TheReal_Finer
When people hear the name Shay Shariatzadeh, the first thing that often comes to mind is “John Cena’s wife.” While Shariatzadeh is indeed married to the famous WWE wrestler and actor, reducing her to just her husband’s better half does a disservice to this impressive woman.
Shay Shariatzadeh is an accomplished engineer and product manager who has forged her own path in the male-dominated tech industry. Born in Iran and raised in Canada, Shariatzadeh drew inspiration from her surgeon mother to pursue a career in STEM. She obtained a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of British Columbia and honed her skills at companies like Motorola Solutions and Sonatype.
Alongside her technical prowess, Shariatzadeh boasts a creative spirit and an eye for design from her time working retail at fashion outlets like La Vie en Rose. She also has a philanthropic streak, volunteering her time to initiatives like Dress for Success.
While Shariatzadeh maintains a private personal life, her 2019 meet-cute with John Cena made headlines. However, she is far more than just the wife of a celebrity. Shay Shariatzadeh is an intelligent, driven woman who exemplifies the power of immigrant women thriving in technical fields. This blog aims to explore her impressive career accomplishments and passions outside of the limelight.
Early Life and Education
Shay Shariatzadeh was born in 1989 in Iran before immigrating to Canada with her family as a young child. She was raised in the city of Vancouver, which she still calls home today.
Shariatzadeh grew up with an inspiration close to home – her mother, who worked as a surgeon. Witnessing a successful woman in the medical field motivated Shariatzadeh to pursue her own career in a technical field.
In high school, Shariatzadeh excelled in math and science courses. She was especially drawn to physics and calculus. Her older brother, who studied engineering, also influenced her interest in the field.
Shariatzadeh went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of British Columbia. While an engineering program was male-dominated, Shariatzadeh remained undeterred in her passion for the subject.
After graduation, Shariatzadeh was fully equipped with the educational foundation necessary to begin her engineering career. Her combination of creative instincts and analytical abilities made her a promising talent in the industry.
Career and Professional Life
After college, Shay Shariatzadeh began her professional journey in retail while exploring opportunities in her field of study. She worked as a sales associate at popular fashion outlets like La Vie en Rose and Guess. These roles allowed her to hone skills in customer service, visual merchandising, and design.
Shariatzadeh soon secured an engineering position at Alpha Technologies as a Test Engineer. There, she used her technical knowledge to develop testing parameters and evaluate products. Her diligence and attention to detail made her an asset to the team.
Eager to expand her experience, Shariatzadeh transitioned into a role as Project Manager at Motorola Solutions. She oversaw teams working on software platforms and wireless networks for public safety and enterprise mobility.
Shariatzadeh continued climbing the ranks in project and product management at companies like Avigilon Technologies and Sonatype. At Sonatype, she currently leads planning for the Nexus platform which enables developers to deliver secure software.
Outside of work, Shariatzadeh enjoys giving back to the community. She has volunteered with organizations like Dress for Success, which provides professional attire and development tools for women.
Now a seasoned professional, Shariatzadeh serves as an inspiring role model for young women interested in STEM. Her passion and perseverance in a male-dominated industry make her a trailblazer.
Personal Life
Shay Shariatzadeh is extremely private about her personal life and rarely posts on social media. However, her high-profile relationship with John Cena has put her more in the public eye.
Shariatzadeh and Cena reportedly first met in early 2019 when he was filming a movie in her hometown of Vancouver. They began dating shortly afterwards as Cena was going through a breakup with former fiancée Nikki Bella.
In October 2019, Cena and Shariatzadeh made their first public appearance together at the premiere of his film Playing with Fire. Their decision to walk the red carpet holding hands revealed that their relationship had turned serious.
Just one year after meeting, Cena and Shariatzadeh tied the knot in a private ceremony in Tampa, Florida in October 2020. They later held a second wedding celebration in Vancouver in July 2022.
While Shariatzadeh maintains a low profile, Cena has expressed admiration for his wife’s intelligence, determination, and charity work. He has stated that her strong values and work ethic are qualities that drew him to her.
Beyond her relationship, Shariatzadeh is extremely close with her family. She often spends time with her mother and brother when not traveling for work. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and sampling restaurants in Vancouver’s diverse food scene.
Impact and Legacy
Throughout her career, Shay Shariatzadeh has made significant impacts both in the field of engineering and as a role model for young women.
As an engineer, Shariatzadeh has worked on developing and implementing software, hardware, and networks for high-profile tech companies. Her contributions help build innovative products that connect people, support businesses, and even save lives.
Shariatzadeh has also shown women and girls that success in male-dominated STEM fields is achievable. She demonstrates that creativity and analytical abilities can complement each other beautifully in a technical career.
By sharing her personal story as an immigrant who found prosperity in Canada, Shariatzadeh inspires young girls to pursue their passions without limits. She emphasizes hard work, perseverance, and making the most of opportunities.
Shariatzadeh serves as living proof that women can reach the top levels of technical professions based on their talent and merit. She emphasizes substance over hype in how she leads her life.
While Shariatzadeh shies away from the spotlight, her quiet success speaks volumes. She represents the next generation of diverse leaders excelling in science, technology, and engineering. Shay Shariatzadeh will continue paving the way for more women to join and thrive in these critical fields.
The Engineer Charting Her Own Course
Shay Shariatzadeh is far more than just “John Cena’s wife.” She is an accomplished engineer and leader who exemplifies the power of immigrant women in technical fields. Through hard work and perseverance, Shariatzadeh has built an impressive career managing complex projects and products.
While her relationship with John Cena has drawn media attention, Shariatzadeh remains focused on making her own impact. She serves as an inspiration for young women and immigrants to dream big and boldly pursue careers in male-dominated disciplines.
At just 33 years old, Shariatzadeh has already made strides in engineering and paved the way for more diversity in STEM. Without relying on fame or status, she proves that success comes from talent, grit, and a commitment to growth.
Shay Shariatzadeh’s story is still being written. She charts her own course as both a technical leader and a role model. Her future shines brightly thanks to the foundation she has built through education, career achievements, and values. While Shariatzadeh may avoid the limelight, her legacy empowers women everywhere to excel in their passions.
