An entrepreneurial business leader and advocate for community development and international trade, Smita Shah grew up in Chicago, IL. After earning her bachelor of science in civil engineering from Northwestern University and her master of science in civil and environmental engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Smita Shah returned home to start her own consulting and facilities management company, SPAAN Tech., Inc. Founded in 1998, SPAAN Tech advises clients in both the public and private sectors on engineering, construction management, and quality control. In 2008, Inc. Magazine recognized the firm as one of the 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.
In addition to her leadership at SPAAN Tech, Ms. Shah devotes her time to public advocacy in Chicago, IL, and abroad. She serves on the boards of numerous civic organizations, including the Anne & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital; Loyola University; Steppenwolf Theatre Company; and the Metropolitan Planning Council, which focuses on development and infrastructure issues at the regional and local levels. She was a member of President Clinton’s advance team for his visit to India, and also worked closely with former Mayor Richard M. Daley to lead a trade mission to the country. In addition, she chairs the Delhi-Chicago Sister Cities Committee, which promotes cross-border economic and cultural ties between the cities.