When Niranjan Shah established Globetrotters Engineering Corporation in 1974, he not only launched what would become a leading engineering firm but also pioneered greater diversity in Chicago’s professional services sector. As one of the city’s earliest large-scale, minority-owned corporations, Globetrotters broke barriers and created new opportunities in an industry traditionally lacking in representation.
Shah’s journey to becoming a transformative figure in Chicago’s business landscape began when he immigrated to the United States from India in 1970. After completing his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Mississippi, he chose Chicago as the base for his professional ambitions. His background—growing up in a small Indian village without electricity or running water—instilled in him a unique perspective on infrastructure development and a determination to succeed despite challenges.
Under Shah’s leadership, Globetrotters expanded to include in-house architectural design studio GEC Design Group and subsidiary Information Technology Group, offering comprehensive services across electrical, structural, and mechanical engineering disciplines. The company’s growth opened doors for diverse professionals, creating a more inclusive engineering community in Chicago.
Shah complemented his leadership at Globetrotters with active participation in civic initiatives focused on economic development and minority representation. His appointment to Mayor Richard Daley’s Economic Development Committee for Chicago and his role as Vice Chairman for the Asian American Advisory Committee of Senator Paul Simon allowed him to advocate for policies that fostered greater inclusion in the city’s economic growth.
As a trailblazer in Chicago’s engineering field, Shah demonstrated that excellence and diversity could go hand in hand. His firm’s contributions to iconic projects like O’Hare International Airport and Chicago’s 911 Emergency Communications Center proved that minority-owned businesses could deliver world-class results on major infrastructure initiatives.
Shah’s example has inspired a new generation of diverse entrepreneurs in Chicago’s professional services sector. His impact on the city’s business community extends beyond the physical structures his company has helped create, encompassing a cultural shift toward greater inclusion and opportunity.
Through his professional achievements and community leadership, Niranjan Shah has helped reshape Chicago’s engineering landscape, demonstrating how diversity of background and perspective can enrich the field and benefit the entire community. His legacy continues to influence Chicago’s approach to infrastructure development and business leadership.
