Miriam Shabo brings close to two decades of experience and dedication to her role as the director of the International Students Program and Operations Consulting at the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools. She has managed this program since 2008, supporting new and current international students and assisting graduating students as they advance to universities. As the principal designated school official, Ms. Shabo ensures compliance with SEVIS regulations for F-1 students and offers guidance to students navigating the challenges of studying in the U.S. She also coordinates travel plans for K-12 international students during breaks, emphasizing care and safety for minors.
With a master’s degree in project management from the Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in 1989 and a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in nonprofit management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management/Northwestern University in 2009, Ms. Shabo is well-equipped for her multifaceted role. Her expertise in finance, international education, and management is complemented by her extensive background in fiscal consulting and resource development. She previously was the finance director for a Special Municipal District and the business and finance manager for a Park District in Illinois, with a special focus on economic development. She also worked for the Canadian and the French Foreign Service and the private sector in Europe and Australia.
In her civic pursuits, Ms. Shabo has contributed to pro bono consulting for various schools and managed work-study programs with students from Loyola University. She has also participated in national political conventions and was endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement and policy advocacy. Notably, she is currently collaborating through NAFSA and congressional offices to address restrictive visa requirements for international students, striving to make it easier for them to study in the United States instead of losing talent to other countries. She also advocates for reforms that would streamline the assessment process for foreign-trained doctors entering the U.S., aiming to address outdated legal barriers.
Ms. Shabo’s dedication to service and student support has been recognized with awards such as the St. Sabina Academy Humanitarian Award and the Lincoln Fellowship for Excellence in Public Service. Her work in finance also earned her the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award three times during her tenure at a Special Municipal District. Moreover, she co-authored the “Fiscal Management Handbook for Catholic Schools.” Reflecting on her career, Ms. Shabo cites her role as business and finance manager for the Park District in Illinois after completing her graduate studies as a defining moment. Another cherished memory is working to obtain scholarships for students attending the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools.
Ms. Shabo’s influence extends beyond her office walls. She supports and mentors students entering fields as diverse as education, medicine, finance, forensics, and diplomacy. Many of her former student mentees credit her guidance for their career successes, underscoring her commitment to their personal and professional development. As she looks toward the future, Ms. Shabo envisions starting a foundation to research cures for Parkinson’s disease and dementia and hopes to publish a memoir detailing her life’s work in education and advocacy.
Balancing her career with a close family life, Ms. Shabo attributes her accomplishments to the support of her late husband and her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her unique blend of financial acumen, compassion for international and local students, and commitment to advocacy distinguishes her in the field, setting a high standard for others to follow. Through her work at the Archdiocese of Chicago, Ms. Shabo has left a lasting impact on students and the educational community alike.