Shaz Akram joined the Fulbright Association in 2012. As Deputy Director, she oversees all operations of the office, human resources such as overseeing the hiring and evaluating of staff, consultants, and interns. Shaz also overseas grants, procurement and technology needs of the organization, as well as membership, the 54 chapter network, and organizing the Fulbright Prize, annual conference, TEDxFulbright and digital programming. She works closely with the Financial Consultant overseeing the annual audit, developing and maintaining the operating budget and reporting to the Executive Director and Finance committee of the Board.

She also manages with the Executive Director strategic planning, development and fundraising efforts, board meetings and advocacy initiatives for the organization. Shaz has previously held the positions of Director and Senior Director at the Association.

Prior to joining the Fulbright Association, Shaz served as an Assistant Director at the Diversity Center at Mississippi State University, where her name had become synonymous with the word “international.” Shaz also served as faculty and student adviser for the Fulbright Program (FPA) at Mississippi State University. She has extensive knowledge of J, F and H1-B visa regulations, academic exchanges, and study abroad programs, and served as an adviser to international students for several years before joining the Association in D.C.

She was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and has lived in her home country, Pakistan. She was part of the prestigious Civil Services of Pakistan and worked under the Auditor General of Pakistan’s Office as Deputy Controller Military Accounts and Deputy Director Commercial Audit for several years before moving to the U.S. She is fluent in multiple languages and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and French, a Masters in English Literature, and a Masters in Business Administration.

Contact Shaz