Shagah Zakerion is an inspiring community leader, speaker and strategist who has dedicated her career to making her hometown of Tulsa a better place for all. With over a decade of experience in business and nonprofit development, public outreach, and strategic planning, Shagah has helped countless organizations achieve their goals and improve their impact.
As the former Executive Director of the Lobeck Taylor Operating Foundation (LTOF), she was an equal part Chief of Staff and Chief Operations Officer for Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation (LTFF) and its programs. In this role, she served as the principal advisor and leader to LTFF, its programs, and staff, breaking down barriers for Tulsans with big ideas. She has also served as Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager for Williams, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Tulsa, where she worked to create a more inclusive company culture that brought out the best in its people. And most notably, she previously served as Executive Director of Tulsa's Young Professionals and The Forge and has played a key role in developing the next generation of business and community leaders in the region.
Shagah has been recognized for her outstanding achievements and leadership, including being named the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Champion Award, the 2019 Williams’ Champion Award for her work on the organization’s ESG Report, the 2016 IABC Communicator of the Year, and the youngest recipient of the 2013 Journal Record's Achievers Under 40. She is also an honoree for IonOklahoma's 2014 30 Under 30.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shagah is a passionate advocate for cancer research and elimination. As a three-time cancer survivor, she has devoted her time and energy to several organizations dedicated to this cause, including serving on the Stephenson Cancer Research Center's Board of Advocates and Community Advisory Board. She is also a dedicated volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Shagah's dedication to her community extends beyond her professional and volunteer work. She is a board member of several organizations, including the Khalid Jabara Foundation, Sally's List, and Gaining Ground Literacy. She serves on the board of advisors for Resonance Center for Women and co-founded the TYPROS Foundation and Union United for Change. She graduated from the Tulsa Area United Way NexTulsa executive training program.
Shagah earned her degree in public relations with a double minor in political science and women's and gender studies from the University of Oklahoma
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