Jianan Shi has spent his career shaping institutions and building systems that create the conditions for all of us to thrive.
Jianan started his career as a public school educator, fell deeply in love with Chicago and immersed himself for the last decade in civic life. He became the Executive Director of Raise Your Hand for Illinois Public Education, organizing parents around issues in education. In addition to campaign wins that expanded democracy, increased access for students with the greatest needs, and centered resources on those most impacted, Jianan significantly grew Chicago parents’ organizing infrastructure and launched a statewide school funding coalition.
Jianan brought his passion for creating containers and coalitions into government, serving as the 89th Board President of Chicago Public Schools. During his tenure, he spearheaded delivery of a 5 year strategic plan, realigned a $10B budget to prioritize students with the greatest needs, and passed policies that made Chicago Public Schools a more equitable school district; policies that parents, educators and students have long advocated for.
Jianan continues his work on translating strategy to implementation in his consultancy practice where he partners with racial justice, advocacy/organizing, and philanthropic organizations on strategies, systems and design.
As a founding partner at For the Many Strategies, Jianan is excited to partner with coalitions, caucuses, and decision makers on political campaigns, legislative and advocacy strategy, policy education and field/base-building/constituent engagement.