Rubin Kataki, Student

“I strongly believe every fundraising professional has something unique to offer by sharing their struggles, successes, and life stories, which ultimately enrich our field and elevate everyone”, says Rubin Kataki, a young, South Asian, Canadian American, LGBTQ2IA+ fundraising professional.

Born in Ithaca, New York, he grew up in Guelph, Ottawa and Waterloo and travelled to see family in India, all of which shaped Rubin as a fundraiser today. Humbled by the colour and contrast of the Western and Eastern world, Rubin strives to always approach philanthropy in a “global” context.

Educated at the University of Waterloo, Cornell, Ryerson and now Carleton, Rubin learned about the privilege, power and ethical responsibility of education and fundraising.

He currently works at UWaterloo, where he secured more than $1.5 million. He volunteers with: CAGP, Waterloo Region Alumni Chapter, UWaterloo’s Advancement Anti-Racism Task Force, KidSport, United Way, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness as Director of Fund Development, San Fernando Valley. Rubin received his MFA-PTM, CNP and is obtaining his CFRE.

Rubin is in the MPNL program to investigate, challenge and unpack intersectionality and donor giving for LGBTQ2IA+, BIPOC, and immigrant donors. “Vulnerability is power,” Rubin says. Every day he aspires to be a fundraising leader that leads with vulnerability, kindness and enthusiasm.