About Makkah
My name is Makkah (pronounced “Mecca”) Ali and I am a social sector leader dedicated to creating expansive and nourishing spaces where we can practice being free.
I help create the conditions for individuals and teams to achieve their goals while centering care, connectivity, and radical compassion and curiosity throughout the process. As an organizational leader, conflict transformation practitioner, facilitator, and coach, I am driven by a deep belief that our impact is not only measured by how well we achieve our goals externally; it is measured by how the work *felt* internally, and how we cared for ourselves and each other along the way.
Most of my career has been in the philanthropic sector, where I have focused on unlocking resources for chronically underfunded communities and transforming organizations from the inside out to more equitably and joyfully meet the needs of the people they serve.
Care
Connection
Joy
I am curious about what it takes to build relationship-centered and life-affirming organizations. I am passionate about building liberatory spaces, processes, and ways of being that enable us to fully embody our highest values and work collaboratively to build better worlds.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Justice Studies from Wellesley College and a Master’s of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. I received my coaching certification from the Coaching for Healing, Justice, and Liberation program. I served as an inaugural fellow for Rockwood Institute’s Equity in Philanthropy fellowship, which aims to catalyze a shift in philanthropy in which diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the center of all decision-making levels. For five years, I co-hosted the critically acclaimed Identity Politics Podcast which featured new stories and perspectives on race, gender, and Muslim life in America.
I am a Chicago South Side resident and enthusiast, and can often be found running, swimming, singing, or reading along the shores of Lake Michigan with my family and friends.