Sophia Kizilbash, MSc, CPC, (she/her) is a Philanthropic Advisor and Strategist, Integrative Fundraising Expert, and Certified Professional Coach dedicated to redefining philanthropy as a force for healing connection and mutual growth.
With over 20 years of collaborative leadership experience, Sophia specializes in Relational Philanthropy that moves beyond transactional models. Her core philosophy—that generosity is a force for connection, unlocking the healing power of giving and receiving to foster belonging—drives Culture Shift Giving’s focus on impact with integrity. We foster deep connections with donors to organizations who live their values from the inside out.
Her relational methodology translates into equitable, diversified resourcing (directly raising and leveraging over $15 million), prioritizing authentic relationships and community-centric systems. Her nuanced approach is informed by unique and complex personal insights forged from lived experience across diverse economic landscapes, multifaith lineages, and layered identities. This perspective ensures truly people-first strategies that facilitate genuine, reciprocal connection for lasting community care and sustainable impact. Sophia holds a B.S. in ‘Culture and Politics’ from Georgetown University, an MSc in Development Studies (Global Health) from SOAS, University of London and a Fulbright Fellowship.
