Chicago, USA: Preeti Shankar, an Indian-origin expert, has been appointed as the new environment program officer at the Joyce Foundation. In this capacity, she will manage grants related to the Foundation's Great Lakes and drinking water initiatives.
With over ten years of experience in urban sustainability, water management, environmental justice, and applied research, Shankar brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her background will be crucial in advancing the Foundation’s environmental objectives.
Shankar shared her excitement about the position on LinkedIn, saying, "I’m thrilled to join the amazing Environment team at the Joyce Foundation as a Program Officer, supporting its efforts in the Great Lakes and drinking water sectors."
Prior to joining the Joyce Foundation, Shankar was the managing director of the Urban Analytics team at the Center for Neighborhood Technology. There, she worked on addressing environmental inequalities in Chicago's neighborhoods, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data to drive change. Her efforts contributed to the creation of advocacy tools that highlighted policy failures while supporting community-based solutions. Shankar also collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders, including local organizations, city departments, and academic institutions, to confront environmental challenges.
Shankar’s career also includes roles as a transportation planner, planning intern, and junior architect, both in the United States and India.
She holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India. Her professional background spans urban planning and architecture, with significant experience in both the U.S. and India.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Kannada, Shankar, who grew up in India, has lived in Chicago since 2012.
The Joyce Foundation, based in Chicago, is a private, nonpartisan organization focused on advancing racial equity and economic mobility through evidence-based public policies in the Great Lakes region. Shankar’s appointment is an exciting milestone in the Foundation's ongoing efforts to address pressing environmental issues in the region.
