With more than 25 years of experience in education, community organizing, and interfaith engagement, Dilnaz Waraich exemplifies generations of engaged and compassionate civil servants. As an immigrant from India and product of the Chicago public school system, she has been able to overcome the inherent limitations that these institutions impose.
As a formally trained educator, her moral code and drive to affect change breathe life into her philanthropic, community organizing, and interfaith engagements. Dilnaz holds multiple board-appointed and committee positions through the Chicagoland area at WBEZ Chicago Public Media, Northwestern University School of Education, Interfaith Youth Core, Chicago Theological Seminary, Catholic Theological Union, and Muslim Community Center.
Dilnaz has dedicated her family’s philanthropic efforts in engaging with diverse stakeholders, furthering pluralism and helping build bridges. Dilnaz holds a master in literacy degree from Northwestern University, and an MS and a BS from Loyola University. She is currently working on a master in spiritual leadership.
Dilnaz was an NCFP Fellow from 2023–2024. For her fellowship, she explored how to reclaim and shift Muslim American narratives to highlight the generosity of the community, help Muslim Americans see themselves as philanthropists, and help funders understand the value of funding Muslim-led nonprofits. Learn more about Inspired Generosity.