Shahnaz Alam-Denlinger is an Asian-American who was born in Bangladesh and came to Pittsburgh as a child. Aside from living in Jordan for 11 years as a teenager and young college student, Pittsburgh is her home. She is a graduate of Jordan University of Science and Technology with a degree in architectural engineering. She received her Masters in Education and her Principal Certification from Point Park University. She is married with a son and daughter-in-law.

Shahnaz has over 19 years of experience in teaching all levels of 7-12 mathematics in urban and private schools. She also develops curriculum and trains new educators and has taught as an adjunct in local colleges and universities.

She converted to Christianity through relational experiences and has a deep desire to help others see the “grace” that has been given to her. She has been a member of the Episcopal church since her conversion and is an active member of St. Thomas Memorial Church in Oakmont, Pa. She serves on a variety of committees and commissions within the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Due to her own immigrant background and travel experience, she has a deep respect for other cultures. Her experience as a woman of color in a multicultural family, raising a biracial son, and growing up as an immigrant in the United States, gives her a deep desire to reach out to others who experience adversity due to their diversity and perceived differences.