Aarti Tejuja

Aarti Tejuja recently stepped into the challenging role of Director of Social Engagement for Shambhala International. She is tasked with leading over 200 Shambhala Centers and groups all over the world toward a more socially engaged culture – encouraging us to lean into the broader community, where the tools and wisdom of our lineage can be of great benefit to the society beyond our shrine room walls. Aarti has worked with constituent groups including boards, committees, volunteers, and external audiences. In 2015-16, she managed/mentored a youth open mic night program called “Speak Up Chicago.” She sits on the board of a non-profit, Restored Hope that advocates for underserved women and children. Aarti has been involved with several collaborative efforts in Chicago such as Thrive, Peace Hub, the Kenwood Interfaith Council and the Buddhist-Catholic Dialogues. She participates in many interfaith efforts, and was invited by Pope Francis to participate in a Buddhist Catholic dialogue in Rome in 2015.