After a rigorous search and selection process, SER-Jobs for Progress (SER) is pleased to introduce Sheroo Mukhtiar, MSW as the agency’s new Executive Director and CEO. With more than 24 years of experience in non-profit management, Sheroo offers a wealth of knowledge and skills, including extensive work with youth and young adults, program implementation, and fundraising. Sheroo’s personal and professional experience make her a great fit for SER.
“I am truly honored to be a part of SER,” said Sheroo. “It aligns perfectly with all of my professional experiences over the years. But more importantly, SER’s mission is my personal calling.
“My journey in the United States, almost 30 years ago, began with limited resources. As a ‘foreign’ student I had to learn basic survival skills while also preparing myself for employment in a competitive environment. It was incredibly challenging, but a support system of people who guided my efforts, inspired, and motivated me to be all that I could be, made a world of difference. Knowing that we can do the same and more for the individuals we serve at SER is exciting, to say the least.”
Sheroo’s professional career began at Boys Town, a national organization providing treatment to severely abused and neglected children across the United States. After nine years of serving as Program Director for Boys Town in Nebraska, California, and Florida, Sheroo was named as the first Executive Director of Almost Home, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri. Under Sheroo’s leadership, Almost Home grew from a housing facility for teen mothers into a long-term transitional housing program that empowered young women to achieve their fullest potential while creating a safe and positive environment for their young children. During this time the organization experienced exponential growth, completed a capital campaign, and implemented new programs.
Sheroo was then recruited to serve as the Executive Director of Springboard, an affiliate of Young Audiences, a non-profit organization providing arts-in-education programs to low-income schools. Upon relocating to Houston, Sheroo served as Executive Director for HITS Theatre, and for the last four years, as Executive Director for the Texas region of a national non-profit organization, Playworks, overseeing programming and fundraising efforts, primarily in Houston.
She now looks forward to leading SER’s growth and development to improve outcomes for low-income individuals in the Texas Gulf Coast region.
“I look forward to working with our team of staff and the board as we continue to build SER’s legacy,” said Sheroo. “We have a great culture and strong capabilities that have helped us thus far. Building further is a challenge I accept with ambition and determination, keeping those we serve at the center of everything we do. I am especially delighted to lead SER during this time of transition as we move to our new location and expand quality services in and for our community.”
Sheroo earned a Masters of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Nirmala Niketan in Bombay, India. She is a member of Leadership Houston, has served on local nonprofit boards, and continues to explore new possibilities.
Sheroo and her family live in northwest Houston and love traveling, camping, theater, and sports. She especially enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their many pets.
These are indeed exciting times for SER and we thank you for your friendship and support!
