Smita Shah’s Contribution to the Chicago Community
Smita Shah is a multi-state licenced Professional Engineer with a broad knowledge in business education and Engineering from MIT, Oxford and Northwest University. Smita is also the Founder, President and CEO of SPAAN Tech since 1998. SPAAN Tech focuses on different fields working on various infrastructural projects in both the public and private sectors. This work includes different projects in the aviation and transport industries. Under her leadership, the company has grown to be recognized among the fastest-growing private companies by Inc. Magazine and was granted Engineering Excellence Honor Award by the American Council of Engineering.
Ms Shah, who considered an inspirational business leader, has been recognized as the 19th Most Connected Person in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business. She has also been recognized as Young Civil Engineer of the year by the American Society of Civil Engineers and Community leader of the year by American Consulting Engineers. Ms Shah has also worked with the government under different administrations. She is currently working with the transition team of Illinois Governor-Elect JB Pritzker and is also a participant of the Restoring Illinois Infrastructure Committee.
Smita also serves as a board member for several organizations and companies such as the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Plan Commission, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Abrahan Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and After School Matters.
Miss Shah is known for her dedication and devotion to support cultural and economic growth and strengthen global partnerships. She was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which is congressionally recognized and is the current Chairman of the Delhi Chicago Sister Cities Committee. Miss Shah works with the White House Advance Team, and she is also the US delegate for the APEC Women and Economy Forum. Due to her dedication, she was given the 2013 Entrepreneur Award by the YWCA of Illinois. She was also on the Crain’s 40 under 40 lists in 2008.
Smita Shah’s husband Maarten De Jeu is known for his contribution to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Environmental Law and Policy Centre. He is also an active member of the Museum and Science Industry and the civic organizations of the Chicago Region. As a couple, Shah and her husband are among the most distinguished figures of civic leaders throughout Chicago and Illinois in general.
Smita, who comes from a family with an immigrant background, is very committed to providing outstanding service to her ethnic community. She is held in high regard due to her contributions to the Indian-American community in Chicago and the many Civic organizations she has helped over the years. On the 2nd of October 2019, she attended the Annual Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi Luncheon. She was joined by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, CEO Andrea Zoop, Senator Dick Durbin and First Lady Amy Eshelman. The mayor issued a declaration naming the 2nd of October Mahatma Gandhi Day in Chicago.