Kanya Shabazz

Kanya Shabazz is a highly accomplished specialist in strategic planning, business operations, and organizational development, bringing extensive leadership experience within the nonprofit sector. She is known for advancing inclusive organizational cultures through equitable HR practices, robust employee engagement, and unwavering compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Before joining URGE, Kanya served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at Muslim Advocates, leading transformative organizational initiatives. She excelled in multi-year strategic planning and spearheaded organizational restructuring, showcasing her ability to deliver measurable results and optimize operations. As a BDO Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional, she also acted as in-house CFO, expertly managing budgeting, financial reporting, and delivering insights that strengthened governance and strategic direction.

Kanya’s proven leadership and unwavering dedication to equity and justice continue to drive progress and sustainable growth in the organizations she serves. Her strategic initiatives have significantly improved operational efficiency and fostered stronger, more inclusive team dynamics, making workplaces more supportive and empowering for all.

Kanya earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child Development from Tufts University, which grounds her approach in a nuanced understanding of human behavior and organizational systems. Outside of her professional life, she and her partner are raising two sons, nurturing them to lead empowered and liberated lives.