Known for her expertise in Asian economies and trade, Therese Shaheen has served in both the public and private sectors. She predicted the economic downturn in the People's Republic of China by a full decade, having written a number of newspaper articles that indicated impending problems in China. Through this work, which appeared in such global-audience publications as the National Review and the Taipei Times as well as the Wall Street Journal, Therese Shaheen advised neighboring countries to diversify their interests in order to avoid significant impact from the downturn.

Therese Shaheen has also distinguished herself as the first woman to receive a presidential appointment to chair and serve as managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan. She accepted this position having led as president of her co-founded investment and technology development group, which identified opportunities in emerging Asian economies. She has since restructured the company and serves as chair and CEO of its current iteration, USAsia International, Inc.

Therese Shaheen has also served as an advocate for women's participation in politics. Through the National Endowment for Democracy, she has traveled to such nations as Kenya and Haiti, having also chaired international initiatives with the National Women's Economic Alliance. In her early career, Ms. Shaheen worked with the Independent Women's Forum to raise awareness of crucial issues for women.