Shiza Shahid to speak at UM-Flint's Critical Issues Forum

Social entrepreneur, women's rights activist, and television personality Shiza Shahid is coming to the University of Michigan-Flint campus March 28 as part of this year's Frances Willson Thompson Critical Issues Forum.

The 2017-18 theme for the annual speaker series is "Dare to…," referring to the daring each of the four speakers have displayed in their efforts to make positive things happen. Shahid is the third speaker in this year's series.

Shadid grew up in Pakistan, becoming a voice for social change. She co-founded the Malala Fund with Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and Ziauddin Yousafzai. The organization develops educational opportunities for girls.

Shahid also co-founded The Collective, which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, artists, business leaders, human rights activists, and other leaders for social good across the globe.

"I can't overstate how excited we are to have Shiza Shahid speaking at UM-Flint," said Mark Simon, PhD, director of UM-Flint's Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. "Her work and passion for helping the world by supporting social entrepreneurs serves as an inspiration to us all."

Simon will introduce Shahid at the March 28 Critical Issues Forum lunchtime presentation, and will moderate the free, public Sullenger Dialogues session that follows the luncheon talk.