Surina Khan

As a lesbian and the daughter of Pakistani-Muslim immigrants, Surina Khan understands the intricate link between personal identity and social progress. “Bringing my full self to work every day,” she tells GO, “allows me to understand the complexities of different people’s experiences so that we can collectively work together.” She is currently the CEO of the Women’s Foundation of California, a philanthropic group that offers financial support and training to community-based organizations that build the power of cisgender and transgender women and girls. The foundation’s brand of philanthropy and activism matches well with Khan’s ethos. She has over 20 years of experience in social justice philanthropy, working with such nonprofits as Outright Action International and the Ford Foundation. She serves on the boards of numerous charities that promote social, economic, and reproductive justice for women and LGBTQ individuals. The most rewarding aspect of her work? The people she advocates for. “Being able to support community-based leaders working to advance gender, racial, and economic justice is an enormous privilege for which I am grateful every day.” —RK