About

Nevien is an educator and thought leader advancing organizational development, cross-cultural communication, and organizational culture in higher education and beyond.

Based in the Chicagoland area, Nevien partners with colleges, universities, and educational organizations, as well as federal agencies, media outlets, and corporations, to deliver impactful workshops, presentations, and consultations. Her deep understanding of educational systems, leadership development, and organizational culture allows her to create lasting change, foster innovation, and strengthen learning-centered institutions. Through her work, Nevien is committed to advancing excellence, equity, and transformational leadership in higher education and beyond

Holding a Master of Arts in Education and a Ph.D. in Literacy, Language, and Culture with a focus on inclusion, equity, and belonging from the University of Illinois, she expertly combines research-driven insights with engaging storytelling to captivate and inspire audiences. Her workshops go beyond being merely informative; they are transformative experiences designed to inspire action and foster lasting change.

Through her expertise, Nevien continues to drive the movement toward a more collaborative 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