SashaRussell-Ciardi

Maggie (Sasha) Russell-Ciardi is the Managing Director of Donor Engagement at Grassroots International. In this role, she organizes individuals to deepen their knowledge about, solidarity with, and support for grassroots social movements.

Her previous experience in philanthropy was as Managing Director of the Solidago Foundation, where she helped prepare the foundation for its planned sunset. Prior to that, Sasha worked for almost two decades for grassroots system change organizations and progressive cultural institutions in New York City. Seven of these years were spent working as the Executive Director of Tenants & Neighbors, a grassroots tenants’ rights organization. She also worked as a fundraiser for the Street Vendor Project, the Rhiza Collective, and Equality for Flatbush.

Sasha has an MA in Latin American studies and has translated the novel Como Si No Muriera Nadie/As If No One Had Died by Chilean author Poli Délano.

Sasha’s work is rooted in a commitment to practicing radical non-violence; creating spaces of sanctuary from systems of oppression; and nurturing ways of being grounded in love and solidarity. Sasha also has a deep interest in physical practices rooted in spirituality; she spent many years practicing and teaching ashtanga yoga, and is currently a student of capoeira.