Nonprofit Expert Joined Columbia and CUNY Faculties
A veteran nonprofit leader has taken new roles in New York City research and education.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
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Would you consider changing your career path after two decades at the same organization?
Rafiath Rashid Mithila has joined Columbia University as an Associate Research Scientist at the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. She also began a position as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the City University of New York.
Why it matters
Her dual appointment brings two decades of international NGO operational experience to local academic and research initiatives. This shift highlights a professional transition from long-term humanitarian management to research and instruction in the nonprofit sector.
Mithila brings a career background spanning 20 years at BRAC and 15 years at BRAC International. Her transition involves two major academic institutions in New York City.
The players
Rafiath Rashid Mithila
An experienced NGO leader who has transitioned from a two-decade career at BRAC to academic research and teaching roles in New York City.
Columbia University
A major private research university that has integrated Mithila into its Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research.
City University of New York
A public university system where Mithila is now teaching nonprofit management to students.
The details
At Columbia University, Mithila will lead and support the design and evaluation of the Early Childhood and Family Hub. Simultaneously, she is teaching nonprofit management courses at the City University of New York, focusing on the professional development of students entering the field.
Timeline
Mithila spent 20 years employed at BRAC.
Mithila spent 15 years employed at BRAC International.
Market Landscape
This move follows the pattern of large research institutions recruiting veteran global NGO practitioners to bridge the gap between theory and field implementation. It marks a shift as the Irving Institute formalizes its leadership for early childhood initiatives.
Operators in the nonprofit and social services space should monitor the upcoming research output from the Early Childhood and Family Hub. These findings may inform future program design or evaluation standards for similar local initiatives.
The takeaway
The hiring of a longtime NGO veteran to lead local research highlights the increasing professionalization of early childhood evaluation. Owners and managers should track the output of these academic hubs to benchmark their own community-based operational models.
Further reading
For more updates on leadership moves in the local sector, visit the People section.
Live Poll
Would you consider changing your career path after two decades at the same organization?
