Maya Shapiro, PhD
About Maya Shapiro, PhD
Maya Shapiro, PhD, is the Senior Manager and Research Lead in Service Design at CIBC, with extensive experience in anthropology, human insights, and cultural research.
Title and Current Position
Maya Shapiro, PhD, is currently serving as the Senior Manager and Research Lead, Service Design at CIBC. She has been with CIBC since 2019, where she leads initiatives in service design, leveraging her extensive background in anthropology and human insights to guide research-driven service improvements.
Previous Experience at Idea Couture Inc.
Maya Shapiro's tenure at Idea Couture Inc. saw her in two critical roles. From 2015 to 2018, she served as the Senior Resident Anthropologist, where she conducted in-depth anthropological studies to inform business strategy. Later, she transitioned to the role of Head of Human Insights, holding the position from 2018 to 2019. During this time, she directed research that delved into human behaviors and cultural trends.
Academic Background and Teaching Roles
Maya Shapiro has a robust academic background anchored in anthropology. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology from York University, where she studied from 2006 to 2013. Additionally, she completed her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Social Anthropology at York University between 2004 and 2006. Shapiro also boasts a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with Honours in Sociology and Anthropology from Dalhousie University, acquired from 1999 to 2003. Her teaching career includes roles as a Sessional Lecturer and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Sociology at York University.
Research and Consultancy Roles
Maya Shapiro has engaged in numerous research and consultancy positions throughout her career. Notably, she worked as a Researcher and Interviewer on a study funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) at Wilfrid Laurier University. She also served as a Cultural Anthropology Consultant for Television at First Generation Media and was a Counselor and Administrator in abortion and pregnancy assessment at Choice in Health Clinic.
Volunteer Work and Community Involvement
Maya Shapiro's commitment to social causes is evident through her extensive volunteer work. She has volunteered as a Spanish Interpreter with The Stop Community Food Centre and as an Administrator at Physicians for Human Rights' Open Clinic for Migrants and Refugees. Additionally, she co-created and hosted 'Radio Migrante' at CHRY 105.5 Community Radio Station and contributed as a member and organizer at Justicia 4 Migrant Workers.
Education and Specialized Interests
Maya Shapiro's education spans several prestigious institutions. She attended York University, where she obtained her PhD in Anthropology and her M.A. in Social Anthropology. She also studied at Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Dalhousie University, earning her B.A. with Honours in Sociology and Anthropology. Besides her academic pursuits, Maya has specialized interests in the intersection of design research and social economics, reproductive health, aging, food systems, and caregiving migration.