Sheetal Puri

Senior Director, Digital Fundraising | Wikimedia Foundation

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About

I’m a queer woman of colour, a parent, and a leader with 18 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, and organizational strategy. These identities shape how I show up: with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to equity and impact. I currently lead digital fundraising at the Wikimedia Foundation, overseeing campaigns in 30+ countries and raising over $150 million annually to support free knowledge for everyone, everywhere. I thrive in entrepreneurial, mission-driven environments where I’m given a clear mandate and the freedom to figure out how to get it done. My superpower is emotional intelligence. I lead with empathy, compassion, and clarity, building high-trust, high-impact teams that feel safe to take risks, support one another, and deliver. My door is always open, and I’m deeply invested in the growth of the people I manage. I offer quick, constructive feedback and believe that good leadership removes barriers so my team can thrive. I believe in efficiency, not late hours and hustle. With thoughtful planning, focus, and clear direction, teams can achieve exceptional results and log off to enjoy their evening. I encourage my team to prioritize what matters and work in a way that is sustainable and values-driven. I move easily between analytical and relational work—one day deep in a spreadsheet forecasting revenue, the next collaborating with donors, partners, or agencies. I’m as comfortable writing quietly behind the scenes as I am speaking on stage. My career has been rooted in nonprofit fundraising. I’m committed to the sector and equally clear-eyed about its flaws. Traditional philanthropy often reinforces colonial power dynamics. As an anti-racist leader, I champion community-centric fundraising that centers equity and shifts power back to the people and communities we serve. And yes, we can still raise serious money this way.

Experience

  • Senior Director, Digital Fundraising at Wikimedia Foundation
    Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

  • Assistant Private Sector Partnerships Officer at UNHCR
    Jun 2017 - Nov 2022 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    As Assistant Private Sector Partnerships Officer, I am responsible for developing and executing the strategy to raise $23M of revenue from individuals and companies through direct marketing and community partnerships. This includes developing campaigns that generate both monthly and one-time donations through channels such as direct mail, telemarketing, digital and DRTV. My team has consciously moved away from negative stereotyping and poverty porn techniques in our marketing, instead focusing on ways to bring the voice and perspective of the people we serve to the forefront of our fundraising communications. In five years, I have tripled income from my program while simultaneously reducing cost to income ratio. I am responsible for a multi-million dollar budget and a team of 10 staff.

  • Director, Online Marketing and Communications at University of Toronto
    Apr 2014 - Jun 2017 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement Communications, I lead all digital efforts connected to the University of Toronto's $2 Billion Boundless fundraising campaign. I had 6 direct reports, managed multiple agencies and was responsible for the maintenance and evolution of 6 websites, an extensive email marketing program and social media. I also served as managing editor on a number of our digital communications. I provided consultation and support for all departments and faculties at the University. Key skills include budget management, strategic planning, human resource management, digital marketing, brand management, publication management, social media marketing and stakeholder engagement.

  • Operations Manager and Fundraising Consultant at hjc
    Jun 2008 - Apr 2014 · 5 yrs 11 mos

    Reporting to the CEO, I was the most senior integrated direct-marketing consultant at hjc, a global fundraising agency, with management responsibility for 13 staff and oversight of 30 global nonprofit clients. I worked on business development, sales and operations including developing new products and service offerrings for our clients. I consulted for many clients over several years and launched symbolic giving catalogs, peer to peer giving programs, monthly donor acquisition programs and crowdfunding campaigns. I led engagements with leading non-profit brands such as Greenpeace, the American Heart Association, the New York Public Library and the Canadian Cancer Society. I spoke globally at conferences on topics such as branding and integrated marketing. Key skills included direct marketing, digital marketing, human resource management, strategy development, budget planning, business development and product development.