Amirah (they/them) is G4GC’s director of grantmaking, where they work with the team to co-construct G4GC’s grantmaking infrastructure and strategy. In this role, they also manage the Holding A Sister Initiative fund. Amirah brings a deep commitment to community-focused grantmaking, aiming to strengthen the internal relationships among nonprofits and external relationships with established philanthropic institutions.
Prior to G4GC, Amirah served as a Program Director at Pillars Fund, where they oversaw relationships with grantee-partners and led the outreach and coordination of Pillars’ annual grant cycle. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amirah led the creation of Pillars’ Muslim Artist and Activist Relief Fund, a 2020 rapid response fund that distributed over $40,000 to 82 artists and activists who had lost income from nationwide shutdowns. Over the course of their time at Pillars, Amirah managed a growing portfolio of over 30 nonprofit organizations and facilitated the investment of more than $6 million in Muslim leaders, community based organizations, and creatives who continue to reimagine and transform society.
Amirah was able to begin their career in philanthropy as a scholar and fellow with the BOLD Women’s Leadership network, an intergenerational initiative focused on developing courageous leadership among young women. Their previous experience includes training and coordinating volunteers at transitional housing organizations, teaching high school students basic coding in the Bronx, and utilizing design thinking as a brand consultant for private and nonprofit organizations.
Amirah was raised in the foothills of Appalachia, is a graduate of Middlebury College, and currently lives and paints on the traditional territory of the Peoria, Bodwewadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) people (Chicago, IL).