Miriam Shabo brings more than 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 2001, where she supports the transitions of new international students and assists graduating students as they advance to universities. As the principal designated school official, Ms. Shabo ensures compliance with immigration regulations and offers guidance to students navigating the challenges of studying abroad. 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 Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in 1989 and a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in nonprofit management from Northwestern University in 2009, Ms. Shabo is well-equipped for her multifaceted role. Her expertise in finance, international education, and immigration management is complemented by her extensive background in fiscal consulting and resource development. She previously served as the finance director for Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District and the business and finance manager for the City of Evanston Park District.
In her civic pursuits, Ms. Shabo has contributed to pro bono consulting for various schools and managed work-study programs at Loyola University. She has also participated in national political conventions and served as a representative for the Independent Voters of Illinois, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement and policy advocacy. Notably, she is currently collaborating with Senator Dick Durbin’s office 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that would streamline the assessment process for foreign-trained doctors entering the United States, aiming to address outdated legal barriers.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 Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District. Reflecting on her career, Ms. Shabo cites her role as finance manager for the Evanston Park District after completing her graduate studies as a defining moment. Another cherished memory is awarding a scholarship to a student who later joined the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools, acknowledging her as the benefactor who supported their academic journey.
Ms. Shabo’s influence extends beyond her office walls. She supports and mentors students entering fields as diverse as medicine, finance, forensics, and diplomacy. Many of her former students 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 husband and her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her unique blend of financial acumen, compassion for international 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.