Azadeh N. Shahshahani Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

Azadeh N. Shahshahani is a renowned human rights attorney and the Legal & Advocacy Director for Project South, a position that allows her to fuse her passion for justice with strategic advocacy. Her work has focused extensively on defending the rights and dignity of Muslims, immigrants, and communities of color in the Southern United States. A respected voice in the field, Shahshahani's commitment to human rights is both deep and personal, rooted in her experiences and observations as an immigrant and her drive to challenge systemic inequities. Born in Iran, Azadeh moved to the United States with her family when she was a child. Growing up, she experienced firsthand the complexities and challenges faced by immigrants in America. These early experiences ignited a lifelong dedication to human rights and social justice. Shahshahani pursued her educational aspirations with determination, earning a law degree from the University of Michigan. Her time in law school cemented her resolve to stand against injustices and defend those whose voices are often silenced. Shahshahani's professional journey is marked by her roles in a variety of impactful positions. She has served as president of the National Lawyers Guild. Prior to her work with Project South, she served as the National Security/Immigrants’ Rights Project Director at the ACLU of Georgia, where she spearheaded efforts to protect Muslim and immigrant communities against discriminatory practices and policies. Her dedication has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Shanara M. Gilbert Human Rights Award from the Society of American Law Teachers, the US Human Rights Network Human Rights Movement Builder Award, the Emory Law School Outstanding Leadership in the Public Interest Award, the University of Georgia Law School Equal Justice Foundation Public Interest Practitioner Award, and the Emory University MLK Jr. Community Service Award, among several other recognitions. She has also been recognized as an Abolitionist by the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University & the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives.. In her current role at Project South, Shahshahani focuses on amplifying the voices of those often excluded from the narrative. She tackles issues from racial justice to immigrants' rights with a strategy that combines litigation, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization. Her leadership has been instrumental in challenging unjust state laws and policies, shaping public discourse, and fostering solidarity among diverse communities. Beyond her legal work, Shahshahani is an active writer and commentator, contributing to various publications on issues surrounding civil and human rights. She has served on multiple boards, ensuring that advocacy extends beyond the courtroom and into broader societal change. Azadeh Shahshahani's career is a testament to the power of unwavering commitment to justice, the importance of community, and the ongoing fight for equality and dignity for all.