Helly Shah: Building Bridges Between Cultures, One Student at a Time
When Helly Shah arrived in Boston from Gujarat, India, she carried with her not only a Master’s degree ambition, but also a quiet determination to become a bridge between worlds. Today, as a Development Associate in Northeastern University’s Advancement Office, Shah is doing just that, building connections between students, alumni, and cultures, especially for the Indian community that helped shape her own experience as an Indian expat.
Earlier this year, she was honored with the Laurel and Scroll 100 Award, which honors exceptional graduate and professional students across Northeastern’s global university system.
A Path Forged Through Courage and Community
Shah’s story began like that of many Indian students, filled with promise, uncertainty, and a deep sense of responsibility. She followed her now-husband, who came to Northeastern to pursue a master’s in engineering management, inspired by the university’s unique co-op model. Seeing the transformation he underwent, Shah decided to enroll in Northeastern’s Project Management master’s program at the College of Professional Studies, graduating in December 2024.
“India’s education system is very theoretical,” she reflects. “But here, at Northeastern, learning was so practical; it was like sitting in a room full of project managers and solving real-life challenges together. Even the professors were professional project managers that could offer real life examples right in the classroom.”
That environment offered more than just academics. It offered a mirror. “When you come to another country, you want to do a lot of things, but you don’t know where to start. You lack confidence. That’s where the need for community becomes clear.”
“India’s education system is very theoretical,” she reflects. “But here, at Northeastern, learning was so practical; it was like sitting in a room full of project managers and solving real-life challenges together.”
Turning Experience Into Impact
Her first job on campus was at the bookstore, part-time at first, then as a supervisor. It was there she noticed a pattern: Indian students would frequently approach her for employment, unsure of where else to go. She began offering informal guidance including resume tips, advice on U.S. work culture. Soon, her passion for helping others grew into something more structured.
During her co-op in Northeastern’s Alumni Relations (AR) department, Shah had the opportunity to turn that passion into programming. She created two key events: one demystifying U.S. visa laws with the help of university attorneys, and another, a vibrant Valentine’s Day marketplace for student and alumni vendors to sell crafts. Both were resounding successes, but more importantly, they filled urgent gaps in student support.
“I realized the university didn’t fully understand the immigrant experience,” Shah explains. “I wanted to be the bridge between what students needed and what the institution could offer.”
Supporting the Indian Student Journey
Outside the university walls, Shah’s community work didn’t stop. She is a dedicated volunteer of the Yogi Divine Society in Boston, a humanitarian group rooted in the Hindu Swaminarayan tradition. Every Friday night, Shah helps with a cultural and motivational gathering open to all Indian students. There, students find community, a hot Indian meal, and critical reminders of why they came to the U.S. in the first place.
“Some students feel culture shock deeply,” she shares. “They’re alone, stressed, and don’t always have healthy coping strategies. We want to remind them of their parents’ sacrifices, help them stay focused, and keep their energy going in the right direction.”
The sessions include everything from motivational talks to discussions on housing, job searching, and adjusting to American life. It’s a lifeline for many who might otherwise feel lost.
A New Role, A Continuing Mission
Now, as a Development Associate in Northeastern’s Advancement Office, Shah supports donor engagement by coordinating meetings, preparing reports, and building data dashboards for individual giving. But her heart remains with students.
“My job may be behind the scenes, but I still think about impact,” she says. “Helping students, helping donors, it’s all about connecting people to purpose.”
Despite the challenges of being on an F-1 visa (her husband holds an H-1B), Shah remains grateful. “I’m not earning as much as I would in a corporate job, but I’m happy. I’m in a place where I’m making a difference, where I feel like this is my university.”
Tara Esfahanian, Director of Development for the College of Professional Studies is a colleague of Shah’s. She said, “Having Helly on our team has been a wonderful addition. As a recent CPS graduate, she brings a fresh perspective, and a deep understanding of our students’ needs and interests. In just a short time, she has already made a significant impact. During Giving Day, Helly elevated CPS’s profile and, for the first time, the college had a presence during the campaign. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and a spark to our team. We are excited to see what she does next.”
Looking Ahead
Shah dreams of one day seeing a Northeastern campus in Mumbai, a bridge that would bring the co-op model to the heart of India and ease the cultural transitions for thousands of Indian students who dream of studying abroad.
“We need more people to take these kinds of initiatives,” she says. “When I came here, I thought I knew everything. But I learned that courage is about starting from scratch and still choosing to help others.”
For Indian alumni reading her story, Shah offers a call to action: get involved, give back, and remember the power of community. Whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or sharing your own story, every step helps students like her stay the course, and thrive.
