Welcome to Her|Story.

My name is Heli Shah.  I’m a K-12 Designer, an EDI Advocate, an Immigrant and a Woman.

I spent the first 10 years of my life in Mumbai, India. I was just an ordinary girl who hated math but loved anything creative. My dad loved to travel, so we went on family trips every chance we got. I had traveled to England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, Finland and explored numerous cities in India before the age of ten. While I don’t remember much from most my travels, my family assures me that I had the time of my life. 

I took my first solo trip when I was 8-years-old to the Windy City of Chicago. My mom was terrified to let me go on a 20+ hour journey alone, but I insisted so my dad sent me on my way to visit my grandmother for the summer. Two years later, my family and I moved to the United States, all our possession in tow. 

I spent the next 10 years of my life trying to fit in. I knew I was unlike the kids at school, but all kids have a fundamental need for belonging and fitting in. While most kids my age were trying to figure out how to multiply, I was trying to figure out what after school activities would make me seem “normal.” I questioned what homecoming was and why everyone was obsessed with peanut butter. I spent years re-learning how to spell, how to pronounce aluminum and the general differences between British English and American English. Grey vs Gray anyone? A few years later, my family moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Population: 70,800. Indian America population: Maybe a few hundred.

Indian Population at my High School: 1

While every teenager faces an identity crisis in High school, my experiences involved learning a new culture, a new language, and a new lifestyle. It was during that time where I rediscovered my interest in art, design and even architecture. I had the opportunity to audit a class at Western Kentucky University (WKU) for my High School Career Day. I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I decided to sign up for a class that aligned with my passion for art. I was placed in an Interior Design Rendering Class. When it came to selecting a school and major, I decided to double down on my career day experience and selected WKU to major in Architectural Sciences.

WKU Population: 20,903. Men: 8,494. Women: 12,409. Asians: 206. Architecture Program: Maybe 30?

Indian Women in the Architecture Program: 1

Architecture school is difficult for everyone, but my experience was more than I bargained for. I found the work enjoyable but the environment uncertain – especially due to the lack of representation I saw in the program and the industry at that time. Thankfully, I had great mentors and friends who supported me and ensured me that the hard work would be rewarded. A saying immigrant are much too familiar with. I worked hard, kept my head down and my work did speak. But only because other I had great teachers, mentors and friends who spoke up for me.

“Work hard and keep your head down. Your work will speak for itself.”

For these past 10 years, I’ve been working on finding my place in corporate America and learning how to stand up for myself (and help others find their voice). I received my Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design and entered the workforce of an industry that is still primarily male dominated. I was a stranger to Atlanta but not to being an outsider. I knew “hard work and keeping my head down” didn’t always lead to success and I was eager to find my place in the city and in the profession.

I was involved in AIAS is school so naturally, I decided to get involved in AIA after moving to Atlanta. One of my very first events was an Equity in Architecture Planning Meeting where I met first met Carmen Stan, the visionary behind the initial concept that has evolved into Her|Story. Inspired by her dedication, I had originally volunteered to help her with this endeavor. Unfortunately, Carmen passed in 2022 without having a chance to build on her idea of recognizing the exemplary work of female architects in Georgia.

Over these past several years, I’ve held several leadership roles in the AEC industry. Through those opportunities, I have found an amazing group of friends and mentors who support me, inspire me, and encourage me every single day. I have also had the privilege of meeting numerous inspiring people, especially women, who have shared their journey, their struggles and their challenges with me. Every time I hear a story of resilience, I am reminded of all the women who came before me who made it possible for me to be where I am today. Her|Story is a way to recognize their contributions and commitment to architecture, construction, design and beyond.

I hope you see this platform as a way to amplify female voices and preserve their narratives for future generation. May these stories inspire you to embark on your own journey, break new ground, and help create a brighter, more inclusive future for all!