EXECUTIVE PROFILE

• Strategic development executive with 37+ years of professional leadership in sustainable development, institutional transformation, financial inclusion, health and nutrition, social innovation, and specially Advancement of Women and Children.
• Executive Director, Shishu Niloy Foundation (SNF), providing visionary leadership that has transformed the organization from a grassroots initiative into one of Bangladesh’s most respected, transparent, professionally managed, and nationally recognized development organizations. By virtue of her position, she also serves as the Secretary of the Foundation’s Committee, ensuring effective institutional governance and strategic oversight.
• Recipient of the prestigious “Begum Rokeya Padak 2022”, conferred by the Government of Bangladesh in recognition of outstanding contributions to rural development.
• Respected strategic leader and policy influencer, providing governance and leadership across major national development platforms, including PKSF, ADAB, FNB and CAMPE, while driving sustainable institutional growth and national development impact.

CORE INSTITUTIONAL EXPERTISE 

• NGO Governance & Strategic Leadership
• Institutional Development & Capacity Building
• Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality
• Child Rights & Early Childhood Development
• Community-Based Education
• Health & Nutrition
• Financial Inclusion & Digitalization
• Entrepreneurship Development
• Agriculture & Value Chain Development
• Donor Relations & Resource Mobilization
• Partnership Building & Innovation

Professional Experience

Shishu Niloy Foundation (SNF) | 1989–Present

• Executive Leader: Has led Shishu Niloy Foundation since 1989, serving the organization’s first three years in a voluntary capacity and providing steadfast leadership during its formative years.
• Institutional Architect: Secured SNF’s first international development partnership with MISEREOR-Germany, in 1991, establishing a strong foundation for long-term institutional growth and sustainability.
• Professional Leadership: 37 years, has guided SNF’s strategic transformation into a trusted and nationally recognized development organization with robust governance, accountability, and institutional excellence.
• Driving Sustainable Development: Spearheaded the design and expansion of integrated programmes in education, health & nutrition, Advancement of Women and Children & gender equality, human rights, good governance, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience & environmental sustainability, livelihoods & entrepreneurship development, employment generation.
• Lasting Social Impact: Continues to champion inclusive, community-driven development initiatives that have positively transformed the lives of thousands of disadvantaged families across Bangladesh.

EDUCATION & ACADEMIC GROUNDING

Academic Qualifications

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Social Work held on 1989 from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work in social work held on 1986 from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.

Extended Study:

• Diploma in Primary Education Management Specialists, provided by the British Government as a part of teaching co-operation training arrangement. King’s Alfred Collage, Winchester, UK in 1996. Certificate on professional practice, examining professional practice, evaluating professional practice (final integration study) and managing the school.
• Diploma in Community Based Development from, Coady International Institute at Antigonish, Canada in 1999, extension department of St. Francis Xavier University

Professional Training & Fellowships:

RECOGNITIONS & STATE AWARDS

National Recognition & Distinguished Awards

• Begum Rokeya Padak 2022: Recipient of the Begum Rokeya Padak 2022 — the Government of Bangladesh’s highest state recognition for outstanding contributions to Rural Development.
• Divisional Joyita Award: Divisional Joyita Award for making outstanding contributions to social development.
• District & Upazila Best Joyita Awards: Best Joyita Awards for making outstanding contributions to social development from Jhenaidah District, Jashore District, and Kotchandpur Upazila of Jhenaidah District in 2020.
• Gender Equality Excellence Award: Honoured by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on International Women’s Day in recognition of SNF’s outstanding institutional leadership and commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Institutional Recognition & Distinguished Honors

• • Academic Excellence in Education:

Recognized for visionary leadership in establishing Shishu Niloy Ideal School as a centre of academic excellence, achieving consecutive outstanding performances in the Primary Scholarship Examination:

• 2024: 12 Scholarship recipients
• 2025: 5 Scholarship recipients, including 4 Talent Pool awards

• Gender Equality Institutional Plaque (2017):

Honoured by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on International Women’s Day for leadership in gender equality.

• Golden Jubilee Recognition Shield (2022):

Awarded by Caritas Bangladesh during its 50 Years of Service National Closing Ceremony for collaborative development efforts.

• Souvenir of Success (2022 & 2023):

awarded two Souvenirs of Success for support of fisheries expansion activities on the occasion of National Fish Week from Upazila Parishad of Chowgacha Upazila in 2022 and from Zila Parishad of Jashore District in 2023.

• Greetings Souvenirs:

Awarded two Greetings Souvenirs in recognition of declaring Sadar Upazila of Magura free from beggars and child marriages, and Shalikha Upazila free from child marriages.

Official Letters of Appreciation

• Official Commendation from PKSF (2023):

Received an official commendation from Dr. Nomita Halder, ndc, Managing Director of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), in recognition of her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to national development.

• PKSF Special Certificate of Honor:

Honoured by the Executive Board of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) for her exceptional leadership and inspiring contribution to strengthening a resilient and inclusive national economy through sustainable development initiatives.

Professional Leadership & National Engagement

As a respected development leader, Nasima Begum has made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development sector through her active participation in the governance and strategic leadership of several nationally recognized organizations, networks, and institutions.

National-Level Leadership & Governance

• General Body Member – Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF)
• General Body Member – Palli Mongal Karmosuchi (PMK)
• General Body Member – National Development Programme (NDP)

Executive Leadership Roles (Former)

• Executive Body Member – Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (Central Bureau, Dhaka)
• Executive Body Member – Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (Jashore Chapter)
• Executive Body Member – Federation of NGOs in Bangladesh
• Executive Body Member – Campaign for Popular Education
• Executive Body Member – Jagorani Chakra Foundation

Academic Affiliation

• Life Member – Jashore Institute

Her leadership across these prestigious national platforms reflects a long-standing commitment to strengthening civil society, influencing development policy, fostering institutional collaboration, and advancing sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Leadership Philosophy

“Sustainable development is achieved when communities become active partners in creating their own future.”

Her leadership is grounded in participation, integrity, accountability, innovation, gender equality, and long-term institutional sustainability, ensuring that development initiatives create lasting social impact.

Vision 2030

Under her leadership, SNF is implementing an ambitious Vision 2030 focused on:

• Modernizing quality education through digital transformation.
• Expanding community-based healthcare and diagnostic services.
• Strengthening sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic development.
• Building resilient institutions capable of delivering long-term social impact.
• Positioning SNF as a nationally recognized model for sustainable development.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

• Distinguished Family Heritage: Born into a family renowned for its commitment to public service, patriotism, and intellectual excellence.
• Paternal Legacy: Daughter of the Late Dr. Ahsanul Karim Khan, an eminent physician and devoted Liberation War activist who served with distinction as Thana Health Officer, Shailkupa, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer, Kotchandpur, and Head of the Blood Bank Section, Jashore Sadar Hospital.
• Maternal Legacy: Daughter of the Late Mazida Begum, a respected literary archivist and dedicated community coordinator who inspired a lifelong appreciation for culture, education, and social responsibility.
• Leadership Foundation: Raised in an environment that valued patriotism, integrity, compassion, and lifelong learning, Nasima Begum developed the ethical principles and people-centered leadership approach that continue to guide her professional journey.