RAJAN SHAHI

Originally from Nepal, Rajan Shahi immigrated to Chicago with his wife in 2009. They settled in the Edgewater neighborhood for 3 years and then moved to Uptown in 2012. Inspired to help fellow immigrants, in 2010, Rajan started working as a Citizenship Coordinator at Chinese Mutual Aid Association. In this role, Rajan assisted low income immigrants reach their American Dream by becoming naturalized US citizens; as a native speaker of Nepalese and Hindi, he was able to assist many Nepalese and Indian immigrants on their naturalization journey. 

 

With a background in finance, Rajan became CMAA’s Comptroller in 2017, focusing on the financial health of the organization in order to serve more Uptown families in need. Recently promoted, Rajan is currently CMAA’s Director of Finance. Under his financial leadership, Rajan has grown CMAA’s annual operating budget from $5 million to $9 million. Although he no longer works directly with clients, he continues to connect low income immigrant and refugee families to essential services. In 2020, CMAA has helped provide rental and cash assistance to over 200 families through funding from the City of Chicago and foundations. Rajan has helped connect this cash assistance to many Nepalese and other needy families who have lost income due to the pandemic. 

 

Rajan joined the Uptown Chamber of Commerce Board in 2017, and now he is serving as a Treasurer. As a former responsible resident of Uptown who has dedicated his career to serving the Uptown immigrant community, Rajan hopes to see the neighborhood be successful and for local businesses to thrive. 

 

FUN FACT |  Rajan loves to sing Nepali and Hindi songs.