The Most Admired Women In Education Sector, 2023 May2023

Editor’s Editor’s

Note Note

Exploring the Benchmark of Brilliance

Thefieldofeducationhasbeenshapedbynumerous remarkablewomenwhohavemadesignificant contributionstotheadvancementofknowledge, learning,andthedevelopmentoffuturegenerations.These womenhavededicatedtheirlivestoimprovingeducational practices,advocatingforequalopportunities,andinspiring otherstopursueknowledgeandpersonalgrowth.

Thesewomenhaveexcelledinvariousroleswithinthe educationsector,includingeducators,researchers, administrators,policymakers,andadvocates.Theyhave demonstratedexceptionalleadership,innovation,anda deepcommitmenttothebettermentofeducationatall levels.Throughtheirremarkableachievements,these womenhavepavedthewayfortransformativechangesin teachingmethods,curriculumdevelopment,and educationalpolicies.

Furthermore,theseadmiredleadersareplayingan instrumentalroleinpromotinginclusiveeducation, breakingdownbarriers,andchampioningtherightsof marginalizedgroups.Theyhavefosteredenvironmentsthat prioritizediversity,equity,andsocialjustice,ensuringthat everystudenthasanequalopportunitytolearnandthrive.

Theircontributionsextendbeyondtraditionaleducational settings,astheyhavemadeasignificantimpacton educationalpolicymaking,educationaltechnology, research,andtheglobaldiscourseoneducation.These womenhavebeentrailblazers,empoweringothersand inspiringfuturegenerationsofeducatorsandlearners.

Itisimportanttorecognizeandcelebratethe accomplishmentsoftheseadmiredwomeninthe educationalsector.Bydoingso,InsightsSuccesshonors

theirdedication,resilience,andinvaluablecontributionsto theadvancementofeducation.Theirworkservesasa sourceofinspiration,remindingusofthetransformative powerofeducationandtheprofoundimpactindividualscan haveonshapingthefuturethroughtheircommitmentto learningandenlightenment.

Withthislatesteditionentitled“TheMostAdmired WomeninEducationalSector,2023,”wewilldelveinto thestoriesandaccomplishmentsoftheseexceptional women,highlightingtheiruniquecontributions,inspiring leadership,andlastinglegacieswithintheeducationsector. Theirstoriesserveasatestamenttothepotentialforchange andprogressthatlieswithinthefieldofeducation,aswell asthetransformativepowerofindividualswhoare passionateaboutmakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesof others.

Joinusasweexplorethejourneysandachievementsofthe mostadmiredwomenintheeducationalsector,recognizing theirprofoundinfluenceandtheenduringimpacttheyhave hadonshapingtheeducationallandscapeforthebetter.

Flipthroughthepagesandhaveadelightfulread!

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FeaturedPerson

Dr.CarmenJ. Walters

President

The Most Admired Educational Sector2023 W

Brief CompanyName

TougalooCollege tougaloo.edu

Dr.Haifa

RedaJamalAlLai

President

Javaune Adams-Gaston

President

SanaaKaddoura

AssistantProfessorof ComputerScience

TanjaSchjellerup

FounderandCEO

EffatUniversity effatuniversity.edu.sa

Dr.Waltersbringsablendedsetofskillsandover24yearsof leadershipincurriculumandpolicydevelopment,fundraising, studentenrollmentandretentionmanagement,teambuilding, conflictresolution,strategicplanning,andorganizational management.

Dr.Haifaisadistinguishedleader,respectedacademic, renownedadvocateofyouthengagement,andauthorofseveral articles;havingalsodeliveredmanykeynotespeecheson women'seducationintheMiddleEast,womenandchange, entrepreneurshipandbusiness.

JavauneAdams-GastonistheseventhPresidentofNorfolk StateUniversity NorfolkStateUniversity nsu.edu

ZayedUniversity tougaloo.edu

SkolenOnline skolenonline.dk

DrSanaaKaddouraholdsaPhDincomputersciencefrom BeirutArabUniversity,Lebanon.Sheiscurrentlyemployedas anAssistantProfessorofComputerScienceatZayed University,UnitedArabEmirates.

Withavisiontobuildafoundationforaglobalcompany,Tanja figuredouthowtobealeaderandrunabusinesswith employees.

Transcending Novelties for Future Generations

“

“

Dr. Haifa is a distinguished leader, a respected academic, a renowned advocate of youth engagement, and the author of several articles

Empowermentbeginswithchalkandablackboard. Thatmaybewhypeoplewhoseektochangethe worldcoveteducationandpeoplewhowantto keepthestatusquothatsuitsthemseektocurtailit.

AnoldAfricanproverbsays, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Womenleadersareplayingapivotalrole intransformingandempoweringanationandenabling bettermentforfuturegenerations.Onesuchwoman inspiringandempoweringthegenerationsisDr.Haifa RedaJamalAlLail,PresidentofEffatUniversity.

Dr.Haifaisadistinguishedleader,arespectedacademic,a renownedadvocateofyouthengagement,andtheauthorof severalarticles.Shehasalsodeliveredmanykeynote speechesonwomen’seducationintheMiddleEast,women andchange,entrepreneurshipandbusiness.

In2005,Dr.Haifawasoneoftherecipientsof1000 WomenfortheNobelPeacePrize.Itwasawardedtopeace activistsfromaroundtheglobeinordertogivemore visibilityandrecognitiontowomen’speacework worldwide.Forherexceptionalwork,Dr.Haifahasalso receivedawardssuchastheInnovationAward,Saudi Sayidaty,QueenEffat’sDistinctionAward,LeadingWoman CEO,DistinguishedArabWomanAward,WorldFamily SummitAward,andtheDistinguishedArabianWoman Award.

Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Dr.Haifa shareshowsheistransforminglivesgloballywithher work.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow.

IamcurrentlyservingasthePresidentofEffatUniversity,a premierinstitutionofhighereducationlocatedinJeddah, SaudiArabia.Throughoutmycareer,Ihavebeenaleading voiceintheeducationcommunity,advocatingforeducation reformandpromotingtheimportanceofeducationforthe developmentofthecountry

Ihavepublishednumerousarticlesonvarioustopics, includingwomenempowermentandprivatization,andhave beeninvolvedineducationreforminSaudiArabiasince 1991.Myworkinthisfieldhasbeenwidelyrecognized, andin2005,IwasnominatedforaNobelPeacePrizeas partofthe1,000PeaceWomencampaign,aglobal

movementtorecognizethecontributionsofwomenin peaceandsocialjusticework.IreceivedmyPh.D.inpublic policyfromtheUniversityofSouthernCalifornia.

Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?

EffatUniversity’sjourneyhasbeenonefilledwithboth challengesandsuccesses.Atthestart,wefacedsignificant obstacles,butwiththesupportofourBoardofFounders, BoardofTrustees,andmembersoftheacademicand administrativebodies,wewereabletoovercomethem.

Theearlydaysweredifficult,butweremainedfocusedon ourambitiousgoalsandwereabletomoveforward steadily.Fromasinglecollegeconsistingoftwoacademic departments,wehavenowgrownintoauniversitywith fourcollegesand12bachelor’sdegreeprograms,aswellas fourmaster’sprograms.

AtEffatUniversity,wetakeprideinbeingaleading researchcenterintheKingdomthatbringstogether researchersfromdifferentfieldstobuildandexpandour knowledgebase,whichcontributestothefutureofSaudi Arabia.Wearecommittedtobecomingaprestigious researchinstitutioninthecomingyearsthroughcontinued investmentanddevelopmentinthisfield.

Today,theuniversityishometofouradvancedresearch centers:theSmartBuildingResearchCenter,theVirtual RealityResearchCenter,theElectronicArabization ResearchCenter,andtheInnovationandEntrepreneurship ResearchCenter.Eachofthesecentersisdesignedto provideasafeandcomfortableenvironmentforresearchers toconductstudiesinthefieldofsocialandphysical sustainability

AsPresidentofEffatUniversity,Imustbalancecultural normswiththedemandsofreformandchangeinsociety Myinternationalstudiesexposedmetotheimportanceof diversityandinclusivityinbuildingstrongcommunities, whichissomethingthatiscrucialintheeducationindustry today.

AtEffatUniversity,westrivetoprovideinnovative solutionstomeetchangingsocialchallengesandtodevelop leadersandscholarswhocontributetothelegacyofQueen EffatAl-Thunayan’svision(mayGodresthersoul).

The Most Admired Women In Educaonal Sector, 2023

Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe educationindustry?

AsadistinguishedleaderinthefieldofeducationinSaudi Arabia,Ihavemadesignificantcontributionstothe promotionofeducationandtheimprovementofthe educationsysteminthecountry.Myeffortshavebeen instrumentalinprovidingstudentswiththenecessaryskills andknowledgetosucceedintheirfuturecareers.Ihave implementedseveralinnovativeprogramsandinitiatives thathavehelpedtoraiseeducationalstandardsandimprove studentoutcomes.Mycommitmenttoexcellenceandmy passionforeducationhasmademearolemodelforothers inthefield.

Additionally,Ihavebeenanactivevoiceintheeducation community,advocatingforeducationreformandpromoting theimportanceofeducationforthedevelopmentofthe country.MycontributionstotheeducationsysteminSaudi Arabiahavebeenwidelyrecognizedandhaveearnedme numerousawardsandaccoladesformywork.

CanyoutellusaboutthefoundationpillarofEffat University?

ThefoundationpillarofEffatUniversityisrootedinthe valuesofexcellence,innovation,andsocialresponsibility

Theuniversity’smissionistoprovideeducationthat contributestoscientificdiscovery,technological advancement,andtheresolutionofsocietalchallenges. EffatUniversityalsoplacesastrongemphasison internationalcooperationandpartnerships,whichallowthe universitytoprovideglobalqualityeducationtoits students.EffatUniversityoffersawiderangeof undergraduateandgraduateprogramsinareassuchas engineering,business,andthehumanities.

Insummary,EffatUniversity’sfoundationpillaristo provideaworld-classeducationthatisgroundedin excellence,innovation,andsocialresponsibilityandthat preparesstudentstobecomeleadersandchange-makersin theirrespectivefields.Theuniversityalsovaluesthe importanceofinternationalcooperationandpartnershipsin ordertoachieveglobalqualityinitseducationalprograms.

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Dr. Haifa is a distinguished leader, a respected academic, a renowned advocate of youth engagement, and the author of several articles

HowdoesEffatUniversitypromoteworkforceflexibility, andwhatisyourroleinit?

widerangeoffields,includingengineering,business,and thehumanities,anditcollaborateswithindustryleadersto developnewtechnologies,processes,andsystemsthatwill helptoimprovetheworkforce.

EffatUniversityalsopromotesworkforceflexibilityby buildingpartnershipswithindustryleaders,whichallowsit tostayabreastofthelatesttrends,technologies,andbest practicesintheworkforce.AsthePresidentofEffat University,weplayakeyroleinpromotingworkforce flexibilitybyleadinginitiativesthatprovidestudentswitha broadrangeofskillsandknowledgethroughacademic programs,conductingresearchtodevelopnewtechnologies andbestpracticesthatimprovetheefficiencyand effectivenessoftheworkforce,andbuildingpartnerships withindustryleaderstostayabreastofthelatesttrendsand technologiesintheworkforce.

Whatisyourtakeontechnology’simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?

Ibelievetechnologyiscrucialtoimprovingtheefficiency, effectiveness,andcompetitivenessoftheworkforce.Asthe PresidentofEffatUniversity,Iamleveragingtechnology throughresearchinitiativesthatfocusondevelopingnew technologies,processes,andsystemsthatwillhelpto improvetheefficiency,effectiveness,andcompetitiveness oftheworkforce.Additionally,weareleveraging technologybybuildingpartnershipswithindustryleaders, whichallowhertostayabreastofthelatesttrends, technologies,andbestpracticesintheworkforce.

Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeintheeducation industry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?

Itisdifficulttopredictexactlywhatthenextsignificant changeintheeducationindustrywillbe,asitisconstantly evolvingandadaptingtonewtechnologies,changing studentdemographics,andglobalpolicychanges.However, educatorsandeducationalinstitutionsneedtobeflexible andadaptableandbewillingtoincorporatenew technologiesandapproachesintotheirteachingmethods. Additionally,educationalinstitutionsandeducatorsneedto beawareoftheneedsofdiversestudentpopulationsandbe preparedtomeetthoseneeds.AtEffatUniversity,the leadershipiscontinuouslymonitoringthechangesinthe educationindustryandadaptingaccordinglytoensurethat studentsreceivethebesteducationpossible.

Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?

Ourwiseleadershiphasemphasizedtransformingfroman economydependentonoiltoaneconomywithdiversified sources,whichistheeconomyofknowledge.Andthe Kingdomembarkedonitsjourneytowardsachievingthis goal,asthisisevidentintheenormousinvestmentsthatthe Kingdomdirectedtotheeducationsectors,initiativesto nurturethegiftedandbuildqualifiednationalcapacitiesin thescientific,technical,andknowledgefields,andother areasthatpourinthisdirection.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?

Iwouldliketoadvisethenextgenerationofaspiring businessleaderstoapproachtheirworkwithseriousness andcommitment,tobeproudoftheirculturalidentity,and tocontinuouslystrivetoeducateanddevelopthemselves, notjustintheirfieldofspecializationbutinallareassuch asthearts,culture,sports,andmore.Theyshouldaimto becomeresponsibleandactivemembersofSaudisociety, aswellasglobalcitizens.Additionally,theyshouldfocus onlearningfromothers,bepatient,developanalytical thinkingskills,andfindinnovativewaystoapplythemto newchallenges.Furthermore,theyshouldservehumanity inalltheydo.

CarmenJ.Walters Dr.

Preparing Students to Become Lifelong Learners

Garneringvariousexperiencesfromdiversefields andgraduallyshapingherselftobealeaderin theeducationalsector,Dr.CarmenJ.Walters hascomealongway.

AsthePresidentofTougalooCollege, Dr.Carmenaimstopromoteits missiontoprepareitsstudentsto belifelonglearnerscommitted toleadershipandserviceina globalsocietythroughits diverseundergraduateand graduateprograms.

TougalooCollegeis accessibleto everyoneandiskeen onmakingstudents awareofitsrich legacyasan independent, historicallyblack liberalarts institution

Dr. Carmen J. Walters President Tougaloo College

affiliatedwiththeUnitedChurchofChristandChristian Church.

WecaughtupwithDr.Carmenanddiscussedherpersonal andprofessionaljourney,futuregoals,andmuchmore.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brieflydiscussyourcareerpathasastaunchwoman leaderupuntilyourcurrentposition.

Mycareerspansmorethan25years,includingrecruiting, grantwriting,strategicplanning,fundraising,budgeting, mentoring,andleadershipdevelopment.Everypositionhas preparedmetobecomeacollegepresident.Workingata HistoricallyBlackCollegeandUniversity(HBCU)enables metoapplymanyleadershipprinciples,includingnurturing studentstoensuretheirsuccess.Ipushmyselftoconnectto studentsinawaythatprovidesthemcomfortand confidenceastheymakeTougalooCollegetheirhome.

Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?

Mypathasastaunchwomanleaderwaslikeotherblack femaleleaders—complexandfilledwithinsurmountable challenges.Nonetheless,Ialwaysreliedonmystrong upbringingthroughallthechallengingtimes.My challengescenteraroundtheconsecutivelossoffamily members,includingmyhusbandanddaughter simultaneouslyhavingcancer

Iexperiencedthetragicdeathofmyhusbandandthe miracleofmydaughter’sremissionfromcancerwithin12 months.Thesechallengingexperiencesstrengthenedme andcontributedtomyunderstandingofmyinnerselfand strengths.

Myparentshad13childrenandworkedhardtotakecareof us.Wewereneveronwelfareandunderstoodthatwehadto workforwhatwewanted.Myfather’sfavoritesayingwas, “children,don’tgiveupuntilyouaredeadandcoveredup!” Myfather’sgrandmotherusedtosaythisstatementtohim andhissiblings,andhetoldittousconsistently.

Myfather’sgrandmotherwasbornintoslaveryandwas freedattheageof12andalreadymarried.Hernamewas Charlotte,andinherlateryears,shelivedwithmyfather andhisparentsuntilherdeath.Shemadesuremyfather

Our plan represents our stakeholders’ voices committed to ensuring that Tougaloo continues to live its mission of preparing students to thrive and contribute to a changing world.

andhissiblingsknewwhatitwasliketobeenslaved,so shemadethempromisetheywouldtakeadvantageoftheir freedom.Althoughhewasayoungboywhenshedied,he neverforgotherteachingsandsharedthemwithus.

Throughallmychallenges,tragedies,andsuccesses,I dependonCharlotte’sstrength,resilience,tenacity,and faithtodotheworkIamcalledtodo.

Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe educationalsector?

Inhighereducationattheseniorexecutivelevel,women oftenlackmentorstohelpthembesuccessful.Ibenefitted fromathoughtfulmentorwhosharedknowledgeand support,allowingmetogrowprofessionallyandpersonally Iamcommittedtomentoringfemaleleaderstohelpthem navigateacomplexenvironmentandavoidhurdlesthat prohibitthemfrombeingsuccessfulinachievingtheir goals.

TellusaboutTougalooCollegeanditsfoundationpillar.

Foundedin1869,TougalooCollege,aChoctawwordthat meanswheretwostreamsconverge,academicexcellence andsocialjustice,isaprivatehistoricallyblackcollegeand oneoftheleadingHBCUsintheUnitedStates.Tougaloo's roleintheCivilRightsMovement,operatingasa“safe haven”foractiviststomeet,organize,andstrategize, changedthelandscapeofMississippiandthenation.

Livingourmissionofacademicexcellenceandsocial justice,wecontinuetopreparestudentstograduatefully capableofansweringthecalltoleadership,meetingthe challengesofinformedcitizenship,andexcellingintheir chosenprofessionsasdifference-makersinaglobal marketplace.

Whatmethodologiesdoyouimplementthatcontribute tonewgrowthopportunities?

Forgestrategicpartnershipswitheducationalinstitutions, corporations,foundations,andorganizationsthatsupport theCollege’smissiondeliveryenhanceourstudents’ academicexperiences,expandopportunities,provide pathwaystoemployment,generaterevenue,andhelpraise theinstitution'srespectedprofile.

Whatisyourtakeontechnology's importance,andhowareyouleveragingit?

Thechallengesofthe21stcenturyforced Tougalootoreimaginetechnologytoimprove teachingandlearning,providebetterservices, communicateeffectivelywithinternaland externalstakeholders,andofferpersonalized learningexperiencestailoredtomeettheneeds ofstudents.TheCollegerecentlyoutsourcedits ITservicestotheworld’slargesttechnology companytoensuretheinfrastructureand accountabilityframeworkforintegrating informationandoverseeingtheimplementation ofanITgovernancestructureandstrategic technologyplan,chartingapathtothefuture.

Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangein theeducationalsector,andhowareyou preparingforit?

Technologyisconstantlyevolving,andtheNet Generationdemandstocontroltheirknowledge attainmentontheirowntimeandfrom anywhere.Therefore,theinstitutionis transitioningtomoredigitallearningplatforms topromotecollaborativelearning,share content,andcreatevirtualspacestoenhance students’learningexperiencesinandoutofthe classroom.

Whatareyourgoalsintheupcomingfuture?

TougalooCollegelaunchedits2021-2026 strategicplan, Preserving the Past, Advancing Tomorrow, acomprehensiveroadmapfocusedonthe followingstrategicgoals:enrollmentgrowth,student success,philanthropicgiving,alumengagement,economic development,strategicpartnerships,andtechnology.Our planrepresentsourstakeholders’voicescommittedto ensuringthatTougaloocontinuestoliveitsmissionof preparingstudentstothriveandcontributetoachanging world.

Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringleaders?

Transformativeleadershipbeginswithanunderstandingof self,revolvesaroundresponsibility,accountability,and dependability,andtheyhavearoletoplayincreatingajust, sustainable,andinclusivesociety

LeadingwithPurpose

Strategies for EffectiveEducational Leadership

Effectiveeducationalleadershipisinstrumentalin drivingpositivechange,fosteringacultureof excellence,andensuringthesuccessofstudents andtheentireeducationalcommunity.Educationalleaders playacrucialroleinshapingpolicies,implementing effectiveinstructionalpractices,andcreatingasupportive environmentthatnurturesstudentachievement.Thisarticle exploreskeystrategiesthateducationalleaderscanemploy toenhancetheirleadershipskillsandcreateanenvironment conducivetogrowthandsuccess.

CultivateaSharedVision:

Asharedvisionservesasaguidingforcethataligns stakeholderstowardsacommonpurpose.Collaboratewith staff,students,parents,andcommunitymemberstodevelop asharedvisionthatreflectstheiraspirationsandvalues. Communicatethevisioneffectivelyandconsistently, inspiringallstakeholderstoworktogethertowardsits realization.Regularlyrevisitandrefinethevisiontoensure itsrelevanceandmaintainacollectivesenseofownership.

LeadbyExample:

Effectiveleadersleadbyexample,settinghighstandards anddemonstratingthebehaviorsandqualitiestheyexpect fromothers.Modelprofessionalism,integrity,andastrong workethic.Displayacommitmenttocontinuouslearning byseekingprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesand stayingabreastofcurrentresearchandbestpractices.Show empathy,respect,andactivelisteningskillswhen interactingwithstaff,students,andthecommunity.

BuildStrong

Relationships

:

Developingstrongrelationshipsiscrucialtoeffective educationalleadership.Fosterasupportiveand collaborativeenvironmentbybuildingpositive relationshipswithstaff,students,parents,andcommunity members.Createopportunitiesforopenandhonest communication,encouragingfeedbackandvaluingdiverse perspectives.Establishtrustbybeingaccessible, approachable,andresponsivetoconcernsandneeds.

EmpowerandDelegate:

Effectiveleadersempowerothersbyfosteringacultureof trustanddelegatingresponsibilities.Recognizethe strengthsandtalentsofindividualswithintheeducational communityandprovidethemwithopportunitiestotakeon leadershiprolesandmakemeaningfulcontributions. Delegatetasksappropriately,allowingotherstogrowand developtheirskillswhilepromotingasenseof ownershipandsharedresponsibility

EncourageProfessionalDevelopment:

Investintheprofessionaldevelopmentofstaff memberstoenhancetheirskillsand knowledge.Provideresourcesandsupport forongoinglearningopportunities,suchas workshops,conferences,andmentorship programs.Encouragecollaborationand thesharingofbestpracticesamong teachersandstaffmembers.Fostera cultureofcontinuousimprovement andinnovation.

PromoteData-InformedDecisionMaking:

Effectiveleadersmakedata-informeddecisionstodrive improvement.Implementsystemsforcollectingand analyzingrelevantdata,suchasstudentassessments, attendancerecords,andfeedbackfromstakeholders.Use datatoidentifyareasofstrengthandareasinneedof improvement.Collaboratewithstaffmemberstodevelop data-drivenstrategiesandinterventionsthatsupportstudent growthandachievement.

FosteraPositiveSchoolClimate:

Apositiveandinclusiveschoolclimateisessentialfor studentsuccessandstaffmorale.Implementstrategiesto promoteasafe,respectful,andsupportiveenvironmentfor all.Addressissuesofbullying,discrimination,and inequitiesproactively.Celebrateachievements,recognize andvaluediversity,andpromoteasenseofbelonging amongstudentsandstaff.

CollaboratewithFamiliesandtheCommunity:

Effectiveeducationalleadersactivelyengagefamiliesand thebroadercommunity.Establishpartnershipswithparents, communityorganizations,andlocalbusinessestosupport studentlearningandwell-being.Involvefamiliesin decision-makingprocesses,seektheirinput,and communicateregularlyaboutstudentprogressandschool initiatives.Leveragecommunityresourcestoprovide additionallearningopportunitiesforstudents.

EmbraceInnovationandAdaptability:

Effectiveleadersembraceinnovationandadaptabilityin responsetochangingeducationallandscapes.Stayinformed aboutemergingtrends,technologies,andpedagogical approaches.Encourageexperimentationandtheuseof innovativeteachingmethodsthatengagestudentsandfoster criticalthinkingandcreativity.Fosteraculturethat supportsrisk-takingandcontinuousimprovement.

CelebrateandRecognize

Achievements

:

Acknowledgeandcelebratetheachievementsofstudents, staff,andtheeducationalcommunity.Recognize outstandingcontributionsandeffortsthroughawards, ceremonies,andpublicappreciation.Celebratemilestones andsharesuccessstoriestoinspireothersandmaintain motivationandenthusiasm.

SupportandDevelopInstructionalLeadership:

Investindevelopinginstructionalleadershipskillsamong administratorsandteachers.Provideprofessional developmentopportunitiesfocusedoninstructional strategies,curriculumdesign,assessmentpractices,and differentiation.Fosteracollaborativeenvironmentwhere instructionalleaderscanshareexpertise,mentornew teachers,andengageinongoingprofessionallearning communities.

FosteraPositiveStaffCulture:

Createapositiveandsupportivestaffculturethatpromotes collaboration,trust,andsharedgoals.Provideopportunities forprofessionalcollaboration,suchasgrade-levelor subject-areateams,whereteacherscanshareresources, discussbestpractices,andproblem-solvetogether Encourageagrowthmindsetamongstaffmembers,valuing theircontributionsandrecognizingtheirprofessional growth.

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The final advice is integrity. Make sure you do the correct thing, whether somebody is looking or not. Whatever you do will return back to you. So, act with integrity.

“

Sanaa Kaddoura, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Zayed University

Combining Expertise in AI and Education to Drive Impact and Change

Kaddoura

Sanaa

Intoday'sfast-pacedworld,wheretechnologyis

advancingeveryday,universitiesmusthaveafaculty thatisup-to-datewiththelatesttrendsintheindustry. Forthatreason,manyprestigiousuniversitieshave appointedhighlycompetentprofessionalstodeliverstateof-the-arteducationtotheirstudents.

Inthisregard,SanaaKaddoura,theAssistantProfessor ofComputerScienceatZayedUniversity,standsoutasa remarkableexampleofexpertiseanddedication.Sheisan accomplishedresearcher,aseasonedteacherandavisionary leaderinthefieldofcomputerscience.Withyearsof experienceandanunquenchablethirstforknowledge, Sanaahasbecomeavitalmemberoftheuniversity's faculty

Sanaa'sexpertise,dedicationandpassionforteachingand researchmakeheravaluableassettotheuniversityanda respectedmemberoftheacademiccommunity.

Sanaasharedinsightsonherapproachtointegratingnew methodsinteachingtoincreaseefficiencyineducation.

Let's indulge in the significant facts she shared!

LeadershipJourney:SuccessandChallenges

Sanaaisnotjustaleaderbypositionbutalsobyher actions.Currently,Sanaaleadsaresearchteaminherlab wheretheyconductcutting-edgeresearchonapplying ArtificialIntelligencetosolvereal-lifeproblems.Herteam consistsof3researchersworkingontwodistinctprojects, andshemakessuretoleadtheminthemostefficientway possibletoproducegreatresultstogether.

Backinherprofessionaljourney,herfirstremarkable leadershipactionwasrecognizedin2012whileworkingat OBAS,ane-learningcompany.Hermanagernoticedher

decision-makingabilitiesandtheinitiativetoempowernew colleaguesandsupportexistingoneswithherknowledge. Thisledtoherpromotionfromacurriculumcreatortoa TeamLeader.Thoughtheresponsibilitybecamehigher, Sanaaenjoyeditandexcelledinhernewposition.

In2015,SanaamovedtotheUAEandhadtore-establish andproveherselfagaininanewenvironment.Herfirst positionallowedhertochallengeherselftofixacompanywidecomputersystemthatwasnotfunctioningatthetime. Shecreatedanewad-hocsystembyherselfthatcould producereportsinatimelyfashion.Althoughitwasnother job,Sanaatookontheworkasaprogrammer,administrator anddataentryoperatortogetthereportsonce.

Insupportofthis,shesays,"Although it was stressful, the results were satisfying enough and helped me to discover more about the hidden leader inside me."

Asauniversityprofessor,Sanaa'sjobasaneducatorisa leadershippositionaswell.Everysemester,shehasnew learnerswhoexpectalotfromher,andshenever disappointsorletsthemdown.Asaneducator,Sanaawakes upeverymorningreadytoleadherclassandmakean impact.

Sanaabelievesthatleadershipisanaction,notjusta position,andheractionsspeaklouderthanwords.Her abilitytoempowerothers,takeonchallenges,andleadher teamwithefficiencymakesheratrueleader

University'sValuesandWorkCulture

ThevisionofZayedUniversityis"To enable leaders capable of shaping the future, passionate about knowledge and innovation, keen on self-development and ready to anticipate future challenges as inspired by Sheikh Zayed's timeless legacy."

ZayedUniversity'svaluesfocuson Pioneering, Passion for knowledge, Innovation, Competitiveness, Tolerance, and Institutional Reputation

ZayedUniversitysupportsresearchandencouragesfaculty andstudentstoengageinresearchprojects.Theuniversity alsoprovidesalltheneededassetsforthat,includingfunds, alibrary,resources,etc.

EducationIndustryInfluence:ExpertiseandInsights

Throughouthereducationalandprofessionalexperiences, Sanaahasnoticedthehighdemandforspecificskillsand knowledgeinthemarket,especiallyintheeducation industry.Asaresult,shehasmadeitaprioritytoemphasize theseskillsinhercoursesandprepareherstudentstomeet thedemandsoftheindustry

Currently,Sanaaisleadingaresearchprojectthatexplores therequiredskillsinthemarketplace,particularlyintheera

ofArtificialIntelligence.Theprojectaimstodevelopa systemthatcanbenefittheeducationindustrybyallowing universitiestoassesstheircurriculumsandensurethey equipeducatorswiththenecessaryskills.Thesystemis expectedtobelaunchedsoon,andSanaaisoptimisticabout itspotentialimpactontheeducationindustry.

TechnologyIntegration

Sanaaisafirmbelieverinthepositiveimpactoftechnology oneducation.Herpassionforthistopicisreflectedinthe numerousresearchandmagazinearticlesshehaswrittenon thesubject.Inherclasses,Sanaaensuresthattechnologyis anintegralpartofthelearningprocess.

SheutilizesonlineLearningManagementSystems(LMS) forallresources,communication,announcements,and exams.Sanaaalsoincorporatesonlineandgamingtoolsto increaselearnerengagementandhelpstudentsavoidrote learning.Herclassesarevisuallystimulatingandshemakes

useofonlinesimulations,videos,imagesandgamingtools tomakethelearningexperiencemoreexciting.

ZayedUniversity,whereSanaateaches,supportsfaculty memberswiththelatesttechnologiesandprovidesthem withthenecessarytraining,enablingSanaatotakefull advantageoftechnologyinherclasses.

"PreparingforChange:FutureProspects”

ArtificialIntelligenceandthenewlydemandedskillsinthe marketwillcausearevolutionintheeducationsector All institutionsmustgothroughatransformationstagetokeep upwiththemarketneed.Sanaasays,"If this does not happen, we will have a problem with many jobless graduates with university degrees because they do not have the required skills."

Inordertokeeppacewiththeindustry4.0demand,Zayed Universitychangeditsprogramstonewonesthatcan prepareanewgenerationofgraduateswhoarecreative thinkers,doersandfuturebuildersofthenation.Thenew programsareinterdisciplinary,innovativeandup-to-date.

Aspirations

Sanaahasalwaysbeenpassionateaboutmakingapositive impactonsocietythroughherwork.Asafacultymemberat ZayedUniversity,herprimarygoalistosupportthe university'smissionandvisionwhilepursuingherpassion forresearchandteaching.Shefurthershares,"I aim to lead more research projects that directly impact society. I dream of using my research skills and IT competencies to serve humankind.”

Shealsoemphasizessustainabilitystating,"I believe that life and science can interact together, and we can all use our skills to help find solutions to the critical problems we are facing globally ”

OneofSanaa'smainareasofinterestissustainability.She believesthatcollaborativeresearchbetweendifferentfields ofstudy,suchasIT,healthscience,andsocialscience,can helpfindsolutionstothecriticalproblemsfacedglobally, suchasglobalwarming.SanaaiskeentoexplorehowIT skillscanbeutilizedtoservethegoalofsustainability.In herpreviousresearchproject,sheutilizedArtificial Intelligencetopredictwaterqualityandsheisnow expandingherworktocovermoreproblemareas.

Sanaaisexcitedaboutthepotentialimpactofherresearch andhopestoleadmoreresearchprojectsthatdirectly impactsociety.Shebelievesthatthroughcollaborative researchandtheutilizationofmoderntechnologies,itcan beefficienttofindsolutionstocriticalproblemsandmakea positiveimpactonsociety.Sanaaisgratefulforthesupport andresourcesprovidedbyZayedUniversity,whichenable hertopursueherpassionforresearchandmakea meaningfulcontributiontosociety.

EntrepreneurialAdvice:NavigatingtheDynamic Industry

Sanaabelievesinthepowerofadviceandguidancein shapingaperson'slife.Shefollowscertainprinciplesthat guidehertostaymotivatedandfocusedonachievingher goals.

Oneofthemostcriticalpiecesofadviceshefollowsisto "stay up-to-date"continually.Sheemphasizesthatthenew industrywillbeskills-basedratherthandegree-based,and stayingup-to-datewiththelatestskillsandcompetenciesis crucialtosucceed.Sheoftenassessesherselfonhowmany skillsshehas,ratherthanhowmanydegreessheholds,to staycompetitiveinthejobmarket.

Thesecondpieceofadviceshefollowsisto"believe in yourself"andnotgetobsessedwithnegativethoughts.She tellsastoryofadeaffrogwhocouldnothearpeopletelling himthathecouldnotdoit.Sanaaadviseseveryonetobe likethedeaffrogandnotgetdisheartenedbynegative thoughtsorcomments.

Finally,Sanaaemphasizestheimportanceofintegrity.She advisesthemtoalwaysdothecorrectthing,whether someoneislookingornotbecausewhateveronedoeswill ultimatelyreturntous.Shebelievesthatactingwith integritynotonlybuildstrustandrespectbutalsohelpsus leadafulfillinglife.

Developing a Visionfor Educational Leadership

Educationalleadershipplaysavitalroleinshaping

thefutureofeducationalinstitutions.Astrongand effectiveleadermustpossessaclearvisionthat guidestheirdecision-making,inspiresstakeholders,and fostersacultureofexcellenceandinnovation.Developinga visionforeducationalleadershiprequirescarefulreflection, collaboration,andaforward-thinkingmindset.Thisarticle exploresthekeystepsandconsiderationsinvolvedin creatingacompellingvisionthatdrivespositivechangein educationalsettings.

ReflectontheCurrentState:

Todevelopavisionforeducationalleadership,itis essentialtoassessthecurrentstateoftheinstitution.This involvesgatheringdata,analyzingperformanceindicators, identifyingstrengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats.Reflectontheorganization'smission,values,and goals.Considerthebroadereducationallandscape, emergingtrends,andchallenges.Thisreflectiveprocess providesafoundationforenvisioningadesirablefuture.

EngageStakeholders:

Developingavisionshouldbeacollaborativeprocess involvingallstakeholders:teachers,administrators, students,parents,andcommunitymembers.Engagethemin dialogues,focusgroups,andsurveystogatherdiverse perspectives.Thisinclusiveapproachfostersasenseof ownershipandsharedresponsibilityforthevision.

Encouragestakeholderstoenvisiontheiridealeducational environmentandidentifycommonvaluesandaspirations.

Define

CoreValuesandBeliefs:

Acompellingvisionisrootedincorevaluesandbeliefsthat guidetheeducationalcommunity.Identifyandarticulate thesevalues,suchasequity,innovation,inclusivity,and lifelonglearning.Alignthevisionwiththebroader educationalprinciplesandethicalstandards.Thesevalues actasguidingprinciplesfordecision-makingandserveasa moralcompassfortheorganization.

SetAmbitiousGoals:

Avisionmustbeaccompaniedbyambitiousyetattainable goals.Establishspecific,measurable,achievable,relevant, andtime-bound(SMART)objectivesthatalignwiththe vision.Thesegoalsshouldaddressacademicachievement, social-emotionaldevelopment,andotherkeyareasoffocus. Involvestakeholdersinsettinggoalstoensurecollective commitmentandbuy-in.

FosteraCultureofCollaborationandInnovation:

Aneffectivevisionforeducationalleadershipencourages collaborationandfostersacultureofinnovation.Create structuresandprocessesthatfacilitatecollaborationamong staff,students,andthewidercommunity.Encourage experimentation,risk-taking,andtheuseofinnovative

teachingmethodsandtechnologies.Emphasizeprofessional developmentandprovideresourcestosupportcontinuous improvement.

CommunicateandInspire:

Avisionisonlyeffectiveifitiscommunicatedclearlyand consistently.Craftacompellingnarrativethatconveysthe vision'spurpose,values,andgoals.Usevarious communicationchannelssuchasnewsletters,meetings, socialmedia,andtheschoolwebsitetoengagestakeholders andkeeptheminformedaboutprogress.Inspireothers throughstorytelling,highlightingsuccessstories,and recognizingthecontributionsofindividualsandteams.

MonitorProgressandAdjust:

Developingavisionisanongoingprocess.Regularly monitorprogress,collectfeedback,andassesstheimpactof initiatives.Celebratesuccessesandidentifyareasfor improvement.Remainopentofeedbackandadjustthe visionandstrategiesasneededtostayalignedwiththe evolvingneedsandaspirationsoftheeducational community.

EmbraceDiversityandInclusion:

Ensurethatyourvisionembracesdiversityandinclusionas fundamentalvalues.Createaninclusiveenvironmentwhere students,staff,andthecommunityfeelvalued,respected, andrepresented.Incorporateculturalresponsivenessand equitablepracticesintoyourvision,fosteringasenseof belongingforallindividuals.

Emphasize21stCenturySkills:

Considertheskillsandcompetenciesnecessaryforsuccess inthe21stcentury Yourvisionshouldreflectthe importanceofcriticalthinking,problem-solving,creativity, collaboration,communication,digitalliteracy,and adaptability.Preparestudentstothriveinarapidlychanging worldbyintegratingtheseskillsintothecurriculumand instructionalpractices.

PromoteStudentVoiceandAgency:

Empowerstudentsbyactivelyinvolvingtheminthe visioningprocess.Solicittheirideas,perspectives,and feedback.Encouragestudentleadershipandprovide opportunitiesforthemtohaveavoiceindecision-making processes.Fosteranenvironmentwherestudentstake ownershipoftheirlearningandcontributetothe improvementoftheeducationalcommunity

FosterPartnershipsandCommunityEngagement:

Recognizetheimportanceofstrongpartnershipswith families,communityorganizations,businesses,andhigher educationinstitutions.Developstrategiestoengagethese stakeholdersinsupportingthevision.Collaboratewith communityresourcestoexpandlearningopportunities, provideinternships,andcreatemeaningfulconnections betweentheclassroomandtherealworld.