Shahla Akbari

Shahla Akbari has a diverse range of work experience spanning over several years. Shahla is currently the Vice President of Client Operations at the Center for Creative Leadership, a position they began in December 2022. Prior to this role, Shahla held various positions at The National Society of Leadership and Success, including Executive (Senior) Director of Client Success from January 2021 to December 2022, Director of Client Success from January 2017 to December 2020, Assistant Director of Client Success in 2016, Senior Client (Chapter) Support Manager from December 2014 to December 2015, and Client (Chapter) Support Manager from July 2013 to December 2014.

Before joining The National Society of Leadership and Success, Shahla worked at UC San Diego as an Academic Integrity Seminar Instructor/Trainer from September 2011 to March 2013. Shahla also worked as an intern at UC San Diego in the International Center and Office of Academic Integrity from January 2011 to June 2011.

Shahla's earlier work experience includes a role as Volunteer Coordinator at International Student Volunteers from July 2009 to December 2009. Shahla also held positions at Mervyns, where they worked as a Store Manager from June 2008 to January 2009, Operations Manager from January 2006 to June 2008, and Merchandise Manager from July 2005 to January 2006. During their time at Mervyns, Shahla achieved various accomplishments in sales, operations, HR, customer service, and employee relations.

Shahla Akbari obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication with a minor in English from UC Santa Barbara in 2002-2005. Shahla then pursued a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education from the University of San Diego in 2010-2012. In 2023, they obtained additional certifications in "Leading Equitably, Activating Possibility" and "Leading for Organizational Impact" from the Center for Creative Leadership.