World's Most Influential Women in Education to Follow, 2022

Knowledge and Learning are the Keys of Transformation

Wemustdecidewhethertodrasticallyalterourtrajectoryor stayonanunsustainableroute.Ifthingskeepgoingtheway theyare,wewillhavetoendureoutrageousinequalityand exploitation,theescalationofvarioustypesofviolence,the disintegrationofsocialcohesionandindividualliberties, ongoingenvironmentaldamage,andapotentially catastrophiclossofbiodiversity.Ifwekeepgoinginthe samedirection,wewillfailtoforeseeandmitigatetherisks thatcomealongwithoursocieties'technicalanddigital revolutions.Wemustimmediatelyrethinkourshared futuresandtakestepstomakethemareality.

Renewalandchangearebuiltonknowledgeandlearning. However,duetowidespreadinequalitiesandtheurgent needtorethinkwhy,how,what,where,andwhenwestudy, educationisnotcontributingasmuchasitshouldtosupport thecreationofpeaceful,just,andsustainablefutures.Weall havearesponsibilitytoguaranteethateveryonehasaccess toalloftheirhumanrightsandthatourworldisoneof plentyratherthanscarcity.Evenwhilethereisapressing needforactionandthereisalotofuncertainty,wehave everycausetobeoptimistic.Weasaspeciesareatatimein humanhistorywhenwehavethemostaccessto informationandtechnologiesthathelpusworktogether. Therehasneverbeenabetteropportunityformankindto worktogethertocreatethefuture.

Theorganizationofteachingandlearningthroughoutlife, oreducation,haslongbeenakeyfactorintheevolutionof humancultures.Theintergenerationalcycleofknowledge transferandcocreationisorganizedthrougheducation.It enhancesourabilitiesforcommunicationandaction, exposesustonewpossibilities,andlinksustotheoutside worldandtoothers.Buteducationitselfneedstochangeif wearetocreatethefuturesweseek.

Inthisspecialissue, “World's Most Influential Women in Education to Follow, 2022” World'sLeadershighlightsthe talesofasignificantwomanleaderswhoareinfluencing, inspiring,andinvigoratingtheworldwiththeirzealto striveforsuccess.

World’s Most Inuential Women in Education to Follow, 2022

ThecoverfeaturesPhoebeA.WasfyisthePrincipalof PhilopateerChristianCollege(PCC),awell-known memberoftheAssociationofChristianSchools InternationalandoneofCanada'sfastestgrowingprivate Christianschools(ACSI).PCCwascreatedin1999andis NorthAmerica'sfirstprivateschoolfoundedbytheCoptic Egyptiancommunityandisavailabletoallstudents. PhoebewasborninAlexandria,Egypt,andemigratedto NorthAmericawhenshewasnineyearsold.Sheisa memberofboththeOntarioCollegeofTeachersandthe OntarioPrincipalsCouncil(OPC).Mrs.Wasfyhasbeen nominatedfortheOrderofOntariofor2019and2020, whichisoneofthehighesthonorsbestowedbythe ProvinceofOntarioanditsGovernorGeneralfor communityservice.PhoebewasalsoacceptedintoThe MarquisWho'sWhoinAmericaforherprofessional integrityandgreatperformanceinherfield.Sheisalsothe 2021VisionBuilderWomenofInspirationAwardwinner.

Whilewecometotheend,pleasedonotforgettoreadthe CXOstandpointswrittenbyindustryexpertsandthe informativearticlespenneddownbyourin-houseeditorial team.

Have a lovely read!

PHOEBE A. WASFY

An Education Leader with History of Working in the Education Management Industry

Principal Philopateer Christian College (PCC)

Phoebe A.Wasfy

An Education Leader with History of Working in the Education Management Industry

PhoebeA.WasfyisthePrincipalof PhilopateerChristianCollege(PCC),a well-knownmemberoftheAssociation ofChristianSchoolsInternationaland oneofCanada'sfastestgrowingprivate Christianschools(ACSI).PCCwas createdin1999andisNorthAmerica's firstprivateschoolfoundedbythe CopticEgyptiancommunityandis availabletoallstudents.Phoebewas borninAlexandria,Egypt,and emigratedtoNorthAmericawhenshe wasnineyearsold.Sheisamemberof boththeOntarioCollegeofTeachers andtheOntarioPrincipalsCouncil (OPC).Mrs.Wasfyhasbeen nominatedfortheOrderofOntariofor 2019and2020,whichisoneofthe highesthonorsbestowedbythe ProvinceofOntarioanditsGovernor Generalforcommunityservice. PhoebewasalsoacceptedintoThe MarquisWho'sWhoinAmericafor herprofessionalintegrityandgreat performanceinherfield.Sheisalso the2021VisionBuilderWomenof InspirationAwardwinner

AGloriousBackground

PhoebegraduatedwithaBachelorof Arts(BA)inHistoryandReligious Studies(UniversityofToronto2002). ShecompletedherProfessional PrograminEducation(D'Youville College,NewYork,USA2004).She

Pacquiredadditionalqualificationsin "Reading","History","Religious Studies"and"TeachingKindergartenGrade12"aswellascompletedher PrincipalQualificationCourses(PQC) in2011.PhoebereceivedherMasterof Education(MEd)(Universityof Western,Ontario2014)andcompleted aHigherEducationTeaching CertificatefromHarvardUniversity, USAin2019.Herloveforacademia andheractiveinvolvementinthefield hasearnedhertheArabWomenof ExcellenceAwardsinAcademiafrom LifeTransformationAcademy (Calgary,Alberta,Canada).

PhoebehasbeenontheboardofACSIEasternCanadasince2017.Sheisan adjunctfacultymemberofthe CanadianCopticCenter'sYouth MinistryCertificationProgram (YMCP),whichisrunincollaboration withYouthTrainNewZealand.Phoebe hasbeenselectedtoattendtheWorld YouthForum2018inSharmElSheikh,Egypt.Phoebelikesengaging withothereducators,students,and parents,andsheisdedicatedto developingleadershipandprofessional growthinherteam.Phoebeisin chargeofvariousactivitiesandisin chargeofschoolyouthmissionary travelsallovertheworld,allwhile collaboratingwithothergovernments, globalcharitygroups,andglobal assistanceorganizations.Shejust launchedthefirstfundraisingcampaign fortheEgyptianpresidentialinitiative, DecentLife,organizedbyagroupof 16and17-year-oldpupils.

PhilopateerChristianCollege

PhilopateerChristianCollege(PCC) waslaunchedinSeptember1999with 40studentsrangingfromJKtoGrade 8.Today,wehaveapproximately360 studentsfromPre-Ktograde12.

PCCcreatedthefirstPre-JK(PreKindergarten)programin2002,

allowingchildrenasyoungasthreeto participateintheentireschool experience.Since2005,PCChas welcomedforeignstudentsfrom Korea,China,Brazil,andtheMiddle East.

PCCopeneditshighschooldoorsin 2007withonlythreepupilsenrolledin grade9.TheGoodSamaritanprogram wasestablishedin2008forkidswith learningdisabilitiesandspecialneeds.

In2020,itbecameinnovativeduring thepandemicandbeganits hybrid/virtualhighschoolrecruiting, recruitingstudentsfromalloverthe worldtojoinitsschoolfromthe comfortoftheirowncountry.Phoebe states, "Our qualified, caring teachers and staff work hand in hand with families to support the healthy growth of all our students. We care for our students' spirituality and academics, and mentor them to serve their families, their communities, and their respective countries. Cherishing family relationships, friends and respect towards adults and each other, are part of our school values.”

TheteamatPhilopateerChristian Collegedevelopsitsstudentstobe well-roundedleadersoftomorrow.The teamdoesthisbyassistingstudentsin believinginanddevelopingtheirGodgivenskillsintheappropriate atmosphere,underthesupervisionof highlycompetentteachers.

PhilopateerChristianCollegehasheld thetopplaceasDiamondWinnerin thecityofMississaugaReaders' ChoiceAwardsforBestPrivateSchool in2019,2020,and2021.

Institute'sExclusiveOfferings

ThePhilopateerChristianCollege SchoolBoard,theAssociationof ChristianSchoolsInternational (ACSI),andtheOntarioMinistryof

Educationsetthepoliciesand philosophyfortheschool.

Withinsuchguidelines,thestaffof PhilopateerChristianCollegeis committedtohelpingeachstudentto: Ÿ Developaresponsivenesstothe dynamicprocessesoflearning Ÿ Developresourcefulness, adaptabilityandcreativityin learningandliving Ÿ

Acquirethebasicknowledgeand skillsneededtocomprehendand expressideasthroughwords, numbers,andothersymbols Ÿ

Developphysicalfitnessandgood health Ÿ

Gainsatisfactionfromparticipating andfromsharingtheparticipation ofothersinvariousformsofartistic expression Ÿ

Developafeelingofself-worth; developanunderstandingofthe roleoftheindividualwithinthe familyandtheroleofthefamily withinsociety

Acquireskillsthatcontributeto self-relianceinsolvingpractical problemsineverydaylife Ÿ Developasenseofpersonal responsibilityinsocietyatthelocal, national,andinternationallevels Ÿ Developesteemforthecustoms, cultures,andbeliefsofawide varietyofsocietalgroups Ÿ

Acquireskillsandattributesthat willleadtosatisfactionand productivityintheworldofwork Ÿ Developrespectforthe environmentandcommitmentto thewiseuseofresources Ÿ Developvaluesrelatedtopersonal, ethical,andreligiousbeliefsandto thecommonwelfareofsociety

MajorResponsibilitiesasPrincipal

Phoebehaspledgedtobeaservant leaderfirst,ateachersecond,anda schooladministratorlastasprincipalof PhilopateerChristianCollege.These thingshavedefinedherday-to-day

responsibilities,whichrangefrom meetingparentstospeakingtostudents whoneedsomeonetolistenand encouragethem,discipliningwith firmnessandlove,assistingteachers withprofessionaldevelopment,and simplyleadingtheschooltobecomea placewheretomorrow'sleadersare today'sstudents.

Phoebebelievesthat,likeinanyother growingacademicinstitution,thethree areasthatmustalwaysbeworkedon are:1)communication2)Professional development3)andpropermarketing toolsthatwillhelptoshowcasethe schoolinaproperway.Sheaddsthat competitionhasalwaysexistedand willcontinuetoexistinprivate schools,buttheinstitutionhasmade thedecisionovertheyearstoletits actionsspeaklouderthanwordsandto keepimprovingitselfinordertostay ontopofthegame.

RisktakenasaProfessional

Takingoverasheadoftheschoolat suchayoungagewasamajorrisk,but Phoebewaseagerandreadyforthe job.Theepidemic,however,posedthe greatestthreattohercareerin2020. Keepingstaff,students,parents,and theboardtogetherduringaperiodof uncertaintywasdifficult,butresolving thequestion"whatcomesnext?"was muchmoredifficult.Shehadtwo choices:sitaroundandblame everythingonCOVID,orbecome inventivewhilenotknowingwhatwas goingtohappennext.Herteamand Phoebechosetheinnovationchoice andcreatedafullyaccreditedvirtual highschoolprogram,allowingstudents fromallaroundtheworldtojointhe schoolandcomefullyimmersedinits program.Phoebeasserts, "As for our elementary division, we expanded our program to include a full French

stream and an English stream. Taking those risks has brought us to continuous success stories.”

VisionfortheCompany

Phoebe'svisionasaneducationalleaderisdividedintothreeareas.The firstistoenableeverystudenttobethebesttheycanbeinorderto becomeschoolambassadors.Thesecondelementofhervisionforthe schoolistostretchherwingsandreachouttootherregionsoftheworld inordertoassistasmanystudentsaspossibleinreachingtheirfull potentialandbecomingworldleaderswhowillmakeagenuinedifference intheworldwealllivein.Shestates, "In order for these two parts of the vision to be achieved, integrity in all that we do is the core value that we build everything on."

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians3:23

Girls'educationhaselevated inimportanceamongmany nationsandhigh-level politicalforumsadvocatinggender equalityafterFirstLadyClinton's address.Themoneyseemstohave followed,especiallyinthelastten yearsascorporateinvolvementin girls'educationgrewandas specializedfunds,liketheGirls' EducationChallengeoftheUK DepartmentforInternational Development,weresetaside.The educationsectorwasthelargest beneficiaryofoverseasdevelopment assistance(ODA)gearedatgender equalityin2010,receiving20%of allsuchaid.Thecontributionofthe educationsectorhasdecreasedby 50%in2018,despitethefactthatthe entireODAbudgetforgender equalitythanquadrupled(from US$25.3billionin2010toUS$48.7 billion).

Althoughthenumberofilliterate womeninlow-incomecountries increasedby20millionbetween 2000and2016(despitethefactthat thistrendwasprimarilybroughton bydecadesofexclusionfrom educationasgirlsgrewinto adulthood),thistrendoccurredeven aswomenintheUnitedStateswere surpassingmenintheearly2000sin termsofearningdoctoraldegrees.In

thesametimeframe,accesstoschool forsuccessivecohortsofgirlsstarted toriseastheMillennium DevelopmentGoalserabrought politicalfocustoclosingthegender achievementgapineducation.In fact,therehasbeenasignificant reductioningenderdifferencesin schoolinginlittleunder20years. Girlswhowereinprimaryschool between2000and2018droppedout by44%,andby2019,almosttwothirdsofcountriesattainedgender parityinbasiceducation.Overthe pasttenyears,however,development hasstagnated.Genderdisparitiesin secondaryeducationstillexistinsubSaharanAfrica,whichistheareathat isfarthestfromparityinelementary educationduetoconflictinNorthern AfricaandWesternAsia.

Gender-biasededucation expendituresthatmay disproportionatelybenefitboys; gender-insensitiveschoolfacilities thatmaydiscouragegirlsandfemale instructorsfromattendingschool, especiallyduringtheirmenstrual cycles;gender-biasedcurriculumand teachingthatmayteachgirlstheir femeninityaresomeoftheobstacles preventingdevelopmentinlowincomenations.

TheBrookingsInstitution'sanalysis predictsthatitwilltakealongtime toovercometheeducationgap betweenaffluentandpoorgirls;it predictsthatby2111allfemalesin sub-SaharanAfricawillhaveaccess tosecondaryschool.These inequalitiescouldbehardertobridge whenitcomestocertainnations.

Accordingtoestimates,130million femalesworldwidewerenot attendingschoolbeforetheepidemic. Theremightbeanextra20million

girlsworldwidewhodonotreturnto schoolifnationsliketheU.S.donot activelyengagetoensurethatspecial emphasisismadetofemalesinthe COVID-19recoveryplansofnations wheregirlsfacehigher vulnerabilities.

Additionally,itappearsthat investmentchoicesarenotalways basedonlyonneedassessments acrosstheboard.Forinstance,a Brookingsanalysisoffundingfor girls'educationonmultilateral, bilateral,foundation,andcorporate levelsrevealedthatnationswith someofthelargestgendergapsin educationdidnotreceiveanyODA orphilanthropicdonorfundingaimed atpromotinggenderequalityin education.

Therefore,evenifeffortsin advancinggenderequalityareonthe rise,nationsmaybeoverlookingthe significanceofmakinginvestments ingirls'educationasacrucial entrancepoint.Additionally,it's possiblethatthemoniesallocatedare notgoingtoregionswhereachieving genderequalitywillbethemost difficultanddifficult.

Therehasneverbeenabettertimeto evaluatetheU.S.roleinpromoting genderequalityathomeandabroad. Astrongercommitmenttogirls' educationviaaU.S.feministforeign policymightrekindleglobalprogress towardgenderequalityastheworld strugglestorecoverfromthe COVID-19shock.Weshouldbeable toclaim,inacenturyfromnow,that thepassageofthe19thAmendment didforgenderequalityintheUnited Stateswhatuniversaleducationfor girlsachievedforwomenandgirls worldwide.

lesserquality.Wearecurrently consideringdifferentstrategiesthat rangefromsocialfranchisingto openingheadquartersinother cities/countries,andevenpiloting someofthemtofindoutwhatthe rightfitisforustoensureeconomic sustainabilitywhilemaximizing impact.

Inparallel,wealsoneedtoestablish long-termrelationshipswithresearch institutionstoproperlyand scientificallytrackourlong-term impact.

Insummary,weneedtofindtheright scalingmodelthatensuresboth financialsustainabilityoftheproject andhighqualitydelivery,resultingin thedesiredkindofimpactonour beneficiaries.

Haveyoubeenexposedto competitionintheindustry?Ifso, telluswhatmakesthecompany differentfromitscompetitors?

Toourknowledge,nootherventure offershigh-quality,field-tested materialsforeducatorstoteach STEMinSpanishwithaninquirybasedmethodologylikeus.

Elesapiens(elesapiens.com)isa venturethatoffersamethodologyto teachSTEMbasedononline materials,andalignedwiththe curriculum,butitdoesn'thavea practical,experimentalfocus.Intheir approach,studentsarepassive

receptorsofinformation,whereaswe trainteachersandprovidethemwith accesstoresourcesthatallowthemto easilyimplementhands-onscientific activitiesinaclassroomsetting, usingdailymaterialsobtainedata veryreducedcost.

Morethan18,000studentswhohave experiencedouractivitiesinperson havebenefitedfromourmethodology andresources.

Tellusaboutyourvisionforthe company.Howdoyouensurea cultureofintegrityandinnovation inthecompany?

OurlatestinnovationistheEscuelab platform,whichgiveseasyaccessto onlinematerialsthatarethe digitalizedversionofourproven methodologytoteachinquiry-based scienceinprimaryschool.

Theinnovationherereliesongiving teachersaccesstoourhighquality, field-testedlearningmaterials.These areveryeasytoimplementinthe classroom,sincetheyincludelesson plans,studentworksheets, experimentvideos,step-by-step instructions,andsuggestionsfor additionalactivities,testing,etc. Theyrequireeasy-to-obtain, affordablematerials.Overall,ittakes teachersasmuchtimeandeffortto implementourinquiry-based methodologyasitdoestoteacha "regular"class.

Wearenotawareoftheexistenceof otheronlineteacher-training platformsorlesson-planrepositories offeringthistypeoftestedcontent.

Moreover,ourplatformhasalsobeen provenusefulinsupportingteachers inensuringpedagogicalcontinuityof

STEMlearningwithpupilsstudying onlinefromhomeormaintaining socialdistancingduringtheCOVID19pandemic.

Weenvisionusingthisplatformasa meanstoreachallSpanish-speaking

childrenintheworld,ensuringthey getaccesstoahigh-qualitySTEM educationregardlessoftheirsocioeconomicbackground.

What'sthegreatestriskyou've takenasaprofessional?

ThefoundingofEscuelab,whenI wasfinishingmyPhDwithvery goodpublicationsandtheprospects ofstartingasuccessfulresearch career,butinsteadIdecidedtogive theprojectashotanddevote1year toworkingfulltimeonit.Therisk wasworthitand,8yearslater,the businessisstillup,runningand growinginsizeandimpactdespite thepandemic.

Howdoyoubalanceworkandlife responsibilities?

Imustadmit,beingthefounderofa stilldevelopingbusinessmeansthe balancetipsmoreoftenthannot towardswork.However,Itryto scheduleofftimetoexerciseandbe withmyfamily,andfriends,andI makeitapointtotakeatleasttwo fullweeksoffinAugust(our"low" season).

Whatadvicewouldyougiveto emergingentrepreneursand enthusiastsconsideringacareerin anindustry?

Iwouldadvisethemtoidentifytheir weakpointsandsurroundthemselves withteammemberswhoarestronger thantheminthoseareas.Iwouldalso tellthemtokeeptheireyesandears openandarewillingtoconstantly

Dr. Shauli Mukherjee

Led the Charge in Developing a Personalized, Engaging, and Stress-FreeCurriculum for Children of All Ages

Director - School of Education Adamas University India

Former Founder Principal Adamas World School STEM World School

Withapurposefulcareerinthe educationspacespanningmorethan20 years,Dr.ShauliMukherjeehas dedicatedherlifetothepromotionof child-centricandactivity-oriented education.Dr.Mukherjeewasthe founderprincipalofAdamasWorld SchoolandSTEMWorldSchool,West Bengal'sfirstSTEMschool.Heisa dedicatededucatorandthoughtleader withexperiencefoundingandrunning newgenerationK-12schools.STEMis flourishingunderherinspired leadership.WorldSchoolwasranked andawardedasthe2ndbest internationaldayschoolinWest BengalbyEducationWorld.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andDrShauliMukherjee:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideoftheworkplace.

Iamapersonwhothrivesonintrinsic motivationtotouch,impact,inspire andcreateavisibleandtangible differenceinpeople’slivesthroughthe transformativeandlife-changing powerofeducation.Iwoulddefine myselfasanextremelypassionateand purpose-drivenacademicwhohasbeen relentlesslyworkingintheeducation sectorformorethantwodecadesto

honeandnurturethecreativeand innovativegeniusandtheunique talentsandcapabilitiesofyoung learners.Ibelievethatmyprimary responsibilityasaneducationistis tohelpenableyounglearnersto evolveintomoreconfident, competent,dynamic,andauthentic versionsofthemselveswhoare holisticallyequippedtoaddressthe constantlyemergingglobal complexitiesofthe21stcentury VUCAworld.

Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou joinedthepresentorganization?

Withapurposefulcareerinthe educationspacespanningmore than20years,Ihavededicatedmy lifetothepromotionofchildcentricandactivity-oriented education.IhavebeentheFounder PrincipalofAdamasWorldSchool andSTEMWorldSchool,thefirst STEMschoolinWestBengal. Undermyleadership,STEMWorld Schoolhasbeenrankedand awardedasthe2ndbest internationaldayschoolinWest BengalbyEducationWorld.Ialso heldsenioracademicand administrativepositionsinsomeof thereputedcollegesinWest Bengal.

Throughoutmycareerineducation, Ihavebeenactivelycontributingto andspearheadingtheprocessof creatingapersonalized,engaging, andstress-freecurriculumfor learnersofallagegroups.Ihave beentherecipientofnumerous awardsandaccolades,includingthe NationalQualityExcellenceAward, theGEMofIndiaAward,the

SarvepaliRadhakrishnanAward, theNationalEducationLeadership Awardinthecategoryof commitmenttoexcellencein education,(tonameafew),andthe WorldPeaceAward.TheAcademic CouncilofULektzalsorecognized measoneofINDIA'STOP50 WOMENLEADERSINTHE EDUCATIONINDUSTRYand TOP20REVOLUTIONARY EDUCATIONLEADERS.

Additionally,Iamassociatedwith premiereeducationalorganizations acrossIndiaaswellasgloballyina senioradvisorycapacity.Ihave alsobeenrecognizedamongthe99 WOMENACHIEVERSOFINDIA FORTHEYEAR2021.

Asaninternationallyacclaimed inspirationalspeaker,Iamregularly invitedtonumerousnationaland internationalconferences, universities,summits,conclaves, andeventstosharemyinsightson thefuturisticandtransformative roleofeducation.Iamcurrently workingastheDirectorofthe SchoolofEducationatAdamas University,India.

Tellusabouttheinceptionof yourorganization.Howdiditall start?

AdamasUniversityisratedtheBest PrivateUniversityinEasternIndia andwasestablishedwiththe intentionofprovidingasolutionto alleducationalneedsunderone roof.Itaimstocreatean environmentforstudentsthatwill notjustarmthemwiththeright kindofknowledge,butalso developthemaswell-rounded membersofsociety

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Iamaconsciousandardent believerintheconceptofIKIGAI–thereasonforbeing.Intermsofmy professionalcareerasanacademic, therehasbeenaconsciousand fortunateintersectionbetweenwhat IwasgoodatandwhatIloved doing.Iamapersonwhohas actuallyturnedherpassionintoher professionand,throughher profession,hasactuallyfoundher IKIGAI–thesolereasonforbeing. Whenthere'saculminationof passionandpurpose,onetendsto workwithanelevatedsenseof convictionandcommitment,and there'sabsolutelynoneedforany externalstimulustokeephim/her motivatedorinspired,sinceboth inspirationandmotivationare intrinsicforapersonwhois purposedriven.Allthroughmy career,Ihavestronglyvalued passion,purpose,andintegrity

Whatobstaclesdidyouovercome togettowhereyouaretoday?

Ibelievethatalmostallpotential andgreatopportunitiesinlifeoften comedisguisedaschallengesand obstacles.Thoughtherehavebeen numerouschallengesinmy professionaljourney,especially sinceIhavebeencommittedto bringingaboutavisibleand tangibledifferenceinpeople's mindsconcerningtherealessence ofeducation,whichwasdefinitely notaneasytask,Ihavenever viewedthoseobstaclesas stumblingblocksinmylife,ratherI haveconsideredthemasessential

steppingstoneswhichhadhelped enablemetoevolveintoabetter, stronger,andmoreconfident versionofmyself.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas theDirectoroftheUniversity? Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?

Ifirmlyupholdthebeliefthatthe purposeofmeaningfuleducationis todeveloplifelonglearners, creativethinkers,andresponsible globalcitizenswhoareconfidently equippedtofacethechallengesof anuncertainandconstantly unfoldingfuture.Inmycurrentrole astheDirectoroftheSchoolof Educationatoneofthepremiere universitiesinIndia,Iam committedtodevelopingand nurturingthefuturegenerationof teachersandresearcherswhowill beendowedwiththeabilityto inspireandimpactthelivesof manypeoplearoundthemthrough theennoblingpowerofeducation.

Thehappiestpartofmydaily routineisbeingwithmy students—insideoroutsidethe classroom—beingabletointeract withthemandconnectwiththemat adeeperlevel.

Whatareyourcurrentstruggles andyourfuturegoals?

Thereisanurgentandpressing needtoreimagineandredefine educationtomeettheneedsand demandsofavolatile,uncertain, complex,andambiguousworldthat isconstantlychangingand unfolding.Acompletemind-set shiftisrequiredtore-imagine

educationandlearningthatwill essentiallysuitthelearningneeds anddemandsofourcurrent generationofyouth.Ourcurrent educationsystemstillcontinuesto promoteaone-size-fits-all educationalstructure,whichneeds acompletetransformation.Asa futuristicandprogressiveeducator, Iamcommittedtopositively contributingtofacilitatinga paradigmshiftfromanovertly structuredandrigidframeworkof educationtoamorepersonalized, stress-free,fulfilling,happy,and productiveeducationalecosystem.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Istronglybelievethatatrueleader isonewhoknowstheway,shows thewayandmostimportantly,goes theway Aleadertakespeople wheretheywanttogobutagreat leadertakespeoplewherethey don’twanttogobutoughttobe going.Therealroleofleadership, especiallyinthesphereof Educationshouldneverbeoneof commandandcontrol;ratherit shouldbeoneofclimatecontrol–thatis,creatingasuitableclimateof infinitepossibilitiesandimmense potentialitieswherethepeople wouldcontinuetoevolveintothe highest,truestandtheverybest versionsofthem.

Dean & Executive Director Hult International Business School

Dr.SelinaNeriistheDeanand ExecutiveDirectorofHult InternationalBusinessSchool DubaicampusandaProfessorof ManagementandCorporate Governance.In2021and2020Dr SelinawontheProfessorofthe YearAwardforHultDubaiand Londoncampuses.In2020shewon theHultFacultyoftheYearglobal awardforexcellenceinteaching andresearch.Forover26yearsshe hasworkedinglobalexecutive managementinthetechnology industryandmorerecentlyinthe luxuryindustry.Shehasservedas Non-ExecutiveDirectorinthe travelindustryandisasenior advisorincorporategovernance.In 2016hernamemadethelistofThe FemaleFTSEBoardReport2016: 100WomentoWatch,publishedby FinancialTimesandCranfield SchoolofManagementfortheUK Government(LordDavies Review),inrecognitionforher servicestocorporategovernance.

Hultisthefirsttripleaccredited businessschool(AACSB,AMBA andEQUIS)intheUSA,with campusesinSanFrancisco,Boston, LondonandDubai.Hultisaplace likenoother,aplaceofinnovation, oftryingoutnewthingsandof profoundself-discovery.Dr.Neri

states, "We strive for relevance: relevance to business, relevance to personal development, relevance to society, relevance to teaching and research, life-long relevance to our students and alumni. Developing the human is one of our top priorities, beside developing competence in the domains of business and at the edge of knowledge and possibilities."

Belowarehighlightsofthe interviewconductedbetween World'sLeadersandDr.Selina Neri:

Briefouraudienceaboutyour journeyasawomenleader.What challengesyouhadtofaceto reachwhereyouaretoday?

Myjourneyisoneofsurvivaland grit.Itisalsooneofpersonal discovery.Ihavesurvivedphysical disabilityataveryyoungage,a familybackgroundthatgavemea springboardintoeducationandyet triedtopullmebackintothe versionofmethatmyfamily desired.Isurvivednaturaldisasters andIsurvivedillnesses.I developedgritandtenacity.Inthe firstyearsofmycareer,inthe USA,Isurvivedanobnoxious, sexistandracistbosswhodida wonderfuljobatignitinginmethe abilitytoshowmytruecolors.The morehetriedtodemeanme,the higherIrose,emotionally, intellectuallyandhierarchically.I startedmyeducationintheliberal arts,wentontoEconomicsandan MBA.Workedforover26yearsin technologyandeventuallycrafted fourindustrychanges.Isaton boardofdirectorsoflisted companiesandfeltonmyskin

whatcorporatepowermeansand howitcanservesocietyorselfinterest.IwasawardedaPhDin Businessattheageof52afterthree yearsofdoctoralstudiesforwhich Isacrificedeverything.Ifellinlove attheageof39withthemanwho eventuallybecamemyhusband,my trueloveandmynumberonefan club.Mineisastorywhosetexture isepicandfilledwithdiscoveries ofwhoIreallyamdeepinside, whatIstandfor,inwhosecompany Ifeelcomfortableandwhatdoes notbelongtowhoIam.Iamstill searchingbutIhavelearnedtobe comfortablyvulnerableandtobe me,whateverittakes.

Enlightenusonhowyouhave madeanimpactinthisindustry throughyourexpertiseinthe industry?

Iamabusinesspersonwhocame toacademialateinlifeandIthink thisgivesmecredibility,deepand vastsocialcapital,theabilityto connectthedotsformyselfandfor ourstudents,whetherincorporate oralumnirelations,insecuringtop facultyforourcoursesandthebest mindstheworldhastoofferintheir respectiveresearchdomains.I bringenergy,optimism,comfortin functioningastheprimaryspoke personforthecampus,dynamism, visionandahealthydegreeoffun andspontaneity.Idoletmyhair down!OurstakeholderssaythatI amaninfluencerandaninitiatorof the"new":Itakethisasa compliment.AsfacultyIbring competence,funandanexciting learningjourneytomystudents.As dean,Ibuildopportunitiesfor growth,boldideasandtheability towinpeopleoverandthinkoffmy

feet:atHultwearemastersin pivoting!

Whatarethechallengesyouand yourteamatHultInternational BusinessSchoolcomeacrossin yourday-to-dayoperations?

Wefaceavarietyofchallangesthat commandourabilitytopivotandto beintrapreneurial:fromtheCovid pandemicandensuringthehealth andsafetyofourcommunity,to beingabletofunctionasastrong, Inclusiveanddiversesupport systemforstaffandstudentswho facepersonal,professionalandlife crisisandchallenges.Weface challengeswheretheworldwould likeustobend:bendtherules, bendyourethicalstandardsand bendyourmorality Westandfor something:ifyoudonotstandfor somethingyou'llfallfor everything.Wecannotanddonot wanttoaffordit.Westandfora liberaleducationandforwhat educationmeansinahumanlife. Westandforprofessionalconduct inandoutsideofcampus,westand foraninclusivecommunitywhere eachofusisfreetobeandvalued forwhoweare.Westandfor studentswhocannotaffordtheir postgraduateeducationbuthave talentandmerit,sowehavea comprehensivescholarship programtosupportthem.Itis becauseofourstrongvaluesthat weovercomeday-to-day challenges,fromfindinglast minutefacultytoreplacea colleaguewhocannotteachto pivotingawholecoursearounda greatideastudentsmighthave,to deliveringbigeventswithlimited budgetsandfindingsponsorsfor ourmostinnovativeactivities.

Describeindetailthevaluesand theworkculturethatdrivesHult InternationalBusinessSchool.

Nothingisimpossible, entrepreneurialthinking,student centricity,costconsciousnessand teamwork.Thesearethe foundationsofhowweoperate. Hultwentfromadisruptorin highereducationtoatriple accreditedbusinessschoolthat playsinthetopleagueofitsgame. Thesevaluesignitemeandspeak tome;otherwiseIcouldnotbethe deanoftheDubaicampusora faculty Westandforaplacewhere weallfeelthatwebelong.Wearea familyandgotogetherthrough thickandthin.Weshareaprofound respectforourstudents,their families,theirprofessionaland personaljourney.AsdeanIam preparedtogothroughfireformy teamandmystudents.Thisisalso whatauthenticleadershipisall about.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourself tobeinthelongrunandwhat areyourfuturegoalsforHult InternationalBusinessSchool?

IcancomfortablysaythatIhave foundmypurposeinaleadership positioninhighereducationinan institutionIrespectandwithpeople Icareabout.Thisisveryrare,andI amgratefultobehere,inthis moment,inthisplace.Ilikethe personalityofhighereducationand thetruecoloursofleadership.Itis exhaustingandattimessolitary,but itiswhoIamandwhatIdo.Iam atajunctureinmylifewhereI choosewhatIdoandsofarIhave learntmanylessons.Wearetaking Hulttoitsnextera:atimefilled

withflexibility(demandedby students),cuttingedge specialisationsandprograms, pervasiveeco-systemsof education,governmentsand businesswhereourstudentsare introducedtoC-levelexecutives andorganisationsthatshapethe futureofhumanity Weare exploringtheedgeofbusiness topics,whetherfinance3.0, emergingtech,dataanalyticsorthe humanities(muchneededto developtheleadersofthefuturein thehumaneconomy).Weare addingnewvaluetoouralumni whoformthebackboneofwhowe are.

Whatwouldbeyouradviceto buddingWomenLeaders?

Youmustblossomandyoumust learntoknowyourself.Theancient Greekcivilisationusetosaythat knowingourselvesisthegoalof life.Icouldnotagreemore.35 yearsagoIthoughtIknewwhoI ambutnowIknowthatwasa fabricatedversionofme:the texturewasn'tme,thepersona wasn'tme.IthinkIwasashamed andscaredofdiscoveringmytrue selfasIwasraisedinthebeliefthat likeabilityiskey.Itisimportantbut itistheresultofbeingcomfortable inyourownskin,notagoalin itself.

An EMBLEM OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN CREATIVE AND TECH SPACE

Chief Innovation Ofcer

Miami Ad School Europe

Chief Executive Ofcer Innity Campus

INA BEHRENDT

InaBehrendt'sjourneyasa businessleadergrewabsolutely progressively.Whileshe passionatelyandsuccessfullyworked andledteamsasanaward-winning, integratedCreativeDirectorandHead ofDesignindigitaladvertising, traditionalagenciesandforclients worldwideforover15years,Inawas alwaysfollowinghervisionandnever stoppedlearning,discovering&most importantly:collaborating.Sheopines, “Hold your vision and go with the flow while growing organically – trust the process.”

Inaco-foundedthe1stinternational Non-Conference,calledFUTURE SUMMITSERIES–THE100,where 100rebels,pioneersandtroublemakersinthefieldofinnovationwere broughttogethertoshare,ideate& createthefutureoneye-level.

Theseexperiencesmadeherathoughtleaderandexpertinthefieldofdigital transformationwithastrongfocuson creativemarketing&innovationand forthepast7years,anentrepreneur andleaderintheeducationalsectorand isnowafrequentspeakerat internationaltech&innovation conferencesandsummits. InatrulybelievesthatWomenbelong inallplaceswheredecisionsarebeing madeaswellasmenandgender neutralpeoplenomatterwhich background,raceororientation.We needthisdiversityingeneral,tobe together,livetogether,learnfromeach other,worktogetherandshapethe futureofourworldforthebetter–TOGETHER.

Inasupportswomen,wherevershecan inallsortsofaspects,butshelooksat peopletoworkwith,learnfrom,be together,getinspiredby,etc:as HUMANS,whereeveryonedeservesto betreatedequally.

‘‘

InaninterviewwithWorld'sLeaders, InaBehrendtsharedherjourneyto becomingarenownedwomanintech.

Belowarethehighlightsofthe interview:

DescribetheMiamiAdSchool Europe's&InfinityCampus' offeringsthataddresstheneedsof yourcustomers.

MiamiAdSchoolEuropeisoneofthe bestandmostsuccessful,creativeand innovativeschoolsinhighereducation intheworld.Withits2-yearportfolio diplomaprogramofArtDirection/ DigitalDesign,CreativeConception/ Copywriting&Storytellingand CreativeTechnology,MiamiAdSchool Europeunitesmanydifferentschoolsin one.Thestudentsgainworld-class roomexperienceandbusiness knowledge,including3international internshipstochooseoutofhundreds oflocationsaroundtheglobe.Their graduatesworkforthebestcreative agencies,innovationcompaniesand techbrandsworldwide.It'sknownas: Theplacewhereyougoto,tobecome whoyouaremeanttobe.Anditispart ofaworld-widenetworkof15schools.

InfinityCampus.

Asatransformationandinnovation expertinthisfield,Inaalsodeveloped theprofessionalprogramorarmof

MiamiAdSchoolEuropefurtherand transferredittothenextlevel.Firstand foremost,sheredevelopedandbrought theadvancedtrainingandcourses online–collaboratedwithexpertsand developedformatsthatdidnotyet exist.Thisstrucksuchachordthatit becameverysuccessfulandisnow officiallyco-foundedasanindependent start-up,whereInaactsasCEO–togetherwithher2businesspartners, SabineGeorg(COOofInfinity Campus&CEOofMiamiAdSchool Europe)&PhilipWogart(CTOof InfinityCampus&CreativeTech AdvisoratMiamiAdSchoolEurope) andincollaborationwithMiamiAd SchoolEurope.

Weaimtoestablishauniqueplatform fortheirspecialcourses,trainings, summitsandbootcampsmadeupof ourexpansivenetworkofmentors–availableonlineregardlessofone's physicallocationbymixingevenmore technologyintotheircreative bloodstream.InfinityCampusmeans Transformation–meansMovement–a Developmentofyourself,your KnowledgeandyourCreativity.It means,topulsate,tomove,topush boundariesandyourselftothenext level.Itmeanstotransform!

“Be yourself and express your power through knowledge, inspiration, intuition, collaboration and creativity.”

We help to enable creative minds to have outstanding ideas throughout constant change and transformation. Re-imagine the unpredictable.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthis industrythroughyourexpertiseintheindustry?

Inspirethenextgenerationthroughcollaborativecreative working&eventsinaverydiverseenvironmentandmore fromaprototypeangleapproachunderacertaintimeframe,to comeupwithideastogethertocreateinnovationsand solutions.

THEIMPACT

Tofostersustainablechangeandleadthewayinanon-going, evertransformingenvironment–especiallyintheeducational field,forInaitisimportanttoencourage:

a)Listening,observing&learningandusedatatoinform strategicdecisionmaking;actuallysee,understand&think

b)Inspirationandfosteracultureofcreativityand prototypingtoactuallydoandmake.

c)Collaboration&networkingtogainmorediversityinevery kindofaspecttoactuallycare!

ThisguidedIna'sstrategicapproachfortheschool'sDigital Transformation,hereshechangedthefutureprofileof creatives,throughshiftingitfromverytraditionaltomore digital,socialmedia-centrictomorefuturesustainable; T-SHAPEDmethodology

WhatarethechallengesyouandyourteamatMiamiAd SchoolEurope&InfinityCampuscomeacrossinyour day-to-dayoperations?

Withotherprofessionalpartnersandexpertsinthefield,the leadershipteamsharesacommonvisiontocontinuetofoster closerrelationshipswithstudentsandbuildanetworkfor creativity,marketing,technologyandinnovationonthatall canaccess.

ItwasandisnecessarytousethelearningfromtheCOVID19crisistoestablishtheInfinityCampusasarobustand innovativenewe-learningplatformbasedonthefoundation ofINNOVATION,DIVERSITY&MINDSETtocreate uniquecoursesandexpansivenetworks,independentof physicallocationsbymixingevenmoretechnologyintothe creativebloodstream.

Thepandemicindeedacceleratedandamplifiedmanythings onmanylevels.MiamiAdSchoolEuropealsohadtochange, inventandinnovateevenmoreandevenfaster!Thishasled

tomanychanges,suchasthenewFactoryBerlinlocation,in additiontonewcollaborations.Itreflectswhattheschool standsfor:aprogramthatisfitforthefuture,inan environmentthatisfullofpossibilities.Astate-of-the-art infrastructurewithfastdigitalaccessandhumanconnectionsenrichingandinspiring.TheyfindallofthisinBerlinwiththe FactoryBerlinPartnership,whichoffersavibrantcommunity andastrongcontextforitsstudents.Withstart-upsand creativetechcompaniesnextdoor,alibrary,in-housecafés, artists-in-residenceandplentyofco-workingspacesand 'sandboxes'todevelopaward-winningideas.

Whatpeople,whatbooks,whatlifefactorshave influencedandimpactedyou?

AsalreadyanchoredinherDNAandtobecradledbyher father,Inaisanentrepreneurial,creativespirit.'Youarethe masterofyourmind&thecaptainofyourpassion–navigate yourway!Thisanswercanonlybemulti-faceted,because overtheyears,manydifferentpeoplehavesomehowstepped intotheroleofeitherbecomingawonderfulmentororan inspiringadvisoror-quitesimply,arealrolemodelforIna.

Yes,Inalovesbooks,too–like'ReadyPlayerOne','The Swarm','WholeFoodCookingeveryDay'byAmyChaplin, 'Norules'andallsortsofdifferentTed-Talks,too!

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrunand whatareyourfuturegoalsforMiamiAdSchoolEurope& InfinityCampus?

Notjustneuroscienceresultsshowcasethat,thewaywelearn andengagedoesn'talwaysmatchupwiththewayweget taught.Tostaycompetitiveinanacademically,economical, andtechnologicalway-weneedtorethinkourunderstanding ofintelligence,re-evaluateoureducationalsystem,and reinvigorateourcommitmenttolearning.Inotherwords,we needdisruptiveinnovation.”

“We'll see where my passion, drive and vision takes me. We'll move on inventing new ways in the field of ' INNOVATION IN EDUCATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION of CREATIVES ' to stay at the forefront of contemporary education. ”

Mariza Fotiou

Founder CuriousIQ

Mariza Fotiouisthefounderof CuriousIQ, aDigitallearning platformandemploymentsupport organisationforpeopleinneed. Mariza’sworkingexperience expandsover16yearsacross financialservices,technology,energy andphilanthropy.Overtheyearsshe directed global,complex,strategic transformationinitiativesinvolving organizational,investmentproducts, process,andtechnologychangesin multinationalcorporations.Herdrive andpassionaboutphilanthropyled hertowhatshebelievesasher missionofbeingofservicetoothers andhelpingimprovepeople’slives.

Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andMarizaFotiou:

Briefouraudienceaboutyour journeyasabusinessleader.Tellus aboutyourbackgroundandwhat didyoudobeforeyou started/joinedtheCuriousIQ?

MycareerstartedintheUS,whereI movedaftergraduatingfrommy bachelorsinGreece.Ithenpursueda MastersinFinance,whichI graduatedin2009fromBaruch CollegeinNewYork.After graduating,IjoinedHSBCPrivate Bankandworkedthereforabout10 years.Imovedalotwithinthebank andhadsomeamazingrolesthatkept megrowingprofessionally.Ialso gainedexposurefromworkingintwo

continents:NY,USandLondon,UK, eventuallyleavingasChief OperatingOfficeindigital.Thisrole exposedmetothetechnicalaspectof productcreation.Ipossessedthe necessaryskillsandcouldapply themtoanyindustry AsCOO,I receivedacompletelydifferent perspectiveonallfacetsofrunninga digitalorganisation.In2020,I decidedtochangeindustriesand joinedBP.HereIleadthe organisation'sspecialiseddigital productdevelopmentteamsto efficientlyconstructnewdigital services.Digitalisoneofthemost vitalskillstohaveifyouwantto makeadifferenceintoday'sworld.

Whatwastheideabehindstarting CuriousIQ?

Socialmobilityisarealissueofour time.Withalltheincreasing geopoliticalunrest,moreandmore peoplewillbeinneedofintegration. TheothergapIseeisthatdigital skillswillonlycontinuetodrive demand fortechtalentintheyearsto come.Thesecondthingisthatdigital skillswillonlycontinuetodrive demandfortechtalentintheyearsto come.Thesetwoparameters,andmy strongdrivetohelpthoseinneed,led metocreateCuriousIQ.Istrongly believethatsocialentrepreneurship bringstheevolutiontheworldneeds andboostsinclusion.So,Ifounda waytocombineandapplymyskills tomakeadifference.CuriousIQwas foundedinresponsetoanunjustand ongoingsituationinGreece,a countrywithenormouspotential.For everymarginalisedpersonwholives ontheedgesofsociety Thegoalisto upskillunderprivilegedpeoplein digitalskillsandadvancetheir employabilitybyhelpingthemfinda jobinthemarket.

AsaFounderofCuriousIQ,what areyourmajorrolesand responsibilities?

Myrolecanbedividedintothree mainthemes:teamleadership, strategicmanagement,and partnerships.Eachonehasitsown setofchallenges.Icreateactive citizeninvolvementandfavourably impacttherateandreachofour objectives.Itransformthevisioninto actionthroughtheidentificationof therightpartnershipsthatcanhelpus meetourgoalsandexpandourreach. Fundraisingisabigpartofmyrole, somethingthatIfindcriticalforthe successfulexecutionoftheprogram. Itwouldbereallydifficulttoachieve resultswithoutstabilityofresources. However,afounder,besidesbeinga visionary,shouldalsobeself-aware andcapableoflearningandselfdeveloping.AndthisisthepartI enjoythemostaboutmywork,asit helpsmetocontinuetogrowasa person.

Howdoyoubalanceworkandlife responsibilities?

Iprioritisemymentalhealthbecause itmakesmeabetterpersonand betteratmywork.Also,exerciseis veryimportantforme.Ineedtokeep moving,otherwiseIlosemyenergy Icanfititinnomatterwhat.Iknow thatifIdon't,Iwillnotbeashappy andasproductiveasIwanttobe. Lastly,Imaketimeformyfriends andfamily.Itisveryeasyformeto getlostinmyworkbecauseIgeta lotofsatisfactionwhenthings progress.ButImakeaconscious efforttostopandspendtimewith peopleIlovebecauseitisvery important.

Tellusaboutyourvisionforthe company.Howdoyouensurea cultureofintegrityandinnovation inthecompany?

CuriousIQ'svisionistoimprovethe livesofthosewholivein underservedcommunitieswhilealso

involvingtheminthedesign, implementation,andexecutionofits projects.Asaresult,wenotonly haveareliable,in-depth understandingoftheneeds,butwe alsoensurethatthecommunitiesare preparedtotakeonfutureinitiatives ontheirown.Theworldiscurrently undergoinganethicalrevolution. Manytimesinmycarrierandmost recentlyasafounderIhaveopenly addresseddiscrimination.Itistrue thatwedonotliveinanequalworld. InCuriousIQequality,transparency, integrityandinclusivityarepartof ourmoralcompass,partofthe culture.Iapproachtheteamasequal playersbyalwayslisteningtotheir ideas,concepts,andfutureplans. Basedonmyprofessional experience,thesehumblebeginnings serveasthecornerstoneforasolid foundation,wheretheteamquickly learnstheprinciplesof experimentation,innovationand empowermentwhicharethen positionedasthefundamentalpillars ofourculture.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetothe emergingentrepreneursand enthusiastsconsideringacareerin anindustry?

Myadviceistoremindthemselves dailyoftheir''why''.Why-theydo whattheydo.Ifwhatyoudoisyour purposeinlifeorwhatpeoplecall your''calling'',youhavemore strengthtokeepgoingandmore chancestosucceed.Weallknowthat startingabusinessishard.Thatit takesemotional,psychologicaland financialstrengthtogetthrough.And bybeingafounderyoustretch(and sometimesbrake)allthree.So believinginwhatyoudowillhelp yougetthroughhardshipand eventuallyshineandsucceed.

Professor University of Birmingham

Engineeringisaninterestingarea withmanydifferentoptions,andit hasaninfluenceoneverythinginour dailyliveswithunlimitedpotential andchallenges.Itiscontinuallyin needoffreshinnovativemindsto tacklebothpresentandforthcoming issuesinthecontemporaryworld.

Theneedfordeveloping technologies,aswellasthetechnical improvementsbeingmadeonadaily basis,makesengineeringaviableand ever-changingprofessionaloption. Technologicaladvancementswill necessitatemoreinthefuture, implyingagrowthinthedemandfor varioussortsofengineers.Significant advancesareonthehorizonina varietyofareas,includingenergy, medical,andtransportation,and engineeringwillplayacriticalrolein reinventingtheseindustries.

Realizingthatcriticalchallengesof increasingcomplexitymustbe addressedinthefieldof microengineeringandthatsystems thatcanself-assemble,self-regulate, andself-structurewillhaveamajor impactonfuturetechnologies,Pola GoldbergOppenheimerhas pioneeredahighlysuccessful approachtounconventional nanostructuringandopenednovel meanstobuild-upappliedmaterials. PolaGoldbergOppenheimerisa ProfessorofMicro-Engineeringand Bio-NanotechnologyintheSchoolof

ChemicalEngineeringandthe HealthcareTechnologiesInstitute,as wellasaRoyalAcademyof EngineeringResearchFellow

Shehasalargeinternational collaborativenetworkand partnershipswithindustry,suchas BAE-Systems,P&G,andDstl, whileleadinghighlyinterdisciplinary researchwithuniquediscoveriesthat haveintroducedinnovativeconcepts inlithographicallybuilding-up appliedchemicalsystemsthathave influencedtheworkofmanyresearch groupsworldwide.

ProfessorOppenheimeristhe directorofaninterdisciplinary researchgroupattheUniversityof Birmingham,whereshecollaborates closelywithclinicalteamsatthe QueenElizabethHospitaland BirminghamEnterprise,the University'stechnologytransfer specialists.Hergroup'sresearchaims topushtheboundariesofmicroto nanomaterialsengineeringby bridgingthegapbetweennano-tomacroscopic-levelunderstandingand implementationsofnovelhybridand nanocompositematerialsand submicronstructuresforminiaturised functionaldevicesforadvanced healthcareapplications.Professor Oppenheimerisworkingoncuttingedgeengineeringsolutionstocritical medicalissues.

ProfessorOppenheimer'sresearch interestsincludetheformationof nanoandsubmicronstructuresat surfacesandinthinfilms(pleasesee theANMSAgroupwebsite: AdvancedNano-Materials, Structures,andApplications),aswell asthepotentialuseofhierarchical electrohydrodynamicallygenerated functionalstructurestodevelopnovel polymer-basednano-detection devices.Shebringsextensive experienceincreatingandaligninga widerangeofnanostructuresin

polymers,carbonnanotube-based nanocomposites,crystalline materials,andasharedinterestin biometrics,includingtheuseof polymerswith10nmmorphologies astemplatestocreateinorganic functionaldevices.

RecognitionofExcellence

ProfessorOppenheimerreceivedher PhDinPhysicsfromtheUniversity ofCambridgein2012,alongwith scientifichonours.In2013,shewas chosenasahighlycompetitive BirminghamFellowattheUniversity ofBirmingham.Numeroushonours, esteemmarks,elevationtoProfessor inMicroengineeringandBionanotechnology,andthevery distinguishedRoyalAcademyof Engineering(RAEng)Fellowship haverecognisedthesignificanceof herrevolutionaryscientific achievementsandinternational stature.

Herresearchisrecognisedasworldleading,asevidencedbyher publications,whichhaveallbeen publishedinhigh-quality,prestigious journals(e.g.,AdvancedMaterials, NatureBiomedicalEngineering),and herhighdemandtolectureatthe world'smostprestigiousconferences (48+keynote/invitedaddresses).She hasmorethan75independent publicationsandroutinelyproduces scientificallyrigorousworkinpeerreviewedjournals.Sheauthoreda book,tenbookchapters,andfiled fourpatents.Theimportanceofher excitingscientificdiscoveriesandthe transformativenatureofherresearch havebeenrecognisedwithover £18Minfundingportfolioandthe highlyprestigiousRAEng Fellowship,aswellasbeingfeatured inmanypress-releases,BBCnews, andradiointerviewsandselectedfor CaseStudies,commissionedbythe EPSRCandtheRAEng.

Shehasbeentherecipientofseveral prestigiousawardsandmarkersof esteematnationalandinternational level,includingthe,RAEngPrize, WomenTech100,andCarl-Zeiss Awards.Shewasanenvoyinthe HouseofCommonsScience& TechnologyCommitteeatthe'Voice oftheFuture'withgovernment MinistersofStateforScience, Research,andInnovation,featuredin the'BirminghamHeroesin HealthcareTechnologies'Campaign, andselectedforthe'Parliamentary EngineeringGroup'attheHouseof Lords.

RevolutionizingtheFieldof IntelligentNanostructuring

ProfessorOppenheimerpioneered ElectrohydrodynamicLithography, whichopenedupanewavenueof

researchinintelligentnanostructuring ofmaterialsforpracticaldevicesin ChemicalEngineering.She discoveredthatcreatinginterfacial instabilitiesinhomogeneousnanofilmswithanelectricfieldprovides tuneablenanostructuresattheatomic level.Whileinstabilitiesare undesirableinnature,shehasshown inanunusualwaythattheycanbe harnessedtoformmorphologiesby carefullymanipulatingthenanocapacitiveinterface,alteringthe characteristicsofnumerous applicablematerials.Shehassince achievedsimultaneouspatterningof multilayermaterialsystems,resulting inhierarchicalnanoarchitectureswith uniquefunctions,andshehas producednewcomposite nanostructuredmaterialswith outstandingsyntheticadherenceto roughsurfacesand

superhydrophobicity.Herrecent inventionofasmartnanoplasmonicoptofluidicgadgetpreparedthepath fortacklingthemostpressingissues relatedtothetimelyidentificationof traumaticbraindamage(TBI).TBI,a primarycauseofmorbidityand mortalityacrosstheworld,is notoriouslydifficulttodetectatthe pointoftreatment,resultinginapoor prognosis,reducedbrainfunction, anddeath.Herinnovativeresearch programme,whichisbasedon fundamentalchemicalprinciplesfor controllingelectrostaticnano-forces, hashadasignificantsocioeconomic impactbydevelopingoptofluidic nanoengineeredgold-architectured substratesforsensitive,label-free spectroscopicdetectionoftrace-level concentrationsofTBI-biomarkersin blood,enablingrapiddiagnosticsat thepoint-of-careleadingtothe

possibilityofsavingmanylives.

DirectorofEngineering&Physical SciencesCollegeGraduateSchool

ProfessorOppenheimer,asthe DirectoroftheCollegeGraduate School,isresponsibleforleadingand managingallmattersrelatingtothe postgraduateresearchstudent experienceintheCollegeof EngineeringandPhysicalSciencesat theUniversityofBirmingham,with exposureatthecollegeand Universitylevelsinakeyareaofthe College'sbusiness.Her responsibilitiesincludeactingasa conduitforPGRmatters/data betweentheUniversityGraduate SchoolManagementBoardandthe EPSSchools,coordinatingcollege responsestoconsultationsand requestsforinformation,proposing changestotrainingneedsanalysis, reportingonthebusinessofthe CollegeGraduateSchoolCommittee totheCollegeResearchand KnowledgeTransferCommittee,the CollegeEducationCommittee,and theCollegeEquality,Diversity,and InclusionCommittee,asappropriate, Leadingthesubmissionofthe DoctoralTrainingAccountannual reporttoresearchcouncils,aswellas othersimilarreportstootherexternal fundersofPGRs,coordinatingPGR recruitmentandmonitoringand reportingPGRadmissionstothe college,Liaisingwithschoolsandthe relevantuniversityunitsonPGR induction,training,monitoring, mentoringandsupervision,liaising withtheCollegeDirectorof Educationonrelevantissues,suchas PGRtraining,DTC/EngD applicationsforprogrammeapproval, etc.

Throughthepostgraduatestudents, ProfessorOppenheimeraimstobring afreshperspectiveandhelpthe universitygrowthroughthetalent developmentoftheprofessors.Sheis

passionateaboutthepostgraduate researchstudentexperienceand aspirestomakeapositive contributionbyengaging collaborativelywithcolleaguesand relevantuniversityprocessesto continuouslyimprovethis experience.

SharingThoughtsonWomen's Empowerment

Accordingtoresearch,organisations withmorewomeninleadershiproles aremorelucrative,socially responsible,anddeliversafer,higherqualityexperiences,amongother advantages.Womenexecutivesdo wellinleadershiprolesbecause"they challengemore,havemore discussionanddebate,andthatleads tobetterdecision-making."When womenbecomeleaders,theybring withthemauniquemixofabilities, creativeviews,and,mostcrucially, structuralandculturaldistinctions thatdriveeffectivesolutions.Anew levelofawarenesswillemergeasa resultofbringingacreative perspectivetoexplorethetiny aspectsthatmaygounnoticedbythe nakedeye.ProfessorOppenheimer feelsthatwomenmaycontributea freshviewpointtothefieldof engineering.Shesays, "If you are enthusiastic about it, go for it. It will be challenging, exciting, and very rewarding.”

ProfessorOppenheimerhasalways thoughtthatifsheworkshardandis enthusiasticandpassionateabouther work,shewouldadvanceinher careerregardlessofgender disparities,andthishasshowntobe true.Asafemaleleader,sheis encouragingandsupervisesmore femalePhDstudentsand postgraduateresearcherspursuing demandingbutrewardingacademic careersinthebroadsubjectof engineering,inspiringthenext generationofleaders.

ImprovingasaLeaderandMentor

Asaleader,ProfessorOppenheimer isconstantlyhoningherproblemsolvingabilities,improvingher communicationskills,herabilityto workwithanddelegatetosuccessful teams,gainingglobalknowledge,a solidunderstandingoftheimpactof sustainabilityoninnovation,and technicalexpertisetocreatefutureproofproductsandservices. Furthermore,shefeelsthathaving thecapacitytoovercomeobstacles andremainresilientinanyscenario, aswellastakingthetimetoimprove heremotionalintelligenceisthekey tobeingastrongerleaderand colleague.

ProfessorOppenheimerbelievesthat learninghowtoofferandreceive appropriatefeedbackisessentialfor growingasamanagerandeducator. Herfacilitationoftwo-wayfeedback amongherteammembersisanother criticalaspectinherdevelopmentas asuccessfulandprofessionalleader. Sheasserts, "I encourage feedback, positive traits, and opportunities for improvement via an open dialogue and establishing trust.”

According to Professor Oppenheimer, a leader's role is to push forward, and strong leaders should always be thinking about how to make tomorrow more efficient and productive than today, as exemplified by Elon Musk's vision of the future. She says, "If a leader is not focused on the future and demonstrating a clear plan for how to continuously improve, progress is unlikely to happen. The best leaders take accountability when things go wrong and give credit to others when things go right. This motivates a workforce to succeed.”

Top 5 Digital Trends that

System in 2022

Almost every aspect of our life has been impacted by the digital revolution. More than 3.5 billion people worldwide have access to the internet, and more than 5 billion own mobile devices, with smartphones accounting for half of those. This degree of connection has changed how individuals interact with one another, get news, and perceive their surroundings.

The COVID-19 epidemic, which forced school closures in several nations worldwide, has hastened these developments. Many schools and instructors have embraced technology in an effort to assist pupils continue their education.

Thetop5digitaltrendsthatwehave observedarisingasschoolsstartto utilizethepoweroftheinternetinthe classroomarelistedbelow.

ImprovedAccessibilityandAccess

Theincreasedaccessibilityofschool, courses,andevendegreeprograms forstudentsofallagesisoneofthe mostinspirationalthemesassociated withthedigitaltransformationof education.Studentswithdisabilities thatpreventthemfromaccessing particularsortsofknowledgewill discoverthattechnologymaygreatly assistinreducingtheseobstacles. Thecapacityofallpupilstoaccess theknowledgeprovidedviaschools, forinstance,canbeimprovedwith theuseoftext-to-speechtoolsand programsthattranscribedictated content.Thesemanyformsof technologythatenablepeopleto learnandobtaindegreescanaid thosewithvisualorauraldifficulties, aswellaspeoplewhohavereading issues.

PersonalizedLearningApproaches

Therevolutionindigitaleducation hasalsoincludedsignificant contributionsfrompersonalized learningstrategies.Manyschoolsand organizationshavestartedtoseethe benefitofprovidingflexiblesolutions forchildrenbasedontheirunique strengthsandlimitationsratherthan

Tattemptingtoputeveryoneintothe samemetaphoricalbox.

Personalizedlearningstrategies providebothstudentsand educationalinstitutionsavarietyof advantages.Personalizationenables studentstoadvanceintheireducation byenablingthemtostudyinaway thatbestsuitstheiruniquelearning styles.Thishelpsstudentsacquire andrememberimportantknowledge. Studentsareinspiredtocomplete theirdegreesandbecomeeligiblefor thetrainingandemploymentoptions thatbestsuitthembutbeforemay haveseemedoutofreach.

VirtualReality

Virtualrealityhasgrownin importanceasapartoftechnologyin allfields.Althoughitwasfirst intendedforamusement,ithas gainedpopularityforitspossibilities inshoppingandeventraining exercises.

Virtualrealityintheeducational settingcanprovidestudentsthe abilityto"experience"thestuffthey studybeforereallyapplyingitinthe realworld.

Thiscanmakestudentsfeelmoreat easeandmoreequippedforfinishing theirschoolaswellasfortheirfuture employment.Thetransitionintoand performanceoftheirjobswillbe simplerforstudentswhofeelmore competentandatease.

Cloud-basedLearning Opportunities

Withthehelpofthecloud,educators andstudentsmaycommunicatefrom anywhere.Thesekindsof applicationsareavailabletothem

whethertheyareathome,inalecture hall,orevenhalfwayovertheworld. Theepidemiconlyincreasedthe possibilitiesforthesekindsof applicationswhenitstruck.Teachers startedpostinglecturesandvideos forstudentsonanumberof platformssotheycouldcontinue theirstudyevenwhentheycouldn't meetinperson.

TeachingDigitalCitizenship

Studentsneedtounderstandhowto behavecivillyandnicelyonline becausethesetrendsinthedigital transformationhaveaffectedthemin anumberofwaysthroughouttheir life.Studentslearninghowto conductthemselvesprofessionallyin anofficeormedicalfacilitymightbe comparedtothis.Schoolshave startedtoacknowledgeits significance,andeducatingpupils aboutthevirtuesofgooddigital citizenshiphasbecomeasignificant trendinallareasoflearning.

Thisshowshowvariousdatasources havecometogether.Schoolsmay haveobtainedavarietyofhelpful datainthepastonkids,butitwas compartmentalizedandessentially onlyavailabletothedepartmentor individualwhowasresponsiblefor collectingthedata.Duetothis,itwas moredifficulttoabsorbthematerial andplaceitallinthecontextofthe educationalexperiencestheschool offers.Schoolswilldiscoverthat theyhaveahigherchanceof developingafullgraspoftheir studentsanddegreeprogramsifthey learnhowtobreakthroughthese barriers.