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Laila Shabir
Obama USA Leader '23 | Founder & CEO at Girls Make Games, LearnDistrict, GMG Scholarship Fund
Professional Background
Laila Shabir is an innovative leader and trailblazer who works at the inspiring intersection of education, empowerment, and entertainment. With over a decade of experience in influencing change and driving initiatives that enhance educational access and empower girls, Laila has become a prominent figure in multiple sectors, including technology and finance. Her passion for harnessing the potential of video games for educational purposes underlines her commitment to using modern tools to foster learning and growth among young girls.
Laila's career has spanned various roles and organizations that have significantly impacted her journey. She served as the Obama USA Leader in 2023, a prestigious role with the Obama Foundation that allowed her to engage with communities across the country to create opportunities for empowerment and leadership among youth, particularly girls. Her leadership role in the Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund showcased her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where girls can explore their interests in technology and gaming, thereby bridging the gender gap in the gaming industry.
Education and Achievements
Laila Shabir's academic journey commenced at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned a S.B. degree in Economics. Her education laid a solid foundation for her future roles and equipped her with analytical skills that she has applied throughout her career. The innovative environment at MIT also shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, leading her to explore new ways to empower young women through education and technology.
As a founder of several notable organizations, including Girls Make Games and LearnDistrict, Laila has been at the forefront of educational innovation. Girls Make Games empowers young girls by providing them with the tools and mentorship needed to create their own video games, demystifying the tech industry for the next generation of female leaders. Under her guidance as Executive Director at the Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund, Laila has nurtured talent by offering scholarships and opportunities that enable budding game developers to realize their dreams.
Achievements
Throughout her diverse career, Laila has accumulated an impressive portfolio of experience in both the non-profit and corporate sectors. Before her deep engagement in education and empowerment, she honed her analytical skills as a Portfolio Risk Analyst at BlackRock, where she developed her understanding of financial markets and risk management.
Her early career included pivotal roles as a Research Assistant at esteemed institutions such as The Brookings Institution, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. These roles enabled her to delve into economic research and policy analysis, crucial experiences that inform her current initiatives.
Moreover, her tenure as a Summer Intern at Merrill Lynch allowed her to gain exposure to the financial services industry, further solidifying her well-rounded expertise.
Laila Shabir exemplifies a modern leader who intertwines her academic rigor with practical applications in education and technology. With an unwavering commitment to empowering girls through innovative programs and initiatives, she continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders in diverse fields. Looking ahead, Laila plans to integrate her love for food into her mission, possibly embarking on new projects that explore culinary education as an additional avenue for empowerment.
Highlights
We're #hiring, come work with us at Girls Make Games! We're a small, dynamic team, working on a mission alongside some great partners. This is a full time, in-person role based in Raleigh, NC. Spread the word!
Today, a new chapter begins in my professional journey as I step into a non-profit leadership role. Nearly a decade ago I joined the games industry by starting an indie educational games studio, which led me to creating Girls Make Games.
I'm incredibly proud of all the work we've done through GMG, but there's still a lot missing in the path our students need to take to pursue their aspirations in the games industry.
I couldn't have attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology without a need-based scholarship. Today, I get to launch something that will hopefully pay that gift forward to other girls and women following their dreams.
The Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund, a 501c3 charity that will provide scholarships, mentorship and internships to girls & women ages 8-24.
GMG Scholarship Fund would not exist without the tremendous work done by the people behind the scenes:
-Genevieve Marshall, who helped shape a vague vision and willed this org into existence through her passion for creating a more equitable world for girls & women. -Isra Shabir, Donald Leon & Mayene de La Cruz, who worked tirelessly to put the pieces together in a meaningful, impactful way
- the founding board, Pamela Blizzard, MBA, shawn layden, Jennifer Clark who provided guidance, inspiration and immense support in bringing the mission to life
TLDR: I’m taking up a second job and starting a new position as Founder & Executive Director at Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund!
