He has a bachelor’s degree in Civic Studies from Tufts University, in addition to certifications in youth mentoring from United Teen Equality Center and substance abuse treatment from Stratford Career Institute. He has worked as a youth mentor and an alcohol- and substance-use counselor. Shaheed spent over thirty years within the carceral system and his personal journey and professional experiences have enriched his understanding of mental health and substance abuse issues and highlighted the importance of supportive communities. Starting in Summer 2024, Shaheed was hired as a researcher on the literature review team for WPF’s “Restorative Justice and Reentry: Nurturing Community Care through Anti-Carceral Organizations” project.