Harleen Singh (she/her) joined the Sikh Coalition in August 2023 as the Development Director, a position that allows her to manage, sustain and expand the organization’s annual budget of over $2.5 million. With a focus on driving fundraising strategy and strengthening development infrastructures, Harleen is dedicated to forging deep connections with and for the community while exploring innovative fundraising practices and streams.
Before joining the Sikh Coalition, Harleen took on the position of Director of Philanthropic Initiatives at Peer Health Exchange’s Youth Innovation Lab. For twenty years, PHE’s mission has been to build healthier communities with young people. She demonstrated her fundraising dedication by effectively managing a mixed portfolio of major donors, institutions, corporations, and foundations in partnership with senior leadership. Despite the challenges posed by the economic downturn, Harleen’s determination and partnership with leadership led to the successful raising of over $1.3 million in just 9 months.
Harleen’s journey towards a purpose-driven career began while working as a property management accountant for nearly a decade. During that time, she actively volunteered for a global nonprofit called Surge for Water, where she discovered her passion for being of service (seva), a principle deeply ingrained in her Sikh cultural upbringing. She recognized she came alive while working in development, so she embarked on a mission-driven path that led her to join the Shriver Center as a development intern in 2015. Over the course of nearly eight years, Harleen ascended to become their Senior Corporate Relations & Events Officer. In that role, she excelled at identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporations and law firms to support the organization’s fundraising goals. There she gained firsthand experience in understanding the complexities of racial disparities and the intersectionality of racial justice with other systemic oppressions. Additionally, she oversaw the successful execution of all Development-related events including their annual gala; in four years, there was a 100% increase in revenues jumping from $330K to nearly $1M.
An alumna of DePaul University, where she earned her B.A. in Finance, Harleen also holds an MBA in Finance from North Central College. When she’s not busy being of service (a true Virgo!), she is exploring her new city Austin, TX. However, she still carves out time to be back in Chicago to spend quality time with her adorable niece and nephew as well as to nurture her well-being through various mindfulness practices.