Shahla Safaie

I am a creative, multilingual educator with 20+ years of experience teaching art, fashion, textiles, and ESL in academic and community settings. Skilled in developing engaging, culturally rich curricula and fostering student success. Fluent in English, Italian, and Farsi, with professional experience in the U.S. and Italy.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Faculty – Fashion & Marketing, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA – Taught fashion design, textiles, and retail marketing; developed industry-relevant curriculum; mentored students in portfolio and career preparation.

Art Instructor, Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA – Led classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, organized exhibitions and student showcases.

ESL Instructor & Substitute Teacher, Drake University & Des Moines Public Schools; Florence, Italy – Began as a substitute teacher in Des Moines while a student at Drake University and continued in various teaching roles; taught English to multilingual learners; promoted cross-cultural learning; adapted lessons to varied proficiency levels.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURAL PROJECTS

Program Director, Grandma’s House (HIV/AIDS nonprofit) – Developed art-based youth programs.

Art Curator & Gallery Manager, Catholic University of America – Coordinated exhibitions and artist collaborations.

Cultural Liaison, Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit – Partnered with Italian Consulate & San Jose Science Museum.

EDUCATION

Graduate Studies – Architecture & Urban Design, Catholic University of America

BFA – Textiles, Drake University

AA – Fashion & Design, Fleming College, Florence, Italy

LANGUAGES

English – Fluent | Italian – Fluent | Farsi – Fluent | French – Intermediate

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to introduce myself as a multilingual luxury retail, real estate, and design professional with over 25 years of leadership experience across fashion, art, education, and cultural initiatives.

Attached is my résumé for your consideration. Highlights include: - Leadership in luxury retail and fashion buying - New home sales experience in Northern California - Adjunct faculty and art instruction experience - Curating internationally recognized exhibitions, including Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering works at the San Jose Science Museum

I am available immediately and would welcome the opportunity to discuss current or upcoming positions that match my background. Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to connecting.

Best regards, Shahla Safaie

EDUCATION

• Master of Architecture & Landscape Architecture, University of Minnesota, Venice, Italy
• Fast Track Master’s in Architecture, Urban Design & Planning, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
• Bachelor of Arts in Textiles & Printmaking, Minor in Political Science & International Relations, Drake University, Des Moines, IA / Florence, Italy
• Associate Degree in Art, Fleming College, Florence, Italy