhood. The goal was ambitious: to build a space that offered education, healthcare referrals, social services, and empowerment programs under one roof. What we didn’t have in abundance were funds, institutional support, or even widespread understanding of the center’s potential.
We encountered resistance on every front—from local bureaucracies to skeptical residents unfamiliar with our vision. But through persistent outreach, transparent dialogue, and relentless commitment, we gradually gained community trust. We listened. We adapted. We partnered with those who believed in the mission, and we never stopped advocating. When we finally opened the center’s doors, it became a vibrant, vital hub—offering after-school tutoring, workshops, wellness sessions, and a safe space for dialogue and connection.
That experience reinforced a powerful truth: leadership is not about commanding outcomes—it’s about cultivating trust, embracing resilience, and creating space for others to lead alongside you. It taught me that the most transformative leaders are not always the loudest in the room, but those most attuned to the needs and hopes of the people they serve.
I 2025, I define leadership as the ability to inspire, empower, and mobilize—not just individuals, but entire communities. Today’s leaders must navigate a world shaped by complexity and interconnection, where challenges such as inequality, mental health, and access to opportunity are more urgent than ever. It is no longer enough to lead with authority; we must lead with compassion, curiosity, and adaptability.
My own leadership philosophy is rooted in five core values:
- Empathy – honoring the lived experiences of others and responding with understanding.
- Inclusivity – fostering environments where every voice matters and diversity is truly embraced.
- Integrity – remaining accountable, transparent, and committed to ethical action.
- Resilience – viewing setbacks not as failures, but as stepping stones to growth.
- Community – grounding every initiative in the real, evolving needs of the people we serve.
As a woman of color raised in a multicultural environment, I bring a unique lens to leadership—one that recognizes the richness of diverse perspectives and the imperative of equity in every decision we make. At The SOL Foundation, we work tirelessly to ensure that our work reflects these values—not only in programming, but in our organizational culture and community relationships.
Mentorship has also been a cornerstone of my leadership journey. I would not be where I am today without the guidance, support, and encouragement of mentors who believed in me. That’s why I am committed to paying it forward—offering emerging leaders the same support through:
- One-on-one mentorship and coaching
- Leadership development programs
- Hands-on internships and volunteer pathways
- Opportunities for networking and connection with sector leaders
Because leadership is not a destination—it’s a continuum of growth, learning, and shared progress.
Creating a truly inclusive culture is not just a priority—it is a responsibility. At The SOL Foundation, we don’t treat diversity as a checkbox, but as a foundation for every decision we make. I work daily to cultivate environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their background.
Here’s how I approach inclusive leadership:
- Leading by example – making personal commitments to diversity and modeling inclusive behaviors.
- Fostering open communication – inviting feedback and addressing concerns with honesty and care.
- Implementing equitable policies – ensuring that fairness and justice guide our hiring, partnerships, and program structures.
- Providing DEI training and education – helping our team continuously grow their cultural competencies.
- Empowering diverse voices – uplifting underrepresented leaders and ensuring everyone has a seat—and a say—at the table.
One of the most profound leadership lessons I’ve learned is the power of humility and vulnerability. It’s easy to assume that leaders must always have the answers. But I’ve come to understand that real strength lies in acknowledging what we don’t know, asking for help, and learning alongside others. That’s how trust is built. That’s how growth happens.
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: Trust yourself. Believe in your instincts, take risks, and never underestimate your own power to create change. When I was just starting out, I often looked to others for validation. I wish I had realized sooner that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it.
