LP 40 for 40 – Shaheen Salam

The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40^th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.

We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.

Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 17, Graduate, Shaheen Salam, Community Volunteer.  Most recently, Shaheen has served as the Co-Chair of the Multi Cultural Outreach Roundtable (MCOR) for the City of Plano and was a Past President of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation. As the Co-Chair for MCOR, she has successfully organized the Annual Citizenship Workshop for the past 13 years and the Student Visa Workshop for the past 5 years.

In 1975, Shaheen’s husband was sent on deputation from Pakistan International Airlines, in Karachi, Pakistan to Malta as Chief Flight Engineer of Air Malta. Her family lived in Malta for five years before they emigrated to the U.S. in 1980. Since moving to the United States, Shaheen has owned and successfully operated Connor’s Flowers located in Plano, TX and a Cold Stone Creamery Franchise inside the Valley View Mall. Shaheen is currently employed as the Head of Science and Science Teacher at Dallas Academy.

She has been fortunate enough to travel extensively into Europe, Africa, The Far East, The Middle East and North America. Her husband’s profession as an international pilot made these world travels possible! Her family’s motto is to always ‘’ Make Mankind its Business by Sowing the Seeds of Love and by always Lending a Helping Hand” by the Grace of God.

1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?

I was very new to Plano. I arrived in this City in 1997 after living internationally for 10 years to own and run a florist shop ” Connors Flowers” I did not know anything about this City and wanted to learn more. A customer who became a friend sponsored me to join Plano Metro Rotary Club in 1998. Andre Davidson, who was the ED of Leadership Plano did a presentation on Leadership Plano. I immediately thought that this was my chance to learn more about Plano and get involved; consequently, I applied and to my surprise got selected.

2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?

The retreat in Palestine Texas, was the most memorable and unique experience, especially passing through the spider web with the help of my colleagues.

3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?

LP creates future leaders of Plano. It makes us learn not only about the nonprofit boards, Plano’s history and how the City of Plano functions. inspires the members with a spirit of volunteerism. These members, then become future leasers of Plano.

4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?

The spirit of volunteerism has been created in me. I have become so involved in the city for this reason, since the time I graduated in 2000.

5. Why was your class the “Best Class Ever”?

All of us bonded very well, Andre Davidson was an excellent leader, who inspired and led us. All the graduates of this class have been involved in the city in some way or other. Our Class project was the best too.