Introduction to the Team: Tasnim
Tasnim Jahan
Position: Project Director
A brief description of their role:
Overseeing and ensuring that the MAPS project is operating smoothly in its execution, true to the MAPS mission, with efficiency and intention prioritized at all times.
Summarize your main takeaways from the interview:
Undoubtedly, I have come to see that in being a leader of leaders, as Project Director, it takes patience, delegation, initiative, and many more impressive qualities in order to facilitate and maintain the growth and preservation within MAPS, as well as the communities we serve.
What is your role within MAPS and what decisions do you usually have to make in this role?
Tasnim shared that her role within MAPS as Project Director came with far more responsibility than initially expected, especially since the position was originally meant to be more of an assistant role after applying as an APC. As Project Director, she was honest in admitting the responsibility tended to extend far more than merely overseeing the entire project: assigning tasks, setting and maintaining timelines, ensuring deadlines are met, and keeping the calendar organized, all were the unsaid expectations that she quickly had to learn. In listening, I’ve learned that this role requires coordinating with executive leadership, site coordinators, and the education team to make sure everyone has what they need and is aligned and that a large part of the decision-making involves determining what needs to be done and when, how to distribute responsibilities, and how to guide the team through each phase of the project while keeping the mission at the center. Overall, I am more aware of what it takes to be PD after Tasnim’s transparency.
What makes it challenging?
Tasnim revealed the most challenging part to be stepping into a leadership role unexpectedly and feeling the pressure that comes with being responsible for an entire project, especially with an entirely new board. She explained how there is a constant need to adjust, learn quickly, and ensure enough knowledge and confidence to lead others effectively, as well as balance high expectations and a heavy workload which has exacerbated some of her self-doubt, especially in such a support position that carries such significant responsibility. One of the hardest parts I learned was not collapsing under the pressure while trying to show up fully for the team and the organization.
At the same time, I also learned that what makes the role meaningful is also what sustains it. Being part of MAPS’ mission—centered on education and equity—makes the work feel important and impactful. In agreement with Tasnim, seeing how much site recipients appreciate the program and knowing that it creates real change reinforces why our effort truly matters. Our mentees make it so worth it, and despite not being paid, our staff continue to show up and do exceptional work, which speaks to their dedication and care to the MAPS mission.
Suggest one simple improvement or new idea.
One simple improvement I suggested would be to prioritize building stronger systems of support and dependability within the team as PD, meaning that having people who can be leaned on consistently will make a significant difference in preventing burnout and sustaining long-term engagement. I also emphasized how important it is to lean on others and delegate, since it is easy to become overwhelmed, but I further reminded that this work is not meant to feel like a chore or something that leads to burnout; it should be rooted in meaning and fulfillment, inspiring us to want to keep coming back to witness our impact. Being overloaded and overwhelmed with tasks is a real struggle I feel all of the time, but I reminded again that part of leadership is understanding personal strengths and recognizing the strengths of those around you, then using that collectively to better support the mission.
