In a world often dominated by negativity, Chicago-based founder Priya Shah is quietly shifting the narrative—one act of “good” at a time.
As the visionary behind The Simple Good, Priya has created more than a nonprofit. She’s built a global movement rooted in self-worth, human connection, and the belief that joy can exist—even in life’s most difficult moments.
Her journey didn’t begin in a boardroom. It began across the world.
Through her international work, Priya spent time in communities throughout South Africa, Brazil, and even at Mother Teresa’s orphanage. What she witnessed there was unexpected. Despite facing immense hardship, the children she met radiated resilience, joy, and a deep sense of humanity.
That experience sparked a powerful realization.
“The Simple Good has been a life’s journey,” Priya shares. “I realized that nobody actually taught me what’s good about me. People always tell you what you’re not.”
From that moment, her mission became clear: to help individuals—especially young people—recognize their inherent worth and the good they bring into the world.
At the heart of The Simple Good is a simple but transformative idea: defining “good” is essential to understanding ourselves and how we show up for others.
“No matter where we go in the world, good means the same to all of us,” Priya explains.
That universal truth has become the foundation of her work. By guiding individuals to identify their strengths, she empowers them to build confidence, resilience, and purpose—qualities that extend far beyond the individual and into the community.
A key element of this process is creative expression.
“Art is a natural pairing for us to understand ourselves and those around us,” Priya says.
Through art, participants are able to process emotions, explore identity, and connect more deeply with others. It becomes both a mirror and a bridge—helping individuals better understand themselves while fostering empathy and connection.
What began as a blog has since grown into a global nonprofit, impacting thousands of young people worldwide. Priya has witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when individuals begin to see their own value.
She describes shifts in behavior, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of safety and belonging among the youth she works with. These changes may seem subtle, but their long-term impact is profound.
In a time when many struggle with self-doubt and disconnection, The Simple Good is addressing a critical need: rebuilding self-worth from within.
Despite its global reach, the organization’s roots remain firmly planted in Chicago.
“Chicago is very much a community-oriented city,” Priya says. “I’m very grateful that I started The Simple Good here.”
She is also passionate about reshaping the narrative around the city, highlighting its strength, diversity, and sense of connection.
“It’s a beautiful city filled with good people and incredible stories.”
For Priya, meaningful global impact starts locally. By engaging communities at the grassroots level, she believes change becomes more sustainable and far-reaching.
Her leadership style reflects that same intentionality. Having worked in both corporate and nonprofit spaces, Priya emphasizes the importance of authenticity and awareness.
Her advice for aspiring changemakers is simple: “Stay authentic to yourself and always be observant of the needs of the community.”
It’s a reminder that impact isn’t about moving fast—it’s about moving with purpose.
Through it all, Priya remains grounded in mindfulness. Daily practices like reflection, deep breathing, and gratitude help her stay centered and aligned with her mission.
For her, living a meaningful life isn’t defined by success alone—it’s about creating impact and expanding that impact to as many people as possible.
“Learn something from everybody,” she says. “Those are all different lessons in life.”
Today, The Simple Good continues to grow, inviting others to be part of its mission as partners, volunteers, and advocates. Because at its core, this work isn’t just about one person—it’s about a shared belief.
A belief that even in the face of adversity, there is always something good to be found.
And when we choose to see it, we have the power to change not only our own lives—but the world around us.
“No matter where we go in the world, good means the same to all of us.”