Its current president and CEO is Maya Ajmera, who previously founded the grant-making nonprofitGlobal Fund for Children.
As a kid, I was always interested in science.
I actually grew up watching my father readScienceNewsand soon after I started reading it.
I built GFC from the ground up and spent 18 years leading it.
Take us through a recent workday.
My workday involves meetings.
I also deal with loads of emails.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
I cant live without my calendar.
I absolutely need myNew York TimesandWashington Postapp to read the news on the metro or when I take Lyft.
I rely on Spotify to unwind and listen to classical music.
My weather app and stock market apps get checked a few times a day.
Oh, and I love myOrangetheory fitness app, too.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I have an old wooden desk, which matches our building.
The Society is in a very old brownstone, and its been our home for a very long time.
(The Society will be turning 100 soon.)
My desk also has way too much paper on it.
I wish I could be paper-free, but Im not.
Call me old school.
Whats your favorite shortcut or hack?
Im lucky enough to have a housekeeper and a nanny, and I use Instacart.
I recognize how lucky I am to have these privileges.
It is something I constantly feel uncomfortable about.
Take us through an interesting or unusual process you have in place at work.
I have chiefs who all run their departments and report directly to me.
It gives me the chance to check in on any pending issues but also just to check in personally.
I cannot live without my executive assistant.
Shes my scheduler, and I can rely on her to check that things get done.
Its a hands-on STEM presentation for 400 attendees.
My chief of staff is taking the lead on that project.
She also supports and manages our board of trustees.
She is a vital member of the executive team.
My husband is also an incredible partner and we have a go at split our household responsibilities equitably.
I do the grocery shopping every Sunday.
I also work with a trainer once a week which really helps to ease any stress.
I cant wait for the spring weather to start jogging a few times a week.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I have a little black notebook that I carry with me everywhere.
At the end of the day I write down all the things I need to do the next day.
How do you recharge or take a break?
During the day, I like walking around the office and saying hello to my colleagues.
If Im taking a longer break and the weather is nice, I take a walk outside.
We used to have a Starbucks close to the office.
It recently shut down.
My colleagues and I are still in shock.
When I am home, I am focused on my six-year-old daughter.
We talk about our days.
She is really into playing card and board games.
She and I love playing Trouble together.
I also enjoy reading.
Ive got a pile ofNew Yorkers on my nightstand where I have articles flagged to read.
I have also binged with my husband a few great series likeHomecomingon Amazon orThe Bodyguardon Netflix.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
I am currently readingSmall Fryby Lisa Brennan-Jobs, Steve Jobss daughter.
I also recently read Anand Giridharadass bookWinners Take All, which I would highly recommend.
I would also recommend readingthe biography of Leonardo da Vinciby Walter Isaacson, which was really good.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Stay away from people who suck the passion out of you.
Stay away from people who are naysayers.
This cant be done.
Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?
Im prepared to keep fighting.
