PathWorks

A philanthropy and social impact advisory firm that supports individuals, families, foundations and companies in realizing their impact ambitions

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About us

Our Philosophy

PathWorks is built on the premise that understanding Purpose is key to defining what is Possible ultimately enabling a Path to advance your ambitions. It is this framework that underpins all of our work.

Starting with clarifying with the Why, we work with our clients to lay out possible avenues to activate their purpose and ultimately help define and execute on a tangible path forward.

Faizal Karmali

Principal

Over the course of his career, Faizal has worked with some of the world’s most reputable social impact organizations, including BRAC, The Rockefeller Foundation, Virgin Unite and The Aga Khan Development Network. His work on both the funding and implementation side of impact efforts in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America has given him a unique understanding of the nuances of finding success in a breadth of cultural and organizational contexts.

Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience within and beyond these organizations, Faizal has grown PathWorks into an multi-offering consultancy with a wide range of clients including family offices, traditional and new philanthropy, faith-based organizations, corporations and multi-lateral organizations looking to take a more contemporary approach to their impact efforts.

At the core of his practice, is his ability to help clients navigate difficult conversations around purpose and identity.

Faizal has a Bachelors in Environmental Engineering from Western University, a Masters in International Education from the University of Toronto and an MBA from INSEAD. He is based in Brooklyn, New York, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Services

Our core work is supporting philanthropic and program implementation organizations with strategy, operations and helping navigate organizational change. Our deep experience on both the funder and implementer side of the impact equation is our greatest asset and especially beneficial to all of our clients, particularly family and individual philanthropists.

Convening Design & Facilitation

Have an important or difficult conversation to navigate? Need to unlock insights?

We support clients in the design & execution of retreats, small and large-scale meetings and offer speaking and moderating services.

Philanthropy Advisory

Looking to design or strengthen how you apply philanthropic resources?

We support clients in finding the path that best suits their identities and goals whether using or providing philanthropic resources.

Strategy & Operations

Planning and executing come with their own unique challenges.

We work with you to help shape and align your impact goals and strategies with how your team is composed and functions.

What Clients are Saying

Faizal’s deep understanding of the international philanthropic and social impact landscape and his ability to understand and navigate the nuances and needs of various teams has been invaluable. His expertise in the design and facilitation of convenings, retreats and critical conversations is exceptional and is deeply appreciated by teams across the Foundation.

– Martín Abregú, Vice President, International Programs, Ford Foundation

As a true “Tri-sector” thinker, Faizal understands the value and complexities of working across the public, private and social sectors to affect change. His guidance was invaluable.

– Ben Hecht, Former President & CEO, Living Cities

Faizal brought organizational awareness, technical knowledge and creative thinking to guide our team through a challenging process. His emotional intelligence, humility and sense of humor enabled him to gain trust amongst a diverse group of colleagues to help us move forward towards our ambitious goals.

– Sarah Douglas, Deputy Chief, Peace and Security, UN Women

Faizal quickly felt like a part of the Trinity Philanthropies team and approached our needs as his own. The design and execution of our team retreats was incredibly thoughtful and responsive to the team’s needs.

– Neill Coleman, Former Chief Philanthropy Officer, Trinity Philanthropies

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