Rafia is a multi-lingual, multi-sector leader in philanthropy with a unique mix of private and public-sector experience ranging from venture capital and management consulting to strategic philanthropy and social investment. Over the past 15 years, Rafia has worked both with large corporations and private Foundations to help them deliver effective philanthropy that contributes to sustainable development. Rafia is currently working with clients ranging from private Foundations to development finance institutions such as the CDC Group on ensuring investments are catalytic and sustainable.  

Before taking on an independent advisory role, Rafia was the CEO of the Womanity Foundation where she led a process of strategic development leading to the creation of the organisation’s first long-term strategy and associated operational and governance structures. Whilst her professional life started off in the venture capital space, she has spent the majority of her career at J.P. Morgan where she oversaw JPMorgan Chase Foundation’s social investment in emerging markets and supported the Foundation’s broader development in Europe, Middle East and Africa.