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, Startup company, 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 ...

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 The University of Michigan (U-M, U of M, or Michigan) is a public university, public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1817, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The University of Mi ...

. Shapiro holds a doctorate from

Stanford University Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University, is a Private university, private research university in Stanford, California, United States. It was founded in 1885 by railroad magnate Leland Stanford (the eighth ...

and master’s degrees from

Harvard University Harvard University is a Private university, private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, the History of the Puritans in North America, Puritan clergyma ...

and

George Washington University The George Washington University (GW or GWU) is a Private university, private University charter#Federal, federally-chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Originally named Columbian College, it was chartered in 1821 by ...

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 (economics), human development on an international sca ...

. 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 "to deliberate") is a professional (also known as ''expert'', ''specialist'', see variations of meaning below) who provides advice or services in an area of specialization (generally to medium or large-size corporations). Con ...

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)., Legally Hong Kong, China in international treaties and organizations. is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the wor ...

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 The ''South China Morning Post'' (''SCMP''), with its Sunday edition, the ''Sunday Morning Post'', is a Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper owned by Alibaba Group. Founded in 1903 by Tse Tsan-tai and Alfred Cunningham, it has remaine ...

'', ''

Nikkei Asian Review ''Nikkei Asia'', known as ''Nikkei Asian Review'' between 2013 and 2020, is a major Japan-based English-language weekly news magazine focused on the Asian continent, although it also covers broader international developments. It is headquartere ...

'', ''

The Economic Times ''The Economic Times'' is an Indian English-language business-focused daily newspaper. Owned by The Times Group, ''The Economic Times'' began publication in 1961 and it is sold in all major cities in India. As of 2012, it is the world's secon ...

'' 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