Shiza Shahid

Co-Founder & Founding CEO of the Malala Fund

  • Co-founder & founding CEO of the Malala Fund
  • Co-founded Our Place

Shiza Shahid, a dynamic figure in the worlds of business and activism, is renowned for her contributions to female education and social entrepreneurship. As the co-founder and founding CEO of the Malala Fund, Shahid has worked tirelessly to make high-quality education accessible to children globally. Her efforts, alongside Malala Yousafzai, have led to significant progress in the fight for equality within education. In addition to her advocacy work, Shiza is an engaging speaker, frequently addressing corporate and educational audiences on topics such as leadership, teamwork, and business management, leaving a lasting impact on those she encounters.

Shahid’s passion for activism began early in her life. By the age of 14, she was already involved in volunteer work, including supporting women in prison and helping victims of the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake. After receiving a scholarship to Stanford University, Shiza returned to Pakistan, where she witnessed the impact of the Taliban’s ban on women’s education. This experience deepened her commitment to empowering women and promoting education, driving her to take further action. Her early activism and subsequent work in corporate strategy at McKinsey & Company in Dubai laid the foundation for her future endeavours in social enterprise.

In 2012, Shiza’s path crossed with Malala Yousafzai after discovering Malala’s YouTube videos advocating for women’s education. A life-changing moment came when Malala was shot by the Taliban, prompting Shahid to fly to Birmingham to support her. This pivotal moment led to the creation of the Malala Fund in 2013, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing education for girls worldwide. Shahid’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to found The Collective in 2015, which unites influencers committed to social change, and she co-founded a platform supporting start-ups with innovative solutions.

Beyond her work in education and social change, Shiza Shahid continues to demonstrate her entrepreneurial flair. In 2019, she co-founded Our Place, a consumer goods company that creates kitchen products inspired by diverse cultural traditions. This venture reflects her belief in the power of community and cultural understanding to bring people together. As a leader in digital disruption, female entrepreneurship, and social enterprise, Shiza Shahid continues to inspire individuals worldwide through her activism and business endeavours.

To enquire about Shiza Shahid for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@inspirational-leadership-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 0070 320.