In this episode of More MPE, hosts Ray Horton and Sandi Wright speak with Shaba Keys, adjunct faculty at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies Nonprofit Management Program, founder and president of the Bridge Lab, and a dynamic leader in academia and community development.

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Keys was deeply influenced by her parents, both educators who championed marginalized communities. This early exposure to civic engagement laid the foundation for her future in social enterprise.

After completing her BA at Tufts University and JD from Columbus School of Law, Keys’s career took an unexpected turn. Her experiences during law school, particularly working with youth in detention centers, sparked her interest in addressing societal challenges. This led her to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), where she gained a national perspective on community development.

Keys’s work at LISC greatly influenced her career path. At Columbia University, in the offices of Government and Community Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, she focused on developing anchor institution programs and community support initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between institutions and community organizations, and her unique position as both a professional and a community member allowed her to build trust and bridge gaps effectively.

The interview also highlights Keys’s participation in the Tamer Institute’s Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals, which provided her with new perspectives on leadership and the value of peer learning. Her extensive board service, including roles with the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem and other organizations, underscores her commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

Keys concludes with advice for aspiring social enterprisers, encouraging them to maintain hope, embrace innovation, and recognize that there's a place for everyone in social sector work, regardless of their primary field of expertise.

• Shaba Keys

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More MPE is co-hosted by Sandi Wright and produced by The Podcast Consultant. Special thanks to executive producer Hannah Slow and student producers Sofia Martins '26 and Dominica Wambold '26.

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