Faatima Khan, Head of people engagement and community partnerships | WPS
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
They are two sides of the same coin. On the rewarding side, people are at the center of all that I do. I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues who’ve become close friends and partnering with community organizations whose impact inspires me daily. On the challenging side, the needs in our community are growing. That means staying adaptable to meet people where they are and respond in meaningful ways.
Who do you look up to or admire in business?
Paul Kundert, CEO of UW Credit Union. While I’ve never worked with him directly, he has always shown me kindness and respect. More importantly, I’ve seen how he shows up for the community as a business leader. Whether it’s donating COVID relief funds, establishing a racial equity fund, or most recently, offering loans to flood victims in Milwaukee, he leads with purpose. For him, aligning your business with community needs is simply what everyone should be doing. That mindset, and his consistent actions behind it, are what I admire most.
What has been the high point of your career?
Early in my career, I was trusted to develop workforce development programs rooted in education, mentorship and community partnerships. Helping participants, many of them immigrants, gain employment, support their families, and pursue their dreams was incredibly fulfilling. It’s one thing to pave your own career path, but it’s another to make sure you bring others along with you.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Don’t sell yourself short. This is something my father used to always say to me. Know that whether it’s your perspective, lived experience, instincts, or knowledge, you bring value to the table.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
What I love most about this community is the immense caring power of its people. I’m constantly inspired by… (people) who share the same goal: to make Dane County a healthier, safer, and more equitable place to live.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I’m big on office pranks. There may or may not be a story involving me squeezing into a filing cabinet during a friendly office challenge. But we raised $400 to reinvest back into the community, so it was worth it.
