Meet the Instructor

Maya M Hemachandra

Owner, Sambar Nonprofit Solutions

Maya Hemachandra (she/her) has made it her life’s work to create champions for social change. Her approach blends philanthropy, strategy and empathy to engage individuals and organizations in addressing poverty and oppression in the Pacific Northwest.

Her career in the social sector has served the region for more than 20 years, raising millions of dollars in philanthropic and volunteer support for human service and social justice organizations, including Treehouse, Solid Ground, United Way of Snohomish County, Women’s Funding Alliance and Evergreen (Seattle) Goodwill. She owns of Sambar Nonprofit Solutions, where she helps nonprofit organizations align their policies and practices with their anti-racist values.

Hemachandra shares her experience and passion with future community leaders through the University of Washington’s Certificate in Fundraising Management program and as a volunteer mentor through Women of Color in Philanthropy. She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation.