Shehara Waas

Shehara joined MPC in November 2016, and brings her penchant for community-based research facilitation to her role as Research Manager. In collaboration with MPC’s Director of Research and Evaluation, Shehara manages qualitative and quantitative data analysis needs across the organization, with a focus on racial equity and community development initiatives. Most recently, Shehara has been leading an environmental justice analysis project as part of a robust community stakeholder initiative based in Southeast Chicago’s Calumet region. 

Shehara received her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. In addition to maintaining her connection to the Harris School through serving as an alumni liaison to the Minorities in Public Policy (MiPPS) student group, Shehara serves on the Associate Board of Gardeneers, and is a 2020 Fellow with Chicago United for Equity (CUE). She was also named as a 2020 Field Leader by the Field Foundation.

Prior to graduate school, Shehara served as a member of the AmeriCorps National Civilian and Community Corps, working as a consultant for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Environmental and Historic Preservation. Her interests in environmental justice stem from her time as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, where she received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science.