Wafa Saeed
Denver,CO
Summary
Accomplished nonprofit leader and Program Manager with 10+ years of experience overseeing complex grant portfolios, developing and implementing high-impact programs, and building collaborative partnerships across diverse communities. Expert in strategic planning, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and multi-year grant management. Recognized for advancing equity, fostering innovation, and delivering measurable outcomes in the philanthropic sector.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Senior Special Projects & Programs Manager
The Colorado Trust
04.2022 - Current
- Experienced nonprofit and philanthropy executive with a proven record of leading strategic initiatives, including Eight28: Celebrating Black Philanthropy, and managing multimillion-dollar grant portfolios. Skilled in driving equity-focused programs, building cross-sector partnerships, and strengthening organizational capacity to achieve statewide impact.
- Led and managed a strategic grantmaking portfolio advancing behavioral health, nonprofit capacity building, and equity-focused initiatives across Colorado. Spearheaded and coordinated Eight28: Celebrating Black Philanthropy and other statewide initiatives, strengthening connections between nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropy institutions.
- Oversaw program development, grant review, budgeting, and project management for 40+ grantee partners, while designing capacity-building opportunities for 80+ organizations through technical assistance, education, and resource support.
Capacity Building & Events Manager
The Colorado Trust
04.2019 - 04.2022
- Managed a multi-year grant portfolio to strengthen policy and community organizing organizations statewide.
- Developed capacity-building programs, provided technical assistance, and managed compliance and reporting for 20+ grantee partners.
- Coordinated consultant contracts and evaluated alignment with organizational values and grantee needs.
- Built and maintained a robust database of trainers, coaches, and support resources.
- Led logistics for statewide events, training, and convenings.
Immigrant & Refugee Program Consultant
Denver Human Services - The City and County of Denver
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Coordinated and facilitated weekly citizenship, legal support, and youth development programs for immigrant and refugee families.
- Served as citywide liaison for immigrant and refugee issues, navigating multilingual and multigenerational spaces.
- Maintained expertise in local, state, and federal policies impacting target communities.
Executive Director & CEO
Sudanese American Public Affairs Association (SAPAA)
01.2016 - 10.2019
- Developed and managed core programs and annual events, supporting youth, family, health, and career development.
- Led strategic planning, financial management, and advocacy campaigns, building partnerships with 35 affiliates nationwide.
- Supervised staff, oversaw branding and marketing, and served as primary spokesperson.
Education
B.S. - Biochemistry & Psychology
University of Colorado, Denver
Project Management Professional (PMP) - undefined
Project Management Institute
01.2024
Skills
- Project & Grant Management
- Strategic planning using data analysis
- Collaborative engagement strategies
- Facilitation of inclusive learning experiences
- Strategic Planning & Board Engagement
- Budget & Financial Oversight
- Fluent in English and Arabic
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Management of major events
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Complex Problem-solving
- Staff management
- Task delegation
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Leading Eight28: Celebrating Black Philanthropy, bringing together community organizations, donors, and leaders to highlight and resource Black-led nonprofits in Colorado.
- Managing complex projects and convenings that connected nonprofit, business, and philanthropic partners around shared goals.
- Building sustainable partnerships across African, African American, and immigrant/refugee communities, ensuring representation in philanthropic and civic spaces.
- Designing and facilitating leadership development and fundraising capacity-building sessions for nonprofits.
Certification
- Nonprofit Lifecycles Consultant License - May 2023
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), 2022 CU Leeds Business School
Languages
Arabic
Full Professional
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Special Projects & Programs Manager
The Colorado Trust
04.2022 - Current
Immigrant & Refugee Program Consultant
Denver Human Services - The City and County of Denver
10.2019 - 10.2021
Capacity Building & Events Manager
The Colorado Trust
04.2019 - 04.2022
Executive Director & CEO
Sudanese American Public Affairs Association (SAPAA)
01.2016 - 10.2019
Project Management Professional (PMP) - undefined
Project Management Institute
B.S. - Biochemistry & Psychology
University of Colorado, Denver
PRESENTATIONS & LEADERSHIP
- Keynote Speaker: Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, Human Rights Summit
Awards
Richard Lewis Rising Star Award
Excellence in Mentoring Award
Webb Excellence Award