Sharon Khan

Institutional Giving Officer

Since 2/18/25

Sharon Khan is the Institutional Giving Officer with Waterkeeper Alliance, a role she assumed in February 2025. With a long history at the organization, Sharon has served as Recruiting Director, International Director, and Staff Economist. She views her current position as the most significant yet, leading all fundraising efforts related to private and corporate foundations and aligning the organization’s priorities with the needs of its funders, while supporting Waterkeeper groups worldwide.

Sharon grew up fishing and swimming in Canada’s Ottawa River and surrounding lakes, as well as Miami’s Biscayne Bay. Sadly, her childhood bliss was marred by incidents of diseased fish coming out of the river, and skin rashes from the ocean – coupled with the realization that municipal sewage discharges were going untreated. These early experiences sparked her commitment to ensuring clean and safe water for all, including in New Delhi, India where she advocated for increased investment in sewage infrastructure with the World Health Organization, and in Geneva, Switzerland where she co-authored a groundbreaking report on the ‘Costs of Inaction on the Sound Management of Chemicals’ for the United Nations Development Programme.

Sharon’s successes have included numerous fundraising initiatives with foundations, corporations, philanthropists, and governments. Before returning to Waterkeeper Alliance, she supported Pacific Islanders in protecting coral reef ecosystems, including through a $5 million, multi-year grant that empowered local leaders. Sharon is now dedicated to strengthening Waterkeeper Alliance’s institutional fundraising to secure clean and safe water for communities around the globe.

A certified PADI Open Water Diver, Sharon embraces every opportunity to immerse herself in clear, blue waters. Her most majestic dive experience so far has been with giant manta rays in Palau. She is also the proud mother of two young men, both of whom are pursuing careers dedicated to addressing the global environmental challenges facing future generations.

"I consider myself a water baby and jokingly say that my goal in life is to be a beach bum. But we need clean and safe water for people and the planet, and I have the greatest respect for local communities around the world who have dedicated their lives to this mission. It is my privilege to support these communities."

Favorite quote: “I must be a mermaid, Rango. I have no fear of depths but a great fear of shallow living.” – Anaïs Nin