Director of Upbuild Foundation
Nadia holds a Ph.D. in History and Theory of Architecture and a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning. Her area of research is the resettlement of displaced populations and refugees. She believes that real change happens from below, which is why her work is framed around the empowerment of the disenfranchised individual.
She has experience working with grassroots organizations in Turkey and Pakistan and community development organizations in the USA.
She has taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and is currently working with a nonprofit that builds affordable housing in Illinois. Dr. Shah is an active board member of the Northern Illinois American Muslim Alliance (a political action committee based in Illinois). Nadia serves on the board of her Park District as a commissioner.
Director
