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Sadaffe Abid Email & Phone Number
Director
at
Social Founders
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✓ Verified Jul 2026
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Sadaffe Abid is listed as Director at Social Founders, a with 3 employees, based in Punjab, Pakistan. AeroLeads shows a matched LinkedIn profile for Sadaffe Abid.
Sadaffe Abid previously worked as Founder & CEO at Circle Women and Social Entrepreneur In Residence (SEiR) at Insead. Sadaffe Abid holds Mason Fellow / Masters In Public Administration, Specialization In Entrepreneurship And Leadership Development from Harvard University Kennedy School Of Government.
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Profile bio
About Sadaffe Abid
I am a social entrepreneur dedicated to championing women's digital and financial inclusion. As the founder of CIRCLE, a social enterprise, I focus on empowering women through leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology. In response to the low participation of women (20%) in Pakistan’s formal economy, I have been committed to driving initiatives that create opportunities for women to excel in the digital world and beyond. In 2018, I launched CIRCLE’s flagship initiative, #TechKaro, a program designed to equip young people, particularly women from underserved communities, with digital skills in coding, design, and digital marketing. #TechKaro graduates have gone on to work as software engineers and tech professionals, helping bridge the digital gender divide and contribute to Pakistan's economy. I also initiated Elevate, a platform that engages CEOs, business leaders, and key stakeholders to champion gender diversity, build inclusive work cultures, and invest in women’s leadership. Our leadership programs, grounded in the Adaptive Leadership framework from Harvard Kennedy School, empower women to lead with confidence. Additionally, I brought She Loves Tech to Pakistan, giving women-led tech startups a global stage in Beijing. Currently, I serve as INSEAD’s Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence and sit on the boards of National Bank, Pakistan Microfinance Network, and Indus Earth. I chair the Inclusive Development Committee at National Bank, promoting agriculture, SMEs, and financial inclusion. I am also an advisor to Dell’s Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (DWEN) and a member of UN Women Pakistan's Civil Society Advisory Council.My academic background includes a Master’s from Harvard Kennedy School, the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD, and a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College. I also consult on gender diversity, inclusion, and leadership development for women.Previously, I served as COO and later CEO of Kashf Foundation, a Forbes 50 microfinance institution, where I helped scale its outreach to 300,000 women clients. Under my leadership, Kashf became the first financially sustainable microfinance institution in Pakistan, earning recognition from Forbes, AGFUND, and the Grameen Foundation.I have spoken at prominent global forums, including TEDxINSEAD, UN Women, and the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference. My work has been featured in books such as "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and "The Blue Sweater" by Jacqueline Novogratz.
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Social Founders
8 roles
Sadaffe Abid work experience
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Founder & Ceo
As Founder & CEO of CIRCLE, I focus on advancing women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and employment across Pakistan and the MENA region. We recognize women as a vital growth market and are committed to empowering them through tailored programs and mentorship. By fostering an inclusive environment, we address their unique challenges and provide the necessary tools for success. Utilizing the Harvard Adaptive Leadership framework, we equip individuals to lead effectively, encouraging collaboration and innovation that drive positive change in their communities and beyond.Key achievements include: - Leading adaptive leadership programs for youth, women executives, and entrepreneurs in the MENA region.- Training high-potential women from companies like PwC, Dell, Mastercard, Microsoft, and Dubai Holding.- Delivering programs for emerging leaders with organizations like Acumen Fund, Atlantic Council, and Lahore University for Women.- Designing leadership workshops for top women professionals in Pakistan, including participants from Engro, Unilever, and Standard Chartered.- Conducting gender diversity training and Training of Trainers for Habib Bank as part of IFC’s initiative.
Social Entrepreneur In Residence (Seir)
At INSEAD, I serve as the Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence, focusing on empowering the next generation of global leaders. Drawing on my experience in social entrepreneurship and women's empowerment, I mentor students, helping them develop innovative and impactful ventures. My role centers on providing strategic guidance, fostering leadership development, and promoting social impact.- Strategic consulting and coaching INSEAD MBA students on their entrepreneurial ambitions and ventures- Supporting students in building sustainable, socially conscious business models- Facilitating workshops and discussions on gender diversity, leadership, and inclusion
Guest Lecturer
As a guest lecturer at CEDEP – Executive Development, Fontainebleau, I focus on empowering business leaders to foster gender diversity and embrace social entrepreneurship. Through interactive sessions, I highlight the importance of inclusive leadership and how it drives innovation and growth. By sharing practical insights, I inspire participants to champion gender equality and make a social impact within their organizations.- Lecturer and Guest Speaker at CEDEP on Gender Diversity & Social Entrepreneurship- Delivered workshops on inclusive leadership for global executives- Shared strategies for integrating social responsibility into corporate practices
Jan 2014 - Jan 2016
Gulf Representative
As the Gulf Representative for Mercy Corps, I focused on building strategic alliances and expanding the organization’s presence in the region. My role involved leading regional initiatives, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, and promoting Mercy Corps' mission to support underserved communities.- Built sustainable local partnerships and represented Mercy Corps across key regional platforms.- Engaged with governmental, non-governmental, and private sector entities to enhance program effectiveness.- Led efforts in securing funding and resources to support Mercy Corps' humanitarian and development projects in the Gulf and MENA region.
Jun 2014 - Dec 2014
Ceo
Buksh Foundation
As CEO at Buksh Foundation, I led efforts to develop innovative financial solutions aimed at uplifting underserved communities. Focused on empowering the base of the pyramid (BOP) clients, I worked to integrate clean energy financing, transportation loans, and new opportunities for youth and micro-entrepreneurs. My role centered on building an inclusive business model that catered to diverse financial needs.- Established a social enterprise focused on clean energy financing, youth empowerment, and financial inclusion for BOP clients.- Led the development of key products, systems, and delivery channels, aligning them with the foundation's mission.- Executed strategic and operational business plans, ensuring scalable and sustainable impact across target segments.- Introduced and piloted a psychometric tool for cost-effective, scalable assessments of borrower creditworthiness.
Dec 2008 - Feb 2010
Ceo
As CEO, I led Kashf Foundation’s growth and expansion, positioning it as one of the top microfinance institutions in Pakistan. Under my leadership, Kashf significantly increased its client base and became a pioneer in delivering microfinance services to underserved women across the country.- Drove 40% annual growth, expanding the client base to 300,000, making Kashf the 3rd largest MFI in Pakistan with a non-performing loan (NPL) rate of just 2%.- Spearheaded the roll-out of 150 branches across 22 districts, designing an organizational structure, implementing ERP systems, and forming partnerships with micro-insurers.- Launched individual lending products targeting micro-entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on the missing middle segment.- Developed client-centric products and risk mitigation strategies, conducting satisfaction surveys and exit studies to enhance market and impact assessments.- Designed and implemented talent strategies, building a leadership pipeline and conducting gender and ethics training.- Established and maintained strong relationships with donors, regularly reporting progress to the board of directors.
Jan 2006 - Oct 2008
Chief Operating Officer, Manager Operations, Manager Research & Monitoring
As a founding team member, I played a key role in scaling Kashf Foundation from its early stages, growing the client base from 100 to 100,000, and creating Pakistan’s first financially sustainable MFI.- Led efforts to integrate women into the workforce, with women making up 44% of the 2,000 staff.- Played a pivotal role in Kashf receiving the AGFUND International Prize and the Grameen Trust Microfinance Excellence Award.- Championed women’s leadership and workforce participation through tailored programs and development opportunities.
Apr 1997 - Dec 2005
4 education records
Sadaffe Abid education
Mason Fellow / Masters In Public Administration, Specialization In Entrepreneurship And Leadership Development
Advanced Management Program, Advanced Management Programme
Executive Education, Entrepreneurship & Leadership Development
Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Economics & International Relations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Sadaffe Abid
Quick answers generated from the profile data available on this page.
What company does Sadaffe Abid work for?
Sadaffe Abid works for Social Founders.
What is Sadaffe Abid's role at Social Founders?
Sadaffe Abid is listed as Director at Social Founders.
Where is Sadaffe Abid based?
Sadaffe Abid is based in Punjab, Pakistan while working with Social Founders.
What companies has Sadaffe Abid worked for?
Sadaffe Abid has worked for Social Founders, Circle Women, Insead, Cedep - Executive Development – Fontainebleau, and Mercy Corps.
How can I contact Sadaffe Abid?
You can use AeroLeads to view verified contact signals for Sadaffe Abid at Social Founders, including work email, phone, and LinkedIn data when available.
What schools did Sadaffe Abid attend?
Sadaffe Abid holds Mason Fellow / Masters In Public Administration, Specialization In Entrepreneurship And Leadership Development from Harvard University Kennedy School Of Government.
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