In every generation, there are changemakers who do not just rise with opportunities but create them for others. Sushma Sheth Ray is one such leader—a woman whose life story intertwines the power of heritage, education, advocacy, and leadership. From grassroots organizing in Miami to shaping strategies for some of the world’s largest institutions, and now leading transformative change as the Chief Change Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, her journey is a living testament to resilience, vision, and purpose.
Sushma Sheth Ray: Early Life and Roots of Purpose
Born to immigrant parents from Ethiopia and India, Sushma Sheth Ray grew up in Miami surrounded by the lessons of perseverance and grit. Her parents, small business owners, instilled in her the values of hard work and community responsibility. This dual heritage gifted her a unique perspective—one that saw both the struggles and the boundless potential of immigrant families in America.
As a young woman, Sushma’s curiosity about justice, inequality, and social progress quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment. She pursued Development Studies at Brown University, a field that deepened her understanding of systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. This was not just an academic pursuit—it was the beginning of a calling.
Building a Foundation in Social Justice
Her leadership journey started early when she co-founded the Miami Workers Center, a grassroots organization dedicated to racial and economic justice. Through this platform, she mobilized communities, built coalitions, and gave voice to low-income workers, particularly women and immigrants, whose stories were too often overlooked.
Sushma also played a pivotal role in building national coalitions like the Right to the City Alliance, strengthening movements that demanded equity and dignity for working-class communities. These experiences grounded her as both a strategist and a human-centered advocate—qualities that continue to define her leadership today.
Sushma Sheth Ray: Bridging Business and Social Impact
While her foundation was deeply rooted in activism, Sushma Sheth Ray recognized that lasting change often requires transformation within powerful institutions as well. To build expertise in navigating complex systems, she pursued her MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and later earned an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School.
Armed with these degrees, she joined Accenture Strategy as a senior executive. There, she advised Fortune 100 companies, governments, and NGOs facing leadership and culture challenges. Her ability to bridge the worlds of corporate strategy and social impact made her an invaluable advisor—proving that business acumen and social justice are not mutually exclusive, but rather deeply interconnected.
Chief Change Officer at Planned Parenthood
Today, as the Chief Change Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Sushma leads transformation at one of the most influential healthcare institutions in the nation. Her work is not only about strategy—it is about reimagining how a century-old organization can continue to advocate for sexual and reproductive rights in a rapidly evolving world.
In this role, she ensures that the mission of Planned Parenthood remains powerful, inclusive, and adaptive, serving millions who rely on its services while also shaping public policy and national conversations about health and equity. Her leadership is not about maintaining status quo—it is about building resilience, courage, and innovation into the very fabric of the institution.
Recognitions and Honors
Sushma’s impact has been widely recognized through numerous fellowships and awards. She was honored as a Paul and Daisy Soros New American Fellow, a Dubin Fellow at Harvard Center for Public Leadership, a Miami Fellow, and was named one of Miami’s Power Women in 2005. These accolades reflect her unique ability to lead across sectors while staying true to her mission of advancing justice.
Beyond formal recognitions, her influence also extends to cultural and intellectual spaces. She serves on the National Council of Graywolf Press, advises the National Domestic Workers Association’s NDWA Labs, and regularly shares her expertise as visiting faculty at Harvard Kennedy School.
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