Professional Documents
Culture Documents
02 | Issue 02 | 2024
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Building Bridges
The Role of Female
Educators in
Top
Unstoppable
5
Upli ing Society
Transforming in
omen
Educa on,
Tomorrow
Female Leaders 2024
Revolu onizing
Higher Educa on
Mia Christoph
- Maria Christopher
Peopledite ion
this
behind
sales@theknowledgereview.com
February, 2024
08
Dr Mary Landon
Darden
Catalysing the Future of Higher
Education with an Entrepreneurial Approach
16
Profiles
Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith
Crafting a Student-Centric
Education to Ignite Young Minds
CONTENTS
20
Dr Dalia Sherif
Charting Unique Educational Paths
28
Kristy Guo
Creating an Enriching Space
for Growth and Development
Articles
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it First
Mary Landon
Catalysing the Future of Higher Educa on
with an Entrepreneurial Approach
ducational institutions are instrumental in Profound Change, which won the 2021 American Bookfest
equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and Award (education/scholarly) and was named a winner of the
personal attributes necessary to navigate a "Bookauthority Best Higher Education Books of all Time."
successful and fulfilling future. However, what guides
schools onto transformative paths are organizations like In nearly eight years of working with institutions across the
Higher Education Innovation, LLC. With a mission to nation, Higher Education Innovation, LLC has had a 100
empower colleges to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly per cent success rate in assisting colleges and universities in
changing world, President Dr Mary Landon Darden's developing entrepreneurial presidents and administrators,
visionary approach serves as an inspiration for women increasing enrolment from 20 to 40 percent, building
aspiring to create meaningful change in academia. business and industry partnerships, and expanding
workforce training and credentialling, starting philanthropy
Darden began her higher education leadership journey as a programs, running innovation workshops to help
second career in the mid-1990s. She became the wellness institutions re-envision their role for the future with relevant
director and subsequently added the position of coordinator programming, emerging fields, niche development, job-
of community programs, which was a tiny division of the market alignment and more.
college at that time. Over the next seven years of innovation
and entrepreneurship work, along with her administrative Catalyst in Radical Transformation
assistant and support team of interns, they were able to HEI now has a team of accomplished higher education
build the enrolment of that division from a few hundred to specialists/consultants who help lead institutions into future
6000 part-time enrolments. success.
Entrepreneurial Revolution of Higher Education Through Darden's work and research with multiple
Darden has won a few state awards, but the big one was the institutions, she has long seen the emerging crisis in higher
2001 National Exemplary Award from the National Council education. The resistance to change – which for so long was
of Continuing Education and Training. At that time, she was somewhat of a stabilizing force for the academy in times of
offered a full research assistantship for her doctorate in gradual change – is now the albatross around its neck.
educational administration at Baylor University. She
completed that program in 2006 and began consulting,
researching, and writing.
Educators
in Uplifting
Society
I n every corner of the world, education stands as a
beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter
future. Within this noble pursuit, female educators play
a pivotal role in uplifting society, serving as architects of
change and builders of bridges that connect individuals,
communities, and nations. Through their dedication,
passion, and unwavering commitment to empowering
others, female educators are reshaping the fabric of society
and laying the foundation for a more equitable and
inclusive world.
E
E ducation nurtures a society's social, economic, and
cultural prosperity, along with increasing
engagement and raising living standards.
Educational leaders make this process creative, engaging,
and enjoyable for the learners because they understand that
the primary objectives of education are to enlighten minds
and impart knowledge. These administrators have
tremendous power that helps in creating a supportive school
climate.
All these qualities are filled in abundance in Dr Fiona Chartered College of Teaching in appreciation of her work
Aubrey-Smith. She is an accomplished academic, leader, in education. She received the Freedom of the Worshipful
and teacher who is passionate about assisting those who Company of Educators, City of London, after being listed
work with children and youth. She works closely with as one of the 50 most influential people in education by
educational institutions, trusts, EdTech businesses, and Education Business in 2022 and 2023. She is an efficient
professional learning providers as Director of One Life leader and an inspiration to other educational leaders and
Learning and Founder of PedTech. young women aspiring to join the dynamic academic
sphere.
Dr Fiona also serves on the boards of numerous multi-
academy and charitable trusts in addition to her roles as Innovative Vision and Mission
associate lecturer and consultant researcher at The Open Educational leaders should have a mission and vision as
University. The highly regarded and best-selling book this helps them to provide young students with an excellent
"From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the Way We Think education and allows them to express their ideas and plans
about Digital Technology" is co-authored by this for advancing education.
extraordinary talent.
Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith has established a reputation for
She usually contributes to publications and events related to three things based on her experience and knowledge as an
instructional design, education, and educational technology. academic researcher, international education consultant,
She has received fellowships from the Higher Education school leader, and teacher. First and foremost, she is a
Association, NAACE, the Royal Society of Arts, and the dynamic, energetic person who is sincerely committed to
A Visionary Leader
With her singular vision and tireless dedication to progress,
Dr Fiona has brought about a wave of transformation in the
educational field. She has a broad range of experiences
because of the nature of her work. She might be working
with a group of kids on the floor of a classroom one day,
then teaching a group of school administrators the next, mindful of. They must always maintain learners and
talking about product development with edtech vendors the learning as the primary focus.
next, and doing scholarly research the following day.
Inviting a Wave of Transformation
She advocates for a clear purpose or "why" behind an Dr Fiona conducted several research interviews during the
action, proof of impact, or "what difference does this pandemic as kids got ready to return to school after an
make?" The two are inextricably linked but frequently extended homeschooling period. "I don't want to go back to
overlooked because busy professionals are more likely to school because my teacher prevents me from learning," a
concentrate on "what" and "how" they work. Her message, child said.
which is about impact and purpose, is not novel or unique
but is crucial. They said they felt empowered and agentive while learning
remotely because they had the freedom to decide when and
Several organisations in various forms of public recognition how to finish their assignments. They did not want to go
have generously supported her work. Raising the visibility back to rigorously scheduled classes, where they would sit
of important messages has been incredibly beneficial in in rows, wait to be told what to do and when, and listen to
enabling more leaders to help more students. the teacher talk for most of the day. These days, education
doesn't have to be like that. This scenario reaffirmed Dr
Inspirations and Principles Fiona's commitment to transforming the education
Dr Fiona has collaborated with thousands of educators, landscape.
researchers, and school administrators in the UK and
abroad over the last 20 years, working with hundreds of Insights to Make a Difference
schools. She says that every person has a wealth of Dr Fiona shares her insights based on her years of
knowledge to share. experience and expertise. Every interaction and encounter,
in her opinion, has the potential to impart new knowledge
Any choice or action a leader takes should be motivated by or open people's eyes. She suggests keeping an open mind
principles and goals that emphasise helping students learn, and learning from everyone you encounter at all times.
either directly or indirectly. In hectic organisations, learners Keep an open mind and adapt the concepts as new
may find themselves at the bottom of the priority list as information comes to light. It's crucial always to have
other stakeholders compete for their attention. She says many questions, lead by example in lifelong learning, and
that's something that educators and educationists should be include others in the journey.
E ducation is a fundamental
human right that should be
accessible to all, regardless of
geographical location. Even in the
farthest reaches of the world,
immersing her in the realm of
economic development and the pursuit
of global millennium goals. The
pinnacle of her aspirations was realized
when she secured her dream job with
a new, but a little uncertain career path.
“Luck is when preparation meets
opportunity” is one of her favourite
quotes, and she had actually won the
diversity visa lottery that same year.
educational leaders are on a mission to the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, During this phase, Dalia found
make this vision a reality. where she led efforts to promote profound inspiration to pursue a career
education as an export sector, in education. Assisting students in
Dr Dalia Sherif is a name that significantly contributing to the gaining admission to U.S. colleges and
deserves the spotlight in the discussion nation's prosperity. As a Commercial universities ignited a deep passion
of impeccable educational leadership. Service trade professional, she helped within her. Their stories of success and
Her extraordinary career trajectory in companies like Disney Imagineering, gratitude remain a wellspring of
the fields of international development Raytheon, Bell Helicopters, Paramount inspiration.
and education bears witness to her Picture, Dream Works Pictures,
persistent dedication to improving lives National University, Northrop Another twist in Dr Sherif's journey
and opening educational doorways as a Grumman and many more with their revealed immense fulfilment in
fundamental right. Dr Sherif’'s career export successes in global markets. teaching. Sharing her diverse work
has been marked by a pursuit of global experiences with students and
goals and the empowerment of Venturing into Educational Realm witnessing their growth and
students. Life took an unexpected turn when Dr transformation while equipped with
Sherif moved to the U.S. during the practical skills for immediate career
Her journey through the realms of Arab Spring, marking the beginning of application, became a rewarding part
international development and
education has been an extraordinary
adventure. It all began with her initial
role at the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID)
on the Healthy Mother Healthy Child My mission and vision in education
project. Despite challenges in serve as a compass, guiding my
accessing maternal care, this project
achieved a significant milestone by actions, decisions, and initiatives,
notably reducing maternal mortality
rates.
aiming to make a positive impact
on the lives of students and the
From this crucial starting point, Dr
Sherif’s career path led her through community.
various USAID projects and
participation in the European Union
Trade Enhancement program,
www.theknowledgereview.com
Top 5 Unstoppable Women in Educa on, 2024
moment for Dr Sherif. Transitioning innovation seeking new and effective Enabling Personalized Learning
into a leadership role within higher ways to enhance the educational with Technology
education empowered her to drive experience for students and educators Technological advancements,
systemic change and create innovative alike. particularly virtual reality (VR) and
and positive learning environments. artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to
Fostering Deeper Understanding significantly transform the landscape of
Above all, Dr Sherif believes that the In response to the challenges of digital education. VR offers immersive,
most rewarding moments for her have learning and remote education, Dr interactive experiences, transporting
been witnessing the remarkable Sherif has implemented diverse students to simulated environments
achievements and personal growth of strategies to engage and inspire that enhance learning by engaging
the students she has had the privilege students, particularly within the realm multiple senses. AI, on the other hand,
to teach and mentor. Their successes, of cyber security education. She enables personalized learning
academically and personally, reaffirm secured hyper reality labs for students experiences and a transformative
the boundless potential within each to experience real-life scenarios even if concept of higher education.
individual and fuel her unwavering they pursue the program in an online
dedication to education. Her dedication modality. Dr Sherif also established a Dr Sherif sees these technological
to the Women Professional in mentorship program in collaboration advancements as catalysts for a more
Government as the Scholarship Chair with the Information Systems Security dynamic educational future. VR, with
and her contributions to the East End Association (ISSA) aimed at preparing its ability to create simulated scenarios,
Chamber of Commerce through the students in the cyber security program can offer hands-on experiences,
scholarship and mentorship committee for the professional landscape. This enabling students to explore historical
have further ignited her passion, mentorship initiative provided students events, conduct scientific experiments,
satisfied her thirst for advancing with practical insights and guidance, or engage in practical real-time
education, and solidified her offering them a bridge between training. AI's role in education is
unwavering commitment to making a academic learning and real-world equally impactful, offering
significant impact in the lives of application. The program fosters a personalized learning paths, identifying
students and the broader community. deeper understanding of industry areas where students might need extra
practices and expectations. It also help, and customizing content to match
Prioritizing Continuous provides them with a frame or reference individual learning styles. For instance,
Improvement and a professional mentor to support an innovative AI platform has been
Dr Sherif's mission and vision in their future professional endeavors. developed to assist educators in
education serve as a compass, guiding grading more impartially.
her actions, decisions, and initiatives, Encouraging Novel Approaches
aiming to make a positive impact on Balancing traditional teaching methods This adaptable AI model refines its
the lives of students and the with innovative, progressive approaches accuracy through continual use,
community. She strives to facilitate within the educational institution progressively enhancing its precision.
learning and promote critical thinking involves a careful integration of time- It evolves over time, learning and
in an environment where students feel tested practices with contemporary improving its grading capabilities,
empowered, inspired, and supported to methodologies and innovation. promoting fair and consistent
reach their full potential. She does this Recognizing the value of both assessment methods for faculty. So,
while ensuring that she is engaging the approaches, Dr Sherif advocates a integrating VR and AI into classrooms
community, industry, and stakeholders model that combines the strengths of can foster critical thinking, problem-
to create a collaborative educational conventional teaching with forward- solving, and creativity. However, it's
environment. Dr Sherif believes in the thinking innovative techniques. She crucial to use these tools thoughtfully,
transformative power of education and encourages the integration of novel ensuring that they augment and support
in creating a learning environment that approaches, including project-based education without replacing the
leads to positive change and learning, flipped classrooms, virtual invaluable human element in teaching.
transformation in the lives of students, reality, hyper reality labs, and
shaping them to be future leaders and technology-driven learning, to foster Influencing Educational Landscape
contributors to society. She has a critical thinking, creativity, agility, and Dr Sherif's most significant
vision of continuous improvement and adaptability. contributions to higher education have
As a female leader,
I envision a future
where more women
ascend to leadership
positions,
recognizing and
showcasing their
inherent capabilities.
30 | www.theknowledgereview.com
Ÿ 2023- Hosts one of the best global Ÿ 2022 CCL TV UK Interview. importance of maintaining mastery
logistics conferences in HCM, VN. Ÿ TV Talent Show when she was over financial considerations.
Ÿ 2023- Featured by international younger.
magazines and media channels Ÿ Logistics Conferences/Network Maintaining Educational Balance
such as ITJ Journal and The Awards Between 2005 and 2015. Kristy believes that the most pressing
Maritime Executive. Ÿ She traveled across 15 countries issue nowadays is the imbalanced
Ÿ 2022- The 10 Most Successful and 30+ cities before she was 27. education system. For example, one
Businesswomen Making a school is too focused on academic
Difference featured by CIO Views Well-being at the Forefront achievement; the other is too focused
Magazine Cover. In her thoughtful guidance, Kristy Guo on freestyle. Some schools are focused
Ÿ 2022- The Most Admired Women highlights a fundamental principle on competition to make students better,
Business Leaders featured in CIO before making decisions: the pursuit of while others are not bringing much
Views magazine. a good and meaningful purpose. motivation. It is essential to find the
Ÿ 2022 AU Mumpreneur Awards Recognizing the potential limitations balance.
Nominee and finalist of Leadership, of decisions driven solely by self-
Making A Difference in Business interest, Kristy advocates for a broader The other pressing issue is that many
and Humanity, Influencer, and perspective, one that places the well- schools are already running as
Multicultural Business Excellence. being of others at the forefront of businesses. When it is a business, the
Ÿ 2022 Au Mumpreneur Awards – consideration. students will be more the products
Bronze- The third place of VIC instead of real humans.
Muti-cultural Business Excellence. Kristy's wisdom extends to the role of
Ÿ Since Oct. -2021- the audiobook money as a potent tool and motivator Kristy envisions changing this if she is
author and speaker in Bookboon for achieving excellence in various given the opportunity. She will be
UK. aspects of life. Kristy encourages building up a new educational system
Ÿ In 2022 Women in Supply Chain others to wield money as a tool rather and a school to lead by example.
Event – Speaker. than a goal, emphasizing the
In her presence at all past corporate
organizations, she influenced a lot of
the company culture, and her courage
in being the changemaker helped many
people make better choices and,
particularly, be their authentic selves.