Sana Masroor
Associate Director-Strategic Partnerships and Communications Language and Learning Foundation, New Delhi, India
Q1. Tell us about Sana Masroor?
Sana Masroor is a dynamic development sector professional, currently heading Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), New Delhi. With over 16 years of experience across India and the UAE, she has worked with leading organizations such as Child Rights and You, CARE India, Serendipity Arts Foundation, Dastkar, and The Lawrence School, Sanawar. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Hindu College, Delhi University, and completed her masters from the Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia. At LLF, Sana plays a pivotal role in advancing its mission to transform foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in India. LLF is a pioneering organization working at scale with state governments to strengthen systems for improving foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes of children studying in
government primary schools in India. Its mission is to reach 35 million children in India by 2027 and support the government’s mission to ensure that all children learn. Known for her creativity, enterprise, and unwavering determination, Sana has been instrumental in driving impactful partnerships and strategic engagements. Speaking about her journey as a leader, she says "I owe a great deal to my mentor Dr. Dhir Jhingran, Founder and Executive Director, Language and Learning Foundation and a Former Senior Civil Servant with the Government of India. His guidance has been instrumental in my leadership journey and is the greatest source of inspiration and encouragement to me. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to work with a reservoir of knowledge and an impeccable leader like him”.
Sana Masroor
Associate Director-Strategic Partnerships and Communications Language and Learning Foundation, New Delhi, India
Q1. Tell us about Sana Masroor?
Sana Masroor is a dynamic development sector professional, currently heading Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), New Delhi. With over 16 years of experience across India and the UAE, she has worked with leading organizations such as Child Rights and You, CARE India, Serendipity Arts Foundation, Dastkar, and The Lawrence School, Sanawar.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Hindu College, Delhi University, and completed her masters from the Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia. At LLF, Sana plays a pivotal role in advancing its mission to transform foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in India. LLF is a pioneering organization working at scale with state governments to strengthen systems for improving foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes of children studying in government primary schools in India. Its mission is to reach 35 million children in India by 2027 and support the government’s mission to ensure that all children learn. Known for her creativity, enterprise, and unwavering determination, Sana has been instrumental in driving impactful partnerships and strategic engagements. Speaking about her journey as a leader, she says "I owe a great deal to my mentor Dr. Dhir Jhingran, Founder and Executive Director, Language and Learning Foundation and a Former Senior Civil Servant with the Government of India. His guidance has been instrumental in my leadership journey and is the greatest source of inspiration and encouragement to me. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to work with a reservoir of knowledge and an impeccable leader like him”.
Q2. What guiding principle has shaped your journey in strategic partnerships and communications?
Success is never enough! One has to keep striving for it. My guiding principle has always been a relentless pursuit of growth. Success is never a final destination—it’s a journey that demands continuous effort. I approach every opportunity as a learner, observer, and listener, always seeking to understand, adapt, and refine my approach. I never settle or stop at what I’ve achieved; instead, I’m constantly looking ahead to the next challenge, the next opportunity, and the next way to create impact. Resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering drive to push boundaries have shaped my journey in strategic partnerships and communications. The person and professional I am today have been shaped by my alma mater—Hindu College, Delhi University, and the Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia. These institutions shaped my values, strengthened my abilities, and instilled in me a resilient, dynamic, and purpose-driven mindset. The experiences, knowledge, and lessons I gained continue to guide my journey, fueling my commitment to creating meaningful impact.
Q3. Can you share a personal story that was a turning point in your career?
On completing my Masters in Social Work from the Department of Social Work-Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, I was energised to work in the field in programs to stay connected with the ground realities. The true turning point in my career came when I stepped out of my comfort zone, leaving my parent’s home for an unfamiliar city. Dubai—an overwhelmingly corporate landscape with little room for a development sector professional from India—felt like an impossible place to start anew. With no job and the urgency of affording rent, I was desperate from the moment I landed. The only roles actively recruiting Indians were door-to-door credit card sales—far from the schools or NGOs I had hoped for, however faint that hope was. As my visa neared expiry after days of relentless job-hunting, I stumbled upon a school fair. A small kiosk caught my attention—it displayed products made by adults with special needs. Instinctively, I approached the team, and they promised to get in touch. The next day, I received a call for an interview. It was an NGO – Special Needs Future Development Centre! But the role? Fundraising. Sales—the very thing I dreaded. I was at a crossroads: sell credit cards or sell a cause. That moment defined my path. I took on the challenge, stepped into a world I had never explored, and found my calling. Today, I stand proud of what I do and what I am known for—a Fundraiser.
Q4. As a woman in leadership, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
I have certainly faced challenges as a leader, but fortunately, not specifically because of being a woman. Leadership, regardless of gender, comes with its share of resistance, scrutiny, and expectations. For me, the key has been to stay focused on my purpose rather than the noise around me. I’ve learned to navigate these challenges by staying grounded, trusting my capabilities, and building strong, supportive networks. Rather than being deterred by insecurities—my own or others’—I’ve used them as fuel to grow, adapt, and lead with resilience. True leadership isn’t about proving oneself to others, but about continuously evolving, lifting others along the way, and staying true to the impact you want to create.
Q5. Who has been your biggest inspiration, and what have you learned from them?
I don’t really have one role model but I observe the good qualities from many around me and try to learn from them. I’d like to begin by mentioning my father, who I admire for his grit, resilience and sabr. He has taught me tostay calm and grateful even in the worst of situations. I get my tehzeeb from my mother, I’ve learnt to be empathetic towards the weak, from her. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with and learn from exceptional leaders who are fueled with passion, focus and drive. At LLF, I have the privilege of learning something new everyday from our Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Dhir Jhingran. One of his greatest lessons is the importance of staying outcome-focused, no matter the size of the task—an approach that requires a true shift in mindset. His energy, depth of knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the cause are both inspiring and stimulating! Another mentor I deeply admire is Mrs. Safia Bari, Founder of SNF Development Centre in Dubai. With unwavering belief, she opened her home to support 300 families of children with special needs, creating a safe space for them to learn and grow to their full potential. Her determination led to a one-of-a-kind institution for adults with special needs—and I’m grateful to have been a small part of it. SNF was the turning point in my career, and I owe my fundraising journey to this incredible organization.
Q6. How do you balance your professional and personal life while managing high-impact partnerships?
It feels like a constant juggling act. Lately, I’ve realized that work isn’t just a part of life—it is life, and balance naturally falls into place. In other words, my work is my priority, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q7. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to lead in corporate or entrepreneurial spaces?
My advice to young women is to remain calm and respond thoughtfully to challenges rather than reacting impulsively. Embrace adaptability, flexibility, and stepping out of your comfort zone, as these are essential for growth. View failures not as setbacks, but as opportunities to learn, refine your approach, and come back stronger. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and passions, and stay authentic to yourself rather than fitting into someone else’s mold. Seek guidance from peers, leaders, friends, and family, but make your own informed decisions. Continuous learning is crucial, so communicate effectively and clearly, be open to feedback, and work on it. Prioritize mental health, being mindful and conscious of its importance. Celebrate your successes and those of others, and remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Stay curious, keep learning, and always remain open to growth and development.
Q8. If you had to sum up your approach to success in one line, what would it be?
“If it makes you happy, it doesn’t have to make sense to anybody else! And Don’t waste your time to prove your value cause sometimes trying to prove that you are the best is an insult! Just stay focused and keep doing the great work.
Q9. How do you see the role of women evolving in business and communications in the next decade?
It’s been slow for centuries now, it’s high time we turn the tables. Women are increasingly joining the work force, are being recognised for strong leadership and management skills, are financially independent and supporting their families, taking care of the home and the responsibilities that come with it. The women of today have clearly proved the abundance of their capabilities and I am positive that the next decade will see an even greater representation of them in leadership roles across sectors.
Q10. What’s one setback you faced that turned out to be a valuable lesson?
I’d like to share with you a pivotal moment in my life that has had a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth. I’m choosing to share my experience of divorce because it’s a testament to the human capacity for resilience and transformation, and I believe it can serve as a powerful example for others who resist from speaking of it for the stigmas attached with the concept of divorce. It should rather be celebrated more than a marriage. One of the most transformative experiences in my life was to go through a divorce. While it was undoubtedly challenging at that time, I’m deeply grateful for the lessons it taught me. That experience shaped me into the strong, resilient, and determined woman I am today. It forced me to tap into my inner strength, confront my vulnerabilities, and discover my capabilities. Moreover, it made me fearless. I emerged from that journey with a newfound sense of purpose, confidence, and self-awareness. In retrospect, I realize that it was a catalyst for growth, pushing me to become the best version of myself. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become, and I’m grateful for the valuable lessons that experience taught me.
Q11. What is your message to women around the world on this International Women’s Day?
To all the women reading this, you are unstoppable and a powerhouse, and you must recognize it! Society, social pressures, and prevailing narratives often prevent us from
realizing our full potential. No one will advocate for you; you must stand up for yourself. So, express your thoughts and feelings boldly, even if they dont suit others. Your voice matters, and you owe no one an explanation for speaking your truth!
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