OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

NYU Wagner students, Shagun Suryam, Tavana Farzaneh and Ryan Arreco at the Yale Philanthropy Conference.

Still from a workshop on Participatory Grant-making

Still from a panel on Next Generation Giving

Name: Shagun Suryam

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-International Development Policy and Management

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Yale School of Management

Conference/Competition Name: Yale Philanthropy Conference

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2024-02-16 Conference End Date: 2024-02-16

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
My key takeaways from this conference are the pressing contemporary issues faced by philanthropy, particularly those involving inequity and social justice. There is an urgency to not just address the symptoms of inequity, but tackle its root causes such as discrimination and lack of access to resources.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
The conference provided a significant amount of thought provoking material which raises questions for systemic transformation by young development professionals, such as myself. Additionally, it also provided the perfect opportunity to meet and network with peers in the field as well as industry leaders.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
My biggest action item after this conference is to expand my own conversations with professionals within philanthropy to include discourse about democratizing the space as well as making it more inclusive.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Speak to as many people as you can! It is rare to be afforded an opportunity where you can speak to pioneers pushing for greater equity in social justice spaces. Take every chance you can get to broaden your horizons through discourse.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Finance, International Development, Leadership, Nonprofits