Seema Shah is the Founder and Principal of Urban Strategies & Solutions, LLC, an economic development consultancy that advises nonprofit, academic, governmental, and startup clients on workforce and community development strategies, particularly as it relates to the impacts and outcomes of emerging technological phenomena. Currently, she is advising an affordable housing startup, ResideIQ, to prepare for its initial round of funding.
Most recently, Seema was the Inaugural Executive Director of Civic Hall, the new connective hub shaping the future of learning, entrepreneurship, and work. Spread over 85,000 square feet in Union Square, Civic Hall serves as a platform for innovators in the fields of talent development, artificial intelligence, climate and green tech, civic and public interest tech, and cybersecurity. The mission is to create sustainable opportunities for tech talent to gain skills and knowledge, expand networks, showcase learnings, and develop professional experiences in a centrally located, accessible, and state-of-the-art space that brings together a diverse set of stakeholders. Before Civic Hall officially opened in November 2023, Seema worked with a team of architects, designers, and builders to lead the charge on constructing and cultivating a home for all New Yorkers that values their learning goals and signals a physical investment in their success. As Executive Director, Seema managed strategic, financial, programmatic and operational initiatives, including working to meet a $7M annual budget every year.
Prior to Civic Hall, Seema led the Innovation Policy unit at the New York State Department of Financial Services where she was their chief AI researcher and supported the team's efforts in internal digital transformation and external market innovation in fintech.
Seema earned her Executive MBA from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, her Master’s in Urban Policy and Management from Milano, The New School University and her Bachelor's from Barnard College, Columbia University.
