Meet Sima Parekh | Activist – Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sima Parekh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sima, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the remarkable success of 48in48 has been our commitment to building a true community and fostering relationships with our volunteers. While the dedication, skills and hard work are invaluable, it’s the sense of loyalty and engagement that truly empowers our mission. We prioritize real connections over transactional volunteering, we’ve created something far greater than a brand – we’ve formed a supportive family. This vibrant community of passion and camaraderie is the lifeblood that keeps 48in4’s impact growing year after year.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What truly sets 48in48 apart is our unwavering determination and the passionate community spirit that has allowed us to overcome every obstacle. As a small nonprofit, we know all too well that funding and support can be fleeting. Yet we made the courageous decision during the pandemic not to shut our doors, but to adapt. With an all-volunteer committee united by a shared drive, we became a unified front of problem-solvers.

Those were tough times, but my dedicated “gang” refused to let anything falter. Within 6 months, we pivoted our entire operation, engaging over 500 volunteers globally virtually. That incredible feat brought immense satisfaction and motivated us to reinvent ourselves through innovative signature events like the Women’s Build, Social Justice, and Global Events. We learned that for every problem, a solution exists – it just take persistence and an open mindset.

What excites me most is witnessing how a “small but mighty” force can create massive impact. Today, on our 10th anniversary, we stand tall having provided $33M worth of free website services to 1,300 nonprofits through the efforts of 7,000 volunteers. Numbers that speak to an unquestionable ROI. Our success lies in the power of community – supporting one another, embracing challenges as opportunities, and never losing sight of our driving passion. That eternal flame will keep propelling 48in48 forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Inman Park, the beltline and all things midtown. The food alone can keep us busy in that part of town starting at my favorite Mediterranean restaurant – Delbar. I would make reservations as soon as my friend shared travel dates. We could spend a lot of time at other beltline restaurants like TWO Urban Licks and stroll on to Ponce City Market for shopping and more great food. First time visitors should always swing by the downtown Centennial Park and Aquarium and then on to the Fox and High Museum for some entertainment and culture. Improv or a Comedy club would make the list of at least one evening. Weather permitting, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and a Piedmont park at festival time would definitely be on the list of things to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks to Mack Hodges, Milan Richard, Daphne Saavedra, Bret Phillips, Graham Kidd and John Kidd for your continued dedication to our cause and making every event better than the last. Also, a huge call out to each event planning committee for supporting 48in48 to ensure a successful outcome. 

Website: 48in48.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/48in48/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/48in48

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/48in48org

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@48in48

Image Credits
48in48 volunteers