About

Dr. Shaabneh is a leading authority in the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Based in the vibrant Chicagoland area, she brings a wealth of expertise as a specialist, keynote speaker, and published author.

With a passion for igniting meaningful change, she delivers impactful workshops, presentations, and consultations to a diverse range of organizations, educational institutions, corporations, literary agencies, and private clients. Her keen insight of DEIB and organizational culture leaves an indelible mark on every engagement.

Dr. Shaabneh holds a Master's of Arts in Education and a Ph.D. in Literacy, Language, and Culture, with a specialized focus on diversity and inclusion from the University of Illinois. Leveraging her academic background, she seamlessly integrates research-backed insights with compelling storytelling that captivates audiences and inspires change. Her workshops are not just informative sessions—they are transformative experiences that inspire action and foster lasting change.

As a trailblazer in the DEIB space, Dr. Nevien Shaabneh continues to lead the charge toward a more inclusive and equitable future, one powerful conversation at a time.

TESTIMONIALS

"Nevien provides audiences with a lively, authentic, and insightful opportunity to view marginalized people with a new lens. Her empathy, knowledge, and quick wit transcend audiences despite differences.”

Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant

Carnegie Mellon University's inaugural Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Chief Diversity Officer/Distinguished Service Professor in the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

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"Nevien Shaabneh spoke at the 33rd Annual San Diego State University Writers Conference that drew editors, agents, and writers from around the world. Nevien presented the workshop "Writing in Color," to a standing-room-only audience and held them rapt for the full hour. Her excellent presentation was informative, heartfelt, humorous, and thought-provoking. I highly recommend her as a speaker at any event, but especially events that want to promote diversity in the world."

Erin Quinn

New York Times Bestselling Author

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“After seeing Nevien speak on diversity at a writer’s conference I knew I wanted to hire her to come into my office to speak to our team about diversity and inclusion. Months later we are still talking about what we learned and using the materials and topics she discussed to better ourselves and our business. I strongly recommend anyone looking to build more diversity and inclusion into their own life and business look into hiring Nevien.”

Jessica Faust

President of Bookends Literary Agency

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“Nevien was so engaging, enlightening, and easy to connect with that she was brought back the very next year to have another session at the symposium. She was so easy to work within a collaborative program between identity centers at the University of Vermont and Champlain College. Even with conversations on hot-button topics, there was laughter and real camaraderie. Many students even stayed after to speak with Nevien individually and take photos with her.”

Dr. Sarah Childs

Assistant Director of the Mosaic Center for Students of Color

EVENTS

Alvarez and Marsal Management Midwest Town Hall (2023)

Highlights Foundation Symposium (2023)

American Association of Educational Researchers (2023)

Literary Research Association (2022)

American Association of Educational Researchers (2022)

Association of American Literary Agents (2022)

Highlights Foundation (2021)

NCTE Convention (2021)

NCTE Convention (2020)

Writer’s Digest Conference: Diversity in Publishing (2020)

Chicago History Museum Training (2019)

NCTE (2019)

American Medina Exhibit (2019)

Writer’s Novel Digest Conference (2019)

Diversity in Publishing: What Literary Agencies Need to Know (2019)

Untangling the Controversy: Hot Topics in Publishing (2019)

San Diego Writers Conference: Writing in Color (2019)

University of Vermont: Panel: The Importance of the Muslim Woman Narrative (2019)

Champlain University: A Seat at the Table: Amplifying Minority Women's Voices (2019)

Muslim American Society: The Importance of Diverse Narratives (2018)

University of Vermont: Pass the Mic: Including Narratives from Marginalized Communities (2019)

Creating a Culturally Aware Classroom: Diversity Staff Training (2019)

Muslim Women’s Association: Youth Leadership Seminar: The Power of Words (2018)

Society for Diversity: Unveiling Hidden Biases in the Public and Private Sector (2017)

DePaul University Muslim Student Association Presents: The Muslim American Voice (2017)

Moraine Valley Community College: Arab-American Voices (2017)

Saint Xavier University Middle-Eastern Women’s Forum: Putting Diversity in Practice (2016)