York University Foundation
One of the first Canadian universities to hire a dedicated fundraiser for international education, York University Foundation found its ideal candidate in Devika Shah. As Chief Development Officer, International, Devika is a passionate advocate of internationalizing the student experience. She has brought that zeal into developing relationships with private sector partners and building a case for support of the University’s internationalization initiatives.
Devika not only guided the development of a strategic international fundraising plan, she has been instrumental in bringing in the first two major donations to this area. Her work has raised funds for York students’ international study and work experiences, programs for the university’s 3,200 international students and for the prestigious Emerging Global Leaders Retreat.
In a previous role, Devika served as Associate Campaign Director on the University of Waterloo’s $260 million Campaign Waterloo. Widely praised for her versatility, creativity, teamwork and energy, she is also a dedicated community volunteer and a part-time student in the MBA program at York University’s Schulich School of Business.