Shama Shams

Shama Shams is a dynamic writer, speaker, and nonprofit advocate based in Seattle. She holds a Master’s in Religion—with a specialization in Islam—from Florida State University, and her debut memoir, She Called Me Throwaway (published in March 2024), powerfully recounts her journey from a challenging childhood to personal healing and transformation. Her memoir received Honorable Mention at the Next Good Read writing contest.

Her writing has earned accolades in prominent publications like Palooka, Transformation, Fiction Fix, and Mandala Literary Journal, and she was a finalist for the Black Warrior Review. Her live storytelling events, including readings titled “Lost in Translation,” “Elephant in the Room,” and “Old School,” have captivated audiences at venues such as the Dallas Museum of Arts and the AT&T Performing Arts Center, with recordings available on her YouTube channel, Oral Fixation (An Obsession with True Life Tales).

Her next book, Dreamers: The Search for the American Dream, is under contract and expected in 2026.

In addition to her literary accomplishments, Shama has dedicated over two decades to the nonprofit sector—advocating for marginalized communities, raising vital funds, and sharing her expertise through her book Nonprofit Fundraising—Lessons from the Trenches and the podcast From Passion to Purpose. Her commitment to community impact extends to her roles on various nonprofit boards and as an educator at North Seattle College, Edmonds College, and the Hugo House.

A devoted mother to two daughters, a loving wife, and a proud golden retriever companion, Shama’s multifaceted life reflects her resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to inspiring change both through her writing and her community work.