Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
The Ria Shah “Carpe Diem” Fund honors a remarkable life in Birmingham—here’s how
Reading time: 4 minutes
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At just 19 years old, Ria Shah packed more passion, curiosity and compassion into her life than many do in a lifetime.
A Hoover High School valedictorian, avid debater, musician, athlete and lifelong learner, Ria embraced every opportunity that came her way and created new ones for others along the journey before she passed in 2022.
Today, her legacy lives on through the Ria Shah “Carpe Diem” Fund, a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham that supports students and programs that reflect the same spirit Ria carried every day.
Ria Shah lived with purpose + passion
For her parents, Rahul and Kajal Shah, creating the fund became a way to transform unimaginable grief into lasting good.
“We were trying to find how we can still keep Ria’s memory alive and still do good—what she would have done if she had been here. It’s about trying to do what Ria would have done.”
Rahul Shah
Ask Rahul and Kajal about their daughter, and the stories come quickly. Ria wanted to do everything: Band, tennis, debate, leadership programs, international studies, reading, volunteering and the list goes on and on.
While studying in Costa Rica, Ria learned that many local students lacked opportunities to participate in debate, a pursuit she loved deeply. Instead of accepting that reality, she tried to start a debate program for underprivileged students there.
Kajal remembers a daughter who was endlessly curious, thoughtful and driven to improve herself and the world around her.
“That’s just who she was. If she cared about something, she wanted to share it with others. She wanted the world to be perfect for everyone, and she always felt that urge so deeply, even as a little girl.”
Kajal Shah
Why “Carpe Diem” embodies Ria’s legacy
The fund’s name comes directly from the theme of Ria’s valedictorian speech at Hoover High School: carpe diem—seize the day. For those who knew her, the message perfectly captured how she lived.
Friends still tell the Shah family how Ria encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, pursue ambitious goals and embrace life fully.
“She inspired so many people. I don’t know how that girl did so many things in 19 years that I could not even do in my whole life.”
Rahul Shah
Even today, former classmates and friends reference her words and example. Some students have mentioned Ria in their own graduation speeches, sharing stories about the ways she shaped their journeys.
Supporting the next generation of Birmingham dreamers
Through guidance from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Shah family established a donor-advised fund designed to create a lasting impact for generations to come.
The fund supports causes that mattered deeply to Ria.
That includes helping fund Hoover High School’s debate activities—an area that often receives fewer resources than athletics or performing arts—and providing scholarships for graduating seniors with financial need.
The goal is simple: remove barriers so students can pursue their passions.
“There are so many students who can’t afford things that others take for granted. Maybe a small thing we do can make a big change in their lives.”
Kajal Shah
For the Shah family, every scholarship awarded and every student encouraged represents another chapter in Ria’s ongoing legacy.
How you can contribute + be a part of Ria’s lasting impact
As the fourth anniversary of Ria’s passing approaches this August, her parents continue to hear from people across Alabama and the country whose lives she touched. But they also hope Birmingham continues to embrace her memory.
The Ria Shah “Carpe Diem” Fund ensures that Ria’s compassion, curiosity and fearless approach to life continue inspiring young people for years to come.
Whether through a donation to her fund or by exploring other local causes through the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, every contribution helps build a stronger, more connected community and honors the people who make it extraordinary.
As Ria reminded so many through both her words and her example, there is no better time than today to seize the day.
Whether you’re inspired to support the Ria Shah “Carpe Diem” Fund or another cause close to your heart, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham offers a way to create lasting impact right here at home.
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