Shenaz P. Nagji has had a 38-year career at the United Nations and has seen its evolution over time. In reflecting on her career, Shenaz highlights the importance of mentorship, saying that she may not have progressed as far as she has without a good mentor. Her determination to play a part in alleviating poverty and despair stems from her first-hand experiences in 100+ countries including war torn zones and poverty-stricken ones, where she witnessed acute loss of hope among the population.

Shenaz is guided by her family values and His Highness the Aga Khan on adhering to the Islamic ethics of generosity, integrity, honesty. kindness, compassion, seeking and sharing knowledge. One of her passions is mentoring young people who come to her for advice. In her interactions with them, she speaks about how impactful their lives are in shaping the destiny of thousands. She encourages them to have a quest for knowledge and inspiration from people and institutions that make a difference in the lives of people.

Her personal inspiration is drawn from His Highness’s 1983 address at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Baug Housing project at Versova, Mumbai, India: “There are those who enter the world in such poverty that they are deprived of both the means and the motivation to improve their lot. Unless these unfortunates can be touched with the spark which ignites the spirit of individual enterprise and determination, they will only sink back into renewed apathy, degradation and despair. It is for us who are more fortunate to provide that spark.”

This inspiration is strengthened by her belief in carrying equal responsibility for worldly and spiritual matters, that has given her courage in adversity. One of her motivations in supporting AKF is the fact that 100% of all donations are used towards helping reduce poverty and she reminds us that “I am abundantly blessed and fortunate to provide that spark through His Highness’ own AKF in which my entire donation goes towards the cause. I would like others to be inspired and step forward and contribute towards this noble endeavour.”