Executive Director
Leading SUS operations with expertise, innovation, and commitment to sustainable community development.
Dr. Fatima Begum
Executive Director, Satkhira Unnayan Sangstha (SUS)
A distinguished development professional with a PhD in Development Studies and over 15 years of experience in rural development and community empowerment.
Professional Biography
Dr. Fatima Begum is a highly accomplished development professional who joined Satkhira Unnayan Sangstha (SUS) in 2010 and has been serving as Executive Director since 2015. Her academic background and extensive field experience make her uniquely qualified to lead SUS's comprehensive development programs.
Dr. Begum holds a PhD in Development Studies from Dhaka University, where her research focused on "Participatory Rural Development: A Case Study of Satkhira District." Her doctoral work provided deep insights into the challenges and opportunities of community-led development in coastal regions.
Before joining SUS, Dr. Begum worked with several international development organizations, including CARE Bangladesh and BRAC, where she gained valuable experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Her expertise spans across education, healthcare, livelihood development, and environmental sustainability.
Under her leadership, SUS has expanded its programs to reach over 200 villages, increased its annual budget by 300%, and established partnerships with 25+ national and international organizations. She has been instrumental in introducing innovative approaches such as digital literacy programs, climate-resilient agriculture, and community-based disaster preparedness.
Leadership Approach & Philosophy
Participatory Leadership
"I believe in creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Success comes from collective effort and shared vision."
Results-Oriented Management
"We measure our success not just by outputs, but by the lasting impact we create in communities. Every program must demonstrate measurable positive change."
Innovation & Adaptation
"In the rapidly changing development landscape, we must continuously innovate and adapt our approaches to remain effective and relevant."
Key Achievements as Executive Director
Program Expansion
Expanded SUS programs from 50 to 200+ villages, increasing beneficiary reach by 400%.
Partnership Development
Established strategic partnerships with 25+ national and international organizations.
Resource Mobilization
Increased annual program budget from $500K to $2M through effective fundraising.
Recognition & Awards
Received "Excellence in NGO Leadership" award from Social Development Foundation.
Strategic Vision for SUS
Digital Transformation
Leading SUS towards complete digital transformation, including digital literacy programs, e-governance, and technology-enabled service delivery.
Climate Resilience
Developing comprehensive climate adaptation strategies and promoting sustainable practices to build resilient communities.
Regional Expansion
Expanding SUS's reach beyond Satkhira to other districts in the Khulna division, sharing our successful models.
Knowledge Hub
Establishing SUS as a regional knowledge hub for community development, offering training and capacity building to other NGOs.
Work With Our Leadership
Under Dr. Begum's leadership, SUS continues to innovate and expand its impact in community development.