SABEEN PERWAIZ

PRESIDENT & CEO, FLORIDA NONPROFIT ALLIANCE, JACKSONVILLE

The Florida Nonprofit Alliance is an advocate for all Florida nonprofits. Its primary purpose is to protect these organizations from public policy challenges and risks that may threaten their ability to help Floridians. FNA’s work involves advocacy, education, research and communications to protect and foster mission delivery for more than 22,000 nonprofit groups in Florida. FNA has four team members, with Perwaiz as president and CEO for eight years. “I made research a priority early in my tenure,” Perwaiz says. “Our economic impact dashboard highlights the nonprofit sector’s impact on Florida’s economy both statewide and within local communities.”

EDUCATION: City College of New York (BS); University of Birmingham, UK (MSc)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would work toward parity in resources available for nonprofit and for-profit businesses. Small business resources in Florida often exclude the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits are also businesses, and it would be valuable to evaluate how these opportunities can be expanded to include them. The sector is critical for supporting our state’s continuous population increase and growing economy. It needs investments to keep up with the increase in demand for services.

MENTOR: Nina Waters. She retired last year from the Community Foundation of NEFL. Nina has taught me the power of having a vision, the impact of consensus building and the importance of putting my own personal feelings aside for the greater good. Leadership isn’t a road traveled alone — it is fundamental to bring others along with you.

LISTENING: Go as a River, by Shelley Read (book); How I Built This (podcast)

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: The little things are the big things. As someone battling breast cancer, I have a newfound appreciation for the things we often take for granted. Walks, laughter, time with loved ones, and most importantly, time to take care of ourselves. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and so I cherish these things the most. No professional accomplishment is more important than health and well-being.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. — Winston Churchill”