Her Story
About Shivani
Shivani Shah is a licensed architect at Amazon, where she has focused entirely on data center architecture for the past two years. With 6-7 years of experience in the field, she began her career in small firms and gained expertise across residential, commercial, retail, higher education, and healthcare projects before pivoting to her current role designing data centers deployed globally in the Americas. Shah, originally from India, credits her competitive cultural upbringing, investment in self-improvement books and podcasts, and guidance from strong women mentors and managers for her achievements. She emphasizes sincerity, honesty, curiosity, and humility in her work, encouraging young professionals to show up consistently, prioritize hard work over talent, and persist through challenges such as balancing full-time work with college and completing her six licensure exams despite setbacks. Her goals include advancing efficiencies in data center design, construction speed, and cost savings.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shivani
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing in India where the culture is very competitive, always putting in that extra effort. Also investing in self-improvement books and podcasts for inspiration, and having strong women mentors and managers throughout my career who have been great sources of inspiration.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just keep at it, show up every day, have commitment and rigor. Talent doesn't go very far but hard work does. Take that first step and opportunities will come your way. I worked full-time while going to college full-time and worked through my licensure exams despite failures.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Sincerity and honesty in your work, putting your head down and doing the work sincerely. Being curious, humble, always asking questions and looking to learn from people.
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