Dr. Ruth A. Shapiro is an American author and academic who is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS).
Shapiro is the author of ''Pragmatic Philanthropy: Asian Charity Explained'' and editor of ''The Real Problem Solvers'', a book about
social entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship is an approach by individuals, groups, start-up companies or entrepreneurs, in which they develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a wide range of ...
in America. ''The Real Problem Solvers'' was also published in Chinese under the title 《真正的问题解决者》, and this edition includes seven additional chapters on Chinese social entrepreneurs. She also co-authored the book ''Building Energy Efficiency: Why Green Buildings are Key to Asia’s Future.''
Early life
Shapiro was born in the United States on 7 January 1960. She completed her undergraduate work at the
University of Michigan
, mottoeng = "Arts, Knowledge, Truth"
, former_names = Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania (1817–1821)
, budget = $10.3 billion (2021)
, endowment = $17 billion (2021)As o ...
. Shapiro holds a doctorate from
Stanford University and master’s degrees from
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of high ...
and
George Washington University
, mottoeng = "God is Our Trust"
, established =
, type = Private federally chartered research university
, academic_affiliations =
, endowment = $2.8 billion (2022)
, presi ...
.
Career
Shapiro spent the early part of her professional career in the field of
international development
International development or global development is a broad concept denoting the idea that societies and countries have differing levels of economic development, economic or human development (humanity), human development on an international scal ...
. Within this field, she held management positions and built new program areas at the Academy for Educational Development and Harvard University’s Center for International Development.
Shapiro founded the
Asia Business Council in 1997 and served as Executive Director from its inception to May 2007. She now acts as Senior Advisor to the Council. During her role as Founder, she recruited CEOs and chairpersons from across Asia and around the world to create a forum for business leaders in the Asia region to discuss issues of interest.
From 2007 until 2014, Shapiro was Principal of Keyi Strategies, a
consultancy
A consultant (from la, consultare "to deliberate") is a professional (also known as ''expert'', ''specialist'', see variations of meaning below) who provides advice and other purposeful activities in an area of specialization.
Consulting servic ...
specializing in increasing the understanding of Asian business and charity sectors among leaders in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
In 2013, Shapiro co-founded the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), a nonprofit based in
Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta i ...
that works across 18 Asian countries and territories. CAPS is an Asia-focused, independent, action-oriented research and advisory organization committed to maximizing private resources for doing good. Its flagship research initiative is the ''Doing Good Index''. As Co-Founder and Chief Executive, she developed CAPS as well as recruited board members, funders, and professional staff. Chairman of Hang Lung Group
Ronnie C. Chan is Co-Founder and Chairman of CAPS' Board of Governors.
Shapiro is also a frequent contributor to media publications, including the ''
South China Morning Post'', ''
Nikkei Asian Review
''Nikkei Asia'', known as ''Nikkei Asian Review'' between 2013 and 2020, is a major Japan-based English-language weekly news magazine focussed on the Asian continent, although it also covers broader international developments. It is headquartered ...
'', ''
The Economic Times
''The Economic Times'' is an Indian English-language business-focused daily newspaper. It is owned by The Times Group. ''The Economic Times'' began publication in 1961. As of 2012, it is the world's second-most widely read English-language b ...
'' and ''Philanthropy Impact Magazine''.
External links
Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shapiro, Ruth
Stanford University alumni
Harvard University alumni
George Washington University alumni
University of Michigan alumni
Philanthropic organizations
Philanthropy
1960 births
Living people