NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Virtual Enterprises International (VEI) today announced two new executive appointments that will advance the growth and development of VE programs and engagement efforts throughout the U.S.
Musa Ali Shama, a seasoned educator that has served as superintendent, principal and digital media teacher over his 27-year career in New York City schools, has been named Executive Vice President of Programs. In this capacity, Mr. Shama will spearhead VE’s organizational goals as it relates to program growth, curriculum and resource development, assessment, research and professional development. As part of VE’s management team, Mr. Shama will be instrumental in guiding VE’s expansion strategies and program outcomes.
Previously, Mr. Shama was superintendent of New Visions for Public Schools and, prior to that, deputy superintendent for high schools in the New York City Department of Education. He holds an MFA from CUNY, Lehman College; an MSEd in Educational Leadership from CUNY, Queens College, and a BS in Art Education from LIU, C.W. Post College. Born and raised in the Bronx to immigrant parents, Mr. Shama learned about entrepreneurship firsthand from his father who owned and operated several businesses.
VEI also appointed Doris Thomas as its Vice President of Engagement – a new position at the nonprofit. Ms. Thomas will drive VE’s corporate and community engagement through corporate sponsorship growth, corporate responsibility initiatives, individual giving efforts and skills-based volunteerism opportunities.
Previously, Ms. Thomas was Director of Corporate Relations and Sponsorships for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and, prior to that, Associate Director of Workplace Giving for United Way in northern New Jersey where she was responsible for managing its annual multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign. Doris Thomas has a B.S. in Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She resides in Jersey City with her two daughters, Whitney and Charlotte.
Both Mr. Shama and Ms. Thomas began their appointments with VE on Aug. 16th.
“I believe VEI has found exceptional leaders in Musa Ali and Doris,” said Nick Chapman, president of Virtual Enterprises International. “Their expertise combined with their passion for VE’s mission make them great additions to our leadership team.”
Mr. Shama said of his appointment, “I’m delighted to help VE dive deeper into its program development and expansion throughout the United States. We want to give as many students as we can the opportunity to experience this program, test-drive potential careers and develop the sought-after workplace skills and competencies needed by today’s employers,” he added.
“It is a thrill to be working with a nonprofit that continues to make such an impact on the lives of so many young students,” said Ms. Thomas. “I’m looking forward to advancing VE’s mission by deepening their corporate and individual relationships through additional fundraising and volunteer opportunities.”
ABOUT VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES INTERNATIONAL
Virtual Enterprises International (VE) is a national nonprofit that transforms students through authentic business experiences which prepare them for fulfilling, financially secure futures. Since the inception of the Virtual Enterprises (VE) program in 1996, it has served over 175,000 high school students, including many from economically disadvantaged communities. In 2015, VE introduced the VE-JV Career Academy, a similar two-year program which enables 7th and 8th grade students to develop technology and entrepreneurial skills by starting and managing business ventures.
We currently support 16,500 students across the U.S. each year and are part of a global network spanning 40 countries and 7,500 student-run businesses. Learn more about VE on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.
Contacts
Rossana Weitekamp
PR for VE
917-363-2510, rweite@gmail.com