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K. Sujata

From EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki







K. Sujata
File:K SUJATA Robert Risko.jpgK SUJATA Robert Risko.jpg K SUJATA Robert Risko.jpg
Caricature of K Sujata by Robert Risko, 2016
BornIndia
🏳️ NationalityAmerican
🎓 Alma materSavitribai Phule Pune University (BE), Indian Institute of Science (ME), Northwestern University (Ph.D.); Illinois Institute of Technology (MBA);
💼 Occupation
Nonprofit executive; advocate; former materials science researcher
Known forExecutive Director Apna Ghar (1999-2003), President and CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women (2011–2019)
👩 Spouse(s)Laurence D. Marks
🌐 Websiteksujata.org

K. Sujata is an Indian-American nonprofit executive, consultant, and former materials science researcher. After spending fifteen years as a scientist, she changed career path to the nonprofit sector. She served as Executive Director of Apna Ghar, (an organization assisting survivors of domestic violence) from 1999 to 2003, President and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women from 2011 to 2019 and has played a leadership role in Illinois in women’s rights, gender equity, philanthropy, and community advocacy.

Early life and education

Sujata was born in India in the town of Bangalore.[1] Her family were academics, her father being the university administrator and english professor K Bhogishayana,[2][3] one of her uncles the poet A. K. Ramanujan[4] and her grandfather (on her mother's Vedavathi's, side) the mathematician Attipat Asuri Krishnaswami.[4][5] She attended St Joseph's high school in Solapur, and then did her BE in metallurgy at College of Engineering, Pune University in 1981 followed by a ME at Indian Institute of Science in 1983.[6]: Script error: The function "hyphen2dash" does not exist., Vita  Following this she moved to the United States,[7] completing a PhD in materials science at Northwestern University entitled The kinetics of cation redistribution in spinels in 1989.[6] She received an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1997.[8][9]

Scientific career

Before entering the nonprofit sector, Sujata conducted academic research in materials science, more specifically ceramics. During her PhD work she authored and co-authored publications on ferrospinels, manganese ferrites, high-temperature superconductors and related subjects.[10] Following her PhD she worked at the Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials (ACBM)[11] using environmental scanning electron microscopy to study the structure of cementitious materials.[12][13] She then moved into industry working at Lehigh Portland Cement Company (now part of Heidelberg Materials) exploring new materials, then at HuFriedy dental tools doing quality control.[14]

A list of Sujata’s scientific publications is available on ResearchGate.[10]

Not-for-profit career

in 1999 Sujata moved from science and industry to the not-for-profit world. In her own words this was a transformative experience:[15][16]

Growing up, my father told my sister and I we could be anything we wanted to be, and our parents made sure we had the tools we needed to make our dreams possible. With that foundation, I have always been a strong advocate for women and girls. I started my career as a scientist and engineer, but volunteering at Apna Ghar turned out to be a transformative experience for me. It led me to not only a new career in nonprofit, but a life dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. From volunteer to executive director of Apna Ghar, Director of Programs at the Eleanor Foundation, and now President/CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women (with a few other nonprofits in between), I know firsthand what can happen when women and girls are supported: a domestic violence survivor can change the course of her life; a middle schooler can become a leader in her community  just by being able to play sports; a young woman can be fresh out of college and become a philanthropist. The possibilities are limitless, and that is why I recommit to this work every single day.

Apna Ghar

After serving as a volunteer on the hotline, in the Child Visitation Center and as as a mentor and counselor almost since its inception in 1989,[17][15] in 1999 she became the Executive Director of Apna Ghar, an organization assisting survivors of domestic violence, particularly those from South Asia.[18] Over the period of her leadership the annual revenues nearly doubled.[19]

This was a complicated time, particularly with the death of Shahpara Sayeed who was doused with gasoline in Chicago and burned alive in a taxi on August 24, 2000.[20] For instance Sujata had spoken on domestic violence at a Pakistan Day event a few days before the murder, and was accused of being anti Islamic.[21]: Script error: The function "hyphen2dash" does not exist.  Both Sujata and the founders of Apna Ghar played a significant role in reaching out to religious community leaders,[18] and in helping other victims of domestic violence.[18][22][23] Apna Ghar was also a co-sponsor of the Unity March Against Violence which was held on September 18th, 2000, which was in memory of Shahpara Sayeed as well as four other women murdered in Chicago; Sujata was one of the speakers from a makeshift podium following the march.[21]: Script error: The function "hyphen2dash" does not exist. 

Transitioning from direct service to foundation

Over a number of years she transitioned from working for direct service organization to leadership roles in foundations. After Apna Ghar she worked at the Chicago Continuum of Care, now part of All Chicago,[8] and later was the Director of Programs at the Eleanor Foundation.[8]

Chicago Foundation for Women

In 2011, Sujata became President and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW),[24] a community foundation that focuses on creating opportunities and resources for women in the Chicago area.[25]

Under her leadership the foundation expanded grantmaking, launched new initiatives such as the 100% project, an all-in, all- out effort to end gender bias in the Chicago region by 2030,[26] and the "talk-it-out" program to bring gender bias out into the open.[27] They also integrated the programs and assets of both the Eleanor Foundation, and the Willy Taplin Barrow Fund.[28] The assessment and merger process of the Eleanor Foundation was part of a case study by SeaChange Capital Partners.[29] and reported in the New York Times.[30] During her tenure both the annual revenue and assets of the foundation nearly tripled.[31] For instance in July 2017 CFW received a US $1 million four year grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundation,[32] one of 10 organizations to receive this grant.[33] Her work on organizational leadership and strategy has been documented in case studies, including an analysis of the foundations strategic evolution.[34]

Her appointment and leadership were frequently covered in Chicago media.[35] She has given presentations as an expert on the topic of issues related to women and girls, for instance at the second Women's March in Chicago,[36] to high-school students,[37] discussions related to a #MeToo Play Festival[38] and at a Pakistan Day event.[21]: Script error: The function "hyphen2dash" does not exist. 

Consulting and interim work

After leaving the Chicago Foundation for Women, Sujata became a nonprofit consultant.[39] She has also served as interim Executive Director for not-for-profit organizations including Kartemquin Films, a four-time Oscar-nominated 501(c)3 non-profit production company;[40] Forefront Association, the membership association for Illinois’ nonprofit and grantmaker organizations, their advisors and allies,[41] and Impact for Equity (formerly known as Business and Professional People for the Public Interest), an independent public interest law and policy center.[42]

Advocacy and public service

Sujata served on the City of Chicago’s Working Families Task Force, contributing to recommendations on paid leave and workplace scheduling.[43][44]

She has served on the board of a number of not-for-profit organizations including the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union,[45] and as Chair of the boards of the Women's Funding Network and the Asset Funders Network.[46][47]

Personal life

She is married to the emeritus professor Laurence D. Marks.[1]

Awards and recognition

  • She has been featured in multiple editions of Crain’s Chicago Business “Who’s Who,” including the 2013 and 2015 listings.[46][7]
  • In 2015 she presented the SSA Social Justice Lecture at the University of Chicago.[50]
  • She has been profiled for her mentorship of women in Chicago’s civic and philanthropic sectors.[51]
  • Her philanthropic accomplishments were highlighted by The Chicago Network in 2018.[52]
  • In 2018 a depiction of her by Robert Risko appeared on the cover of the Evanston Magazine together with an article on her inside.[53]
  • 2018 Pro-Choice leadership award from Personal PAC.[54]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dizik, Alina (2013-08-21). "Hot or Not? Why Our Inner Thermostats Differ". Wall Street Journal. New York. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on 2023-08-20. Retrieved 2025-12-12. Unknown parameter |url-status= ignored (help)
  2. ↑ Education Ascetic: Principal K Bhogishayana Special Edition, Collection of Essays. Solapur, India: Kolapur Printing Press. 2002. Search this book on
  3. ↑ "Bhogishayana, literary luminary". Sakal. 195. Sakal Media Group. 2003-07-15.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Guide to the A.K. Ramanujan Papers 1944-1995". www.lib.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  5. ↑ "Historical work of A. A. K. Ayyangar". www.ms.uky.edu. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sujata, K (1989). Kinetics of cation distribution in ferrospinels. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University. Search this book on
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Who's who in Chicago Business" (PDF). Crain’s Chicago Business. 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "K. Sujata". Women's Media Center. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  9. ↑ "Alumni news" (PDF). Illinois Institute of Technology Magazine: 25. Fall 2012.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "K. Sujata — Scientific Contributions". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
  11. ↑ "News | ACBM". acbm.northwestern.edu. Archived from the original on 2002-08-02. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  12. ↑ Lange, D. A.; Sujata, K.; Jennings, H. M. (1991-08-01). "Observations of wet cement using electron microscopy". Ultramicroscopy. 37 (1): 234–238. doi:10.1016/0304-3991(91)90021-W. ISSN 0304-3991.
  13. ↑ Jennings, Hamlin M.; Sujata, K. (1991-12-01). "New Experimental Techniques for Characterizing Cement-Based Materials". MRS Online Proceedings Library. 245 (1): 243–252. doi:10.1557/PROC-245-243. ISSN 1946-4274.
  14. ↑ Girls, Career (2022-10-10). President & CEO: My Career Path - K. Sujata Career Girls Role Model. Retrieved 2025-12-12 – via Vimeo.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Thirdwave (2016-08-24). "K. Sujata". CFW Annual Report. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  16. ↑ Girls, Career (2022-10-10). President & CEO: Apna Ghar Success Story - K. Sujata Career Girls Role Model. Retrieved 2025-12-12 – via Vimeo.
  17. ↑ "Apna Ghar - Personnel". www.apnaghar.org. Archived from the original on 2002-06-05. Retrieved 2025-12-14.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Jaggi, Tonushree. "Apna Ghar: Domestic Violence and Reaching Out to Chicago's Faith Communities (2001) | Pluralism Project Archive". pluralismarchive.hsites.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  19. ↑ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Alec Glassford, Ash Ngu, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Apna Ghar Inc Our Home - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  20. ↑ "Cabdriver accused of killing his wife dies in hospital". Chicago Tribune. 2001-07-05. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Rihana, Azam (2003). Murder of a Pakistani Muslim immigrant woman in Chicago: A defining moment (MS thesis). New York: Sarah Lawrence College. ISBN 978-0-496-18364-7. ProQuest 250172819.
  22. ↑ Ahmed-Ullah, Noreen; Puente, Teresa (2001-06-03). "Women lift the veil on abuse". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  23. ↑ Pais, Arthur J. "Chicago's Apna Ghar celebrates 20 years of service". Rediff. Retrieved 2025-12-20.
  24. ↑ "McCormick School of Engineering Newsletter — Spring 2011" (PDF). Northwestern University. 2011.
  25. ↑ "Chicago Foundation for Women". Illinois Department of Human Services. 2019-04-01. Archived from the original on 2015-09-10.
  26. ↑ "Chicago Foundation for Women Report Highlights Gender Equity and…". Driehaus Foundation. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  27. ↑ Miller, Maya. "Talking Out Gender Equity, Biases Across Chicago". WTTW News. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  28. ↑ "Chicago Foundation for Women announces Black Women's Leadership Fund in Honor of the Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow". 2017-10-19. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  29. ↑ Haider, Donald; Cooper, Katherine; Maktoufi, Reyhaneh (2016). "SeaChange Capital Partners: Eleanor Foundation Merger Report" (PDF). SeaChange Capital Partners.
  30. ↑ Sullivan, Paul (2016-11-04). "When Should Charities Throw In Together? (Published 2016)". Archived from the original on 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  31. ↑ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Alec Glassford, Ash Ngu, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  32. ↑ "Chicago Foundation for Women Awarded $1 Million MacArthur Foundation Grant - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive". Windy City Times. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 2019-03-21.
  33. ↑ Hawkins, Karen (2017-07-24). "Chicago Foundation for Women Receives $1 Million MacArthur Foundation Grant". Rebellious Magazine. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  34. ↑ "Chicago Foundation for Women — Case Study". Mission & Strategy Consultants.
  35. ↑ "Women's Advocate K. Sujata Named Head of Foundation for Women". Crain’s Chicago Business. 2010-10-28.
  36. ↑ Schulte, Sarah (2018-01-16). "Saturday's Women's March Chicago seeks to energize women in politics". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  37. ↑ "'Beat Out The Boys,' All-Star Chicago Women Tell Girls at West Ridge School". DNAinfo Chicago. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  38. ↑ Meadows, Jonah (2018-05-17). "Evanston Theater Company Hosts #MeToo Play Festival". Evanston, IL Patch. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  39. ↑ Sujata, K. "Developing innovative strategies and achieving growth". www.ksujata.org. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  40. ↑ Magazine, Screen (2021-09-28). "Kartemquin Films to Host Third Annual Empowering Truth Benefit". Screen Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
  41. ↑ "Forefront's Interim Executive Director Announced". Forefront. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
  42. ↑ Márquez, Rosanna (2025). "An Update from our Executive Director and Board President" (PDF).
  43. ↑ Working Families Task Force Final Report (PDF) (Report). City of Chicago. April 2016.
  44. ↑ "City Clerk Announces Chicago's New Deal for All Women and Girls | Office of the City Clerk". www.chicityclerk.com. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  45. ↑ "Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU 2006 Annul Report" (PDF). www.aclu-il.org/en. 2006.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 "Crain's Who's Who 2013 – K. Sujata". Crain’s Chicago Business. 2013.
  47. ↑ "K. Sujata, Principal". Kittleman Nonprofit CEO Search & Executive Recruiting. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  48. ↑ "FeTNA 2014 Awards". Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America. 2014.
  49. ↑ "McCormick School of Engineering Newsletter — Fall 2014" (PDF). Northwestern University. 2014.
  50. ↑ "SSA Social Justice Address with K. Sujata | IHouse". ihouse.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  51. ↑ Bertagnoli, Lisa (2017-10-27). "Meet the Chicagoans Mentoring Women". Crain’s Chicago Business.
  52. ↑ "Latest News from The Chicago Network (2018)". The Chicago Network. 2018.
  53. ↑ "Evanston's K. Sujata leads the charge to make substantive changes for local underprivileged women and girls". Evanston Magazine: 44. April 2018.
  54. ↑ Times, Carrie Maxwell, Windy City (2018-10-22). "Former Mich. governor keynotes milestone Personal PAC event". Windy City Times. Retrieved 2026-01-05.

External links

Category:People from Chicago Category:Northwestern University alumni Category:American women nonprofit executives


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