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Simi Shah to keynote NAAAP Leadership Convention
The annual event will bring together executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders from across North America.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 14, Jul 2026
- 18:48 EDT
- 28
Simi Shah / Courtesy Photo
Simi Shah, founder and CEO of South Asian Trailblazers, will deliver a keynote address at the National Association of Asian American Professionals' (NAAAP) Leadership Convention.
The four-day convention, which is set to run from July 16 to 19 at the Sonesta Philadelphia, is one of North America's largest annual gatherings of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professionals.
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The 39th annual event is themed "Resonance & Resilience" and features leadership development sessions, career workshops, networking opportunities, industry speakers, and an awards gala.
At the convention, Shah will also receive the NAAAP Inspire Honoree recognition. She is scheduled to participate in a plenary panel on July 16 alongside Margaret Chin, a NAAAP 100 Honoree, and Noel Ramirez, a NAAAP Pride Honoree, with the discussion moderated by Hao Tran, CEO of Vietcetera Media.
In addition to the panel, Shah will deliver the convention's opening keynote on July 17 and will be recognized during the Gala and Awards Dinner later that evening.
According to the convention organizers, Shah joins the keynote lineup as the founder and CEO of South Asian Trailblazers and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Convention promotional material highlights her journey from serving as chief of staff to former PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi to building an award-winning media platform focused on South Asian leadership.
Shah founded South Asian Trailblazers in 2020 to elevate the stories of South Asian leaders through its podcast, media platform, and community events. The organization also operates the Trailblazers Agency, which provides executive advisory, executive branding, content and social media strategy, speechwriting, speaking placements, and cultural intelligence services for senior executives and organizations.
Before launching South Asian Trailblazers, Shah worked in private equity and investment banking before joining media startup Paperwork Studios. She later served as chief of staff to Indra Nooyi, advising the former PepsiCo chief executive, and now works as a strategist for chief executives and senior leaders.
In addition to leading South Asian Trailblazers, Shah serves as a board member of the National Women's Hall of Fame and advises high-growth companies, startups, and executives on brand strategy, strategic partnerships, and leadership communications.
Shah earned a bachelor's degree in economics and government from Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Her previous professional experience includes roles at Audax Group, Lazard, Wellington Management, Yard Ventures, and Paperwork Studios.
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