Hanna Shina: A Chaldean-American Community Leader in West Bloomfield, Michigan

Hanna Shina is a Chaldean-American community leader, businessman, and philanthropist based in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Born in Telkaif, Iraq, he immigrated to the United States and built his life in Detroit, where he owned a store, a coffee shop, and a restaurant in the 7 Mile area. He is one of the founders of the Chaldean Cultural Center — the first and only Chaldean museum in the world — has served the Chaldean foundations and church for more than 40 years, has sat on the board of Shenandoah Country Club for more than 20 years, and in 2025 was named the club's first Mayor of Shenandoah.

From Telkaif to Detroit

Hanna Shina — known in English as John Shina — was born in Telkaif (Tel Keppe), the northern Iraqi town that most Metro Detroit Chaldean families still trace their origins to. He was educated at Baghdad College. Like thousands of Telkaif's sons and daughters, he immigrated to the United States and found his footing in Detroit, where work came first and family and church came with it.

Building a Life in Detroit's 7 Mile Corridor

In Detroit's 7 Mile area he opened a store, then a coffee shop, then a restaurant. Those storefronts were more than businesses — along that corridor, Chaldean-owned shops were gathering points, first jobs, and a source of support for neighbors finding their own footing in a new country.

Founding the Chaldean Cultural Center

Hanna Shina is a founding board member of the Chaldean Cultural Center, the first and only Chaldean museum in the world. The project began as a concept in 2003 at Southfield Manor; construction began in 2013, and the museum opened to the public in 2017. In his own words: "The cultural center is for the children of our Chaldean community, especially those born and raised here, to see how our life was before in our mother country."

Four Decades of Service to the Community and the Church

For more than 40 years, Hanna Shina has served Chaldean foundations and the church, quietly supporting the institutions that hold the community together.

Shenandoah: Two Decades on the Board — and the First Mayor of Shenandoah

He has served on the board of Shenandoah Country Club for more than 20 years. In 2025, he was named the first-ever Mayor of Shenandoah — a recognition of his long-standing role in that community.

"Hanna Shina" — A 21-Minute Oral History Film

His life story is preserved in "Digital Storytelling | Hanna Shina," a 21-minute oral history film produced by the Chaldean Cultural Center, in which he walks through his early life in Telkaif and the community he helped build in Michigan.

Honors and Recognition

His contributions have been recognized over the years, including a plaque presented at the 2023 Founders Gala, among other honors.