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Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference in Education Sector Digital Version Profiles<br>
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INSPIRING THE BUSINESS WORLD CI THE March ISSUE : 01 2023 Pg.No: 24 Global Equivalence Examining the Impact of Gender Equality on Educa?onal Opportuni?es Pg.No: 34 Industry Insights Strategies to Help Female Leaders Overcome Challenges Phoebe A. Wasfy Transforming the Sphere of Educa?on, Shaping Leaders of Tomorrow Phoebe A. Wasfy Principal Philopateer Chris?an College
Education is a commitment to excellence in Teaching and Learning
Editor’s L eadership has been defined and refined in educa?onal philosophy for millennia. One of the most enduring models is the great leader leading the organiza?on to success. We are feeling the consequences of these images, as leaders who vary from the quiet yet forceful solo leader may be seen adversely. Transforma?onal leaders, for example, have a harder ?me crea?ng authen?city. Personal a?ributes recognized in a leader s?ll originate from the great leader paradigm: Agency and Asser?veness. Note Alterations & Implications by Women Icons When women display these characteris?cs, they are frequently met with scorn or mistrust. Furthermore, many women scholars engaged in social jus?ce work may be sidelined inside higher educa?on due to the no?on that they are too conten?ous. However, the ?de is turning with the rise of women icons who are changing the face of leadership by introducing new models that value collabora?on, empathy, and emo?onal intelligence. Women leaders have shown that leadership can be intui?ve, empathe?c, and inclusive without compromising efficacy. These women icons have successfully led their countries through crises, offering support, compassion, and hope to their ci?zens.
Despite the complexi?es posed by gender stereotypes and biases, women have not been deterred but have instead forged ahead and made great strides in the educa?onal industry by working harder, proving their me?le, and surmoun?ng extra hurdles in order to succeed. As a result, women have made considerable contribu?ons and can be found leading some of the most esteemed educa?onal ins?tu?ons, managing flourishing ed-tech start-ups, and propelling advances in pedagogy and curriculum design. Celebra?ng the accomplishments of women, our latest issue, “Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference in Educa?on Sector,” highlights the journeys of those in leadership roles who, despite systemic impediments, have made footprint in the educa?on sector. Have an enlightening read ahead! CIO - Prh D. Bombarde
20 Amina H. Haji Helping Women Find Empowerment Through Technology and Leadership 28 Clemmie Stewart Enabling Outstanding Futures for Children of Today and Tomorrow 38 Shelli Brunswick Leading the Way to a Broad and Ingenious Global Space Ecosystem Global Equivalence 24 Examining the Impact of Gender Equality on Educa?onal Opportuni?es Article Industry Insights Strategies to Help Female Leaders Overcome Challenges 34
Issue 02 | Feb | 2023 INSPIRING THE BUSINESS WORLD CI THE CREDITS CREDITS Chidiebere Moses O. Prashik Bombarde Adiba Tarade Shreyasi Shelke Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Assis?ng Editors David King Sonia Raizada Paul Belin Visualiser Art & Design Head Co-designer Sherin Rodricks Joseph D'souza Business Development Manager Marke?ng Manager Corporate Ofce Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-859-2600 Email: info@thecioworld.com For Subscription: www.thecioworld.com Kelly, David Mark, Alice Business Development Execu?ves Sales Execu?ves Jacob Smile Prachi Mokashi Technical Head Follow us on Assistant Technical Head www.facebook.com/thecioworld www.twitter.com/thecioworld Prashanth, Rajeshwari Technical Consultants We are also available on Alina Sege Renuka Kulkarni Digital Marke?ng Manager Assistant Digital Marke?ng Manager RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Gemson SME-SMO Execu?ve Copyright © 2023 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success. Eric Smith Research Analyst Tanaji Fartade Circula?on Manager
Featuring Amina Haji Project Manager Clemmie Stewart Director of Learning and Teaching Company MWIT Tech Women Chatsworth Schools chatsworthschools.com Brief Amina is a Social entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in leadership roles which helps bring cultural diversity and development of the community. Experienced leader within educa?on with a demonstrated history of working across sectors. Passionate vice-chair of Governors at a Primary Academy. Podcast host, TEDx speaker and marathon runner! Featuring Phoebe Wasfy Vice Principal Shelli Brunswick COO Company Space Founda?on spacefounda?on.org Philopateer Chris?an College pccnet.ca Brief Experienced Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the educa?on management industry. Strong business development professional in Educa?onal Leadership and Administra?on. Shelli Brunswick brings a broad perspec?ve and deep vision of the global space ecosystem — from a dis?nguished career as a space acquisi?on and program management leader and congressional liaison for the U.S.
Phoebe A. Wasfy Principal Philopateer Chris?an College
Transforming the Sphere of Education, Shaping Leaders of Tomorrow WITH MY MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER AS MY AMAZING ROLE MODEL, MY PASSION FOR EDUCATION GREW WITH ME YEAR AFTER YEAR UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO REACH THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY IN EDUCATION, WHEN I BECAME A TEACHER IN THE EARLY 2000s.
“ E very challenge that I faced, I decided to take it as an opportunity for growth and change, and a chance to get into a new chapter rather than being boggled down by it. This does not mean that I didn’t stress or panic at times, but it means that I had the opportunity to get up and prove myself.” This courage to face adversities and blossom amidst them has made Phoebe A. Wasfy a global educational leader today. Her role as the Principal of Philopateer Christian College has changed the lives of 1000s of students till now and has profoundly transformed the way students usually learn. THE SCHOOL WAS THEN MOVED TO A LARGE FACILITY THAT HAS NOW BEEN OUR HOME BUILDING SINCE 2009. OUR STUDENTS HAVE GRADUATED FROM OUR SCHOOL AND HAVE MOVED ON TO TOP UNIVERSITIES NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY AND HAVE NOW BECOME LEADERS IN DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD. Starting her career with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Religious Studies, then going forward to do her Masters of Education, to becoming the principal of PCC, she was always motivated by the motto of “Creating a difference.” What kept her going during her journey of becoming a teacher was the inspirational life of her maternal grandmother, who went against the tides of time and impacted a huge batch of students who recall her even today with gleaming eyes. With PCC, she is preparing students to become well- rounded leaders of tomorrow by helping them believe and develop their God-given talents in the right environment, guided by highly qualified teachers. She is achieving this by collaborating with her team of teachers to lay a solid foundation in all areas of the school, allowing its students to progress to top universities nationally and internationally after graduation. Phoebe, as an empathetic leader and educational omniscient, ensures that she does not treat her students as walking textbooks, but as individuals who are equally learned and talented to face all that life has to offer. Therefore, the school organizes annual productions, global humanitarian trips, local and global fundraising student-led initiatives, sports, national writing competitions, national art competitions, national financial literacy competitions, global math competitions, and many more such activities that have been shaping students into global leaders. While the student body has grown over the years and the programmes have expanded to include high school, what still guides their success is the atmosphere they present –where teachers care.
As Phoebe strongly believes, “In order for things to happen and happen with a difference, one must believe in what they are doing and dream big,” let us learn how she is facilitating this with PCC by delving into her inspiring story below! Roots of Inspiration Coming from the country of great civilization – Egypt, and an environment where the will always makes a way, she always stayed true to achieving her dream of becoming a teacher. She found her inspiration in her maternal grandmother who was a teacher in the 1950s in Egypt. Phoebe shares, “A time when women were not usually educated, my grandmother was going against the norm at the time and was a teacher.” When Phoebe grew older and moved to North America, she got the chance to meet some of her grandmother’s former students who had graduated from her class years before. After her meet with them, all Phoebe could experience was the pride in their eyes that spoke louder than their words as they spoke of her maternal grandmother. She says, “With this amazing role model in my life, my passion for education grew with me year after year until I was able to reach the beginning of my journey in education when I became a teacher in the early 2000s.” Phoebe found her path to spread her knowledge and expertise from the time she stepped into PCC. Her story with PCC began when she was hired as a new graduate out of Teacher’s College in 2005. Although she began working as a teacher in the classroom, what carved her as a leader was when she learned that the then-school principal saw a leader in her and took steps along with that thought in mind. Phoebe, with a combination of her passion for her vocation as a teacher and her leadership skills, along with lots of post-graduate studies, began to climb into the educational leadership roles in the school. Phoebe says, “My love and faith in Philopateer Christian College have helped me lead the school to earn many recognitions and placed us in a very high level in the educational world both locally and internationally.” Reminiscing her initial days at the school, she shares, “When I took on the leadership role at the school, I worked with my team of teachers to build together a solid foundation in all areas of the school.
WE ARE DREAMING OF OPENING A SECOND CAMPUS OVERSEAS. WE ARE LOOKING AT EXPANDING OUR VIRTUAL CAMPUS AND EVEN MAKING IT AS AN OFFICIAL ENTITY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD AS PART OF OUR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS.
understood. The institution visualizes its students as its future ambassadors, as well as, in the future, of the entire world. So, when Phoebe states that the school invests in its children extensively, what she also means is that they are shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Our numbers have doubled since, and our school has expanded even through the pandemic.” A School Ahead of its Time – Building Futures with Interactive Learning Winning through Challenges Philopateer Christian College is a Pre-K to gr.12 school that began in the city of Mississauga, Ontario, by the Egyptian Coptic Community in 1999. In its inaugural year, around 40 students (K-8 at that time) were schooled in the basement of the Canadian Coptic Centre. When Covid hit, the world of education froze. Many challenges arose. But Phoebe believed that though challenges are part of every step in one’s life, yet life is not about challenges; it is about how one handles them. She comments, “I must say that over the years, there have been many things that have come up along the way, but as the saying goes, what doesn’t break you makes you stronger.” As the Principal and a witness to the school’s journey, Phoebe informs, “Over the years, our student body grew, and the programs expanded to include high school. The school was then moved to a large facility that has now been our home building since 2009. Our students have graduated from our school and have moved on to top universities nationally and internationally and have now become leaders in different professions all over the world.” During those times, Phoebe shares, “At the beginning, I must admit it was difficult to maneuver, but by 1 June, a decision was made that wrote a new chapter in our school’s history.” st At Philopateer Christian College, the vision is to prepare its students to become well-rounded leaders of tomorrow, following in their Master’s footsteps. The institution does thisby helping its students believe in and develop their God-given talents in the right environment, guided by highly qualified teachers. Together they turned the challenging situation around and successfully created a fully virtual high school recruiting students from all around the world. She highlights, “While high schools stopped giving exams due to the challenges of Covid, our school invested in online examination portals, which allowed us to administer exams for all students.” With this, they actively indulged in digitized methods of education, as this year, in their third year of the virtual high school, they have inaugurated a synchronous method to go hand in hand with the asynchronous method they have by installing 3D cameras in their classrooms, giving students from overseas the opportunity to join live classes. “Students are not a textbook walking on feet but a unique person with strengths and weaknesses that make them unique,” says Phoebe. Therefore, it is of ultimate priority for them to provide their students with opportunities to expand their thoughts as well as their talents. The school’s annual productions, global humanitarian trips, local and global fundraising student-led initiatives, sports, national writing competitions, national art competitions, national financial literacy competitions, global math competitions, and many more such activities make this happen for its students. IN ORDER FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN AND HAPPEN WITH A DIFFERENCE, ONE MUST BELIEVE IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND DREAM BIG. Valuing a Right Classroom Atmosphere Educational values are not just built by books but by the atmosphere, children receive while they are at school. Considering this, PCC provides its parents and students with a cordial environment where teachers care. The teachers at PCC understand the responsibility they have towards the students; they teach and take those extra 100 miles to ensure that the concepts are learned and
Leading the Education World - Phoebe A. Wasfy Phoebe A. Wasfy is the Principal of Philopateer Chris?an College (PCC), one of the fastest-growing private Chris?an schools in Canada, and a well-recognized member of the Associa?on of Chris?an Schools Interna?onal (ACSI). Phoebe, born in Alexandria, Egypt, immigrated to North America at the age of nine. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies (University of Toronto 2002). Later, she completed her Professional Program in Educa?on (D’Youville College, New York, USA 2004). In the process, she pursued addi?onal qualifica?ons in “Reading,” “History,” “Religious Studies,” and “Teaching Kindergarten-Grade 12,” as well as completed her Principal Qualifica?on Courses (PQC) in 2011. Phoebe received her Master of Educa?on (MEd) (University of Western, Ontario 2014) and completed a Higher Educa?on Teaching Cer?ficate from Harvard University, USA, in 2019. Apart from her academic interests, Phoebe enjoys interac?ng with other educators, students and parents as well as she is commi?ed to fostering leadership and professional development among her staff. Phoebe heads many ini?a?ves and is responsible for the school youth missionary trips globally while partnering with other governments, worldwide charity groups, and global aid organiza?ons. She has recently ini?ated the first fundraising ini?a?ve led by a group of 16- and 17-year- old students for the Egyp?an presiden?al ini?a?ve Decent Life, adding to her list of achievements. An ac?ve member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the Ontario Principals Council (OPC). Nominated for the Order of Ontario 2019 and 2020, which is one of the highest recogni?on for community services awarded by the Province of Ontario and its Governor General. Inducted into The Marquis Who’s Who in America in recogni?on of her professional integrity and outstanding achievement in her voca?on. The recipient of the Vision Builder Women of Inspira?on Award 2021. Recipient of the Arab Women of Excellence Awards in Academia from Life Transforma?on Academy (Calgary, Alberta - Canada). An adjunct Faculty for the Youth Ministry Cer?fica?on Program (YMCP) offered by the Canadian Cop?c Center in affilia?on with YouthTrain, New Zealand. Phoebe was chosen to par?cipate in the World Youth Forum 2018 in Sharm ElSheikh, Egypt. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü
STUDENTS ARE NOT A TEXTBOOK WALKING ON FEET BUT A UNIQUE PERSON WITH STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES THAT MAKE THEM UNIQUE. Phoebe rightly points out, “What could have been a crisis, PCC utilized technology to create a new chapter in its story.” She says, “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. It is through God’s work in my life; He used me to grow into the educational leader I am today, and I know that He will continue to help me grow in the profession and make a difference in many more lives.” Words to Inculcate – Teaching Creates Other Professions In education, one needs to acknowledge that there is a huge responsibility to shape the lives of students today, who will be either doctors, teachers, or world leaders tomorrow. As for the school, she shares that they have many dreams. Phoebe briefs, “We are dreaming of opening a second campus overseas. We are looking at expanding our virtual campus and even making it as an official entity in different parts of the world as part of our international educational systems.” Phoebe remarks, “This on its own brings into the light the caliber of the profession. Hence, coming into this profession, one must take it on with respect and reverence. As someone once said teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.” Throughout the past nine years as the principal, she has strongly known that in order for things to happen and happen with a difference, one must believe and dream big. Stepping Ahead – Dreams will Lead Us to the Sky Well, who can pause moments in life, hence she says, “Our dreams will never stop, and dreaming big is what will help us reach for the sky.” Talking about where she sees herself in the next few years, Phoebe says, “Being an educational leader is my past and my future.” Ever since a very young age, she has always wanted to become a teacher. As she got into the profession and her role grew into a school principal, it became possible for her to impact 400 students at a time rather than 15 in her class back then.
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Ama ically, as the concept is ambiguously defined with an unreliable statistic to compare regions altogether. What has been your source of motivation so far and what has led you on the path of a disciplined life? Interview with The CIO World Ama H. Haji Helping Women Find Empowerment Through Technology and Leadership A n individual who has previously been unable to make decisions on his own—is said to be empowered—when given the opportunity and freedom to do so. Among women, empowerment is a crucial factor for promoting their growth and influence in areas like health, nutrition, and their socioeconomic position. But empowerment is not the same everywhere. In the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), African girls and women are constrained to seeking empowerment geograph- Steering women in the direction of empowerment, Amina invites every skillset of coders, designers, strategists, marketers, and related professionals, providing them with the support they need through trainings, resources, experi- ences, and community. Let’s walk through the interview between The CIO World and Amina H. Haji to learn about how she leads women's empowerment globally. It is only in the past few years that empowerment has climbed a steady growth there. African girls and women are noted to seek the perks of empowerment and attain success in their respective endeavors. From empowerment being poorly defined to making it a conceptual way of being, several intellectuals have put forth their voices and stood up for women. One of these is Amina H. Haji, a project manager at the MWIT(Muslim Women Institute for Technology)– Tech Women, which is a tech-driven non- profit organization where she addresses the challenges faced by high-potential, disadvantaged women and youth in education, employment, and leadership. In addition, she is also the CEO and co-founder of Somali Professionals Network Eastern Africa (SPNEA), a corporate company that celebrates and connects Somalis who are successful business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and students. God created each of us with unique personalities, traits, and ambitions. My uniqueness is something of which I should be proud. One thing I always remind myself of that motivates me is that we all have certain ingrained personal- ity traits. As long as there is nothing negative or harmful about them, there is no reason for me to try hard to change them for the sake of anyone else. And if I dislike a particu- lar characteristic and want to change it as a way of improv- ing myself, this can be a reason to change. Could you kindly tell us about MWIT-Tech Women and the role you are playing there? Also, please share the ideas and developments that led to its inception. MWIT is a non-profit organization and a tech company driven by young, passionate female leaders who are 20 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Ama Amina H Haji Project Manager MWIT - Tech Women 21 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
22 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
There has been some progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment, but women are still not fully empowered in technology and leadership. Women are the change agents and champions of their communities. When they are economically independent, women can better influence politics and empower themselves economically. building a diverse team to work with partners to address the challenges faced by high-potential but disadvantaged women and youth in education, employment, and leader- ship. “ What are the organization’s key offerings, and how are they impacting the demographic concerned? MWIT addresses issues pertaining to women's empower- ment through technical capacity building, mentorship, networking, research, and innovation. There is a lack of awareness; women and girls are misinformed and left behind in many opportunities. We help Muslim women with skills and give them opportunities to service their work. The organization offers branding (web design, digital marketing, and graphic design), ICT, cloud computing, and software development to businesses. It helps to achieve important development goals and bring about positive changes for these women. “ As an experienced entrepreneur, what would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who wish to enter the industry, especially women entrepreneurs? What is special about the organization? How is it enabling an environment for women technology leaders and aspirants to thrive in the industry? How are we achieving gender equality? There is a lack of awareness. Women and girls are misin- formed and left behind in many opportunities. This not only laid the groundwork for my involvement in finding solutions to these issues but also for gaining the potential and strength to inspire other women and girls and change their lives. There has been some progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment, but women are still not fully empowered in technology and leadership. Women are the change agents and champions of their communities. When they are economically independent, women can better influence politics and empower themselves economically. What are the future goals of your organization? How do you envision upscaling its operations and reach in 2022 and beyond? We would love to know about an incident that shaped your life profoundly and has made you into the person you are today. Could you please share it with us to motivate our audience to never give up in life? To promote, empower, and build many confident Muslim women to participate in and influence society through technology. Our main mission is to ensure women are economically empowered through technology and build the diversity to work with partners to address the challenges faced by high-potential but disadvantaged women and youth in education, employment, and leadership. I have been living, working, and staying with Muslim women from my community for my entire life. Many women have been forced into seclusion and silence, have been denied jobs and education, and are unable to be financially independent. I have always recognized cultural approaches that are harmful and, at the same time, prevent women and girls from expressing themselves or getting information when needed. This laid the groundwork for my involvement in finding solutions to these issues and gave me the potential and strength to inspire other women and girls and change their lives. 23 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Global Equivalence Examining the Impact of Gender Equality Opportunities on E D U C A T I O N A L 24 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
W W e use panel and cross-country regressions to see how gender differences in employment and education, which are proxied by gender differences in labor force participation, affect economic growth using the most recent data and investigating over a more extended period. Using panel data, we update previous research on the impact of education gaps on growth and extend the analysis to employment gaps. We find that orientation holes in training and business impressively lessen economic development. Economic growth disparities between regions appear to worsen due to gender gaps in employment, with South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa experiencing slower growth in female employment. Gender disparities in important well-being-related dimensions like education, health, employment, and pay have many causes for concern. These gender inequalities are problematic from a perspective of equity and well-being because they lower well- being and constitute a form of injustice in most conceptions of equity or justice. Let’s examine how gender equality affects educational opportunities! Equity, Gender Equality, and Human Rights Equity is the most important guiding principle for a rights-based agenda after 2015. It emphasizes the need to correct structural and historical injustices to allow everyone to get a good education at any level. It is heralded by a rights-based approach in which rights are indivisible, effectively one of the most prominent themes that emerged from the education consultations after 2015. As a result, it is necessary to consider all facets of education from a rights perspective, including the content of educational curricula and the structure of educational systems. Indeed, realizing education rights for all necessitates overcoming structural barriers to accessing high-quality education. A stronger focus on how various forms of inequality intersect to produce unequal outcomes for marginalized and vulnerable groups must be included in achieving equal access to high- quality education, necessitating addressing widespread and persistent social inequalities. Equity in education also entails various proactive and specific measures to give disadvantaged groups progressive support. 25 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Gender Socialization In conclusion, When a woman becomes pregnant, and people begin to make judgments about the value of males over females, gender socialization begins. Relatives, instructors, and others propagate these generalizations by making assumptions about guys and females. It indicates that education is undergoing multiple transitional stages in the traditional sense of school enrollment, dropout rates, curriculum development, and structural dynamics. New forms of education, information sharing, and knowledge acquisition remain visible in their impact on gender socialization patterns. It is too early to evaluate the shifting sands on which we stand definitively. “Gender socialization” became an essential signifier as the concept entered the mainstream lexicon regarding gender relations and development dynamics after receiving criticism and counter-criticism. It has not been just a signifier and a “root cause” that explains various aspects of gender identities and what underlies many gender dynamics. It is because gender socialization is a tool to highlight discriminatory practices, laws, and perceptions, including stereotypes. However, it would be wrong to overestimate the power of ingrained patriarchy or underestimate women’s and men’s ability to alter their realities significantly. Simultaneously, the progressions in the way of life of worldwide improvement objective setting are creating essential experiences and data sources that are molding the plan of worldwide, local, and public elements for many years. Consequently, a special connection exists between gender socialization and sociocultural values. It partially explains why women’s “domestic” roles and responsibilities continue to take precedence over public ones in many developing societies. Most young girls are socialized to believe their socially determined role as mothers will be “biologically inevitable.” - Shreyasi Shelke Gender Inequality and Economic Performance Several theoretical and empirical studies have shown that gender inequality in employment and education slows economic growth. Concerning disparity in training, the hypothetical writing proposes as a first contention that such an orientation imbalance decreases the standard measure of human resources in public and hurts financial execution. In addition, if they restrict girls’ education to lower levels, then boys’ education at higher levels means the marginal return to educating girls is higher than educating boys. It would boost overall economic performance. It can be accomplished by artificially restricting the talent pool, excluding highly qualified girls, to draw for education. 26 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Clemmie Stewart Enabling Outstanding Futures For Children of Today and Tomorrow Clemmie Stewart is blazing a trail of educational excellence at Chatsworth Schools, providing a nurturing environment in which students can reach their highest potential. Her passion and dedication are shining examples to the Chatsworth community, leading the way for a brighter future for all. With her at the helm, Chatsworth Schools is making remarkable strides in delivering an unparalleled education and shaping brilliant minds for the years ahead. Experience Unmatched Educational Leadership with Real Integrity, Passion for Schools, and a Commitment to Excellence! A themselves and those around them. With the rise of new technologies, it has never been more important to ensure that children have access to quality education and the necessary tools to succeed in this ever-evolving world. s the world continues to become increasingly complex, education must be able to provide children with the opportunity to create a better future for Clemmie Stewart - A paragon of academic excellence and a true champion of the future who joined forces with the founder and CEO to develop a revolutionary learning framework, making sure that each school in the group can give children a personalized education that is tailored to their individual needs. The stark reality is that education can be among the most divided of human rights and opportunities. That is especially true for those who do not have access to the same educational resources and opportunities as those who are afforded them more easily. Let’s explore how she is providing top-tier education to children and elevating their learning experiences! It is in these cases that Clemmie has taken it upon herself to make a real difference and make the world a better place for generations to come. She has a mission to bridge the gap between those in need and access to quality education and to make sure that no one is left behind. She seeks to ensure that every child has access to the same educational opportunities and should be commended for her efforts. Clemmie, kindly brief us about yourself and your professional journey so far. What was your inspiration for stepping into Educational Administration Programs? My first two years of teaching were spent at a boarding prep school, where I combined a class teaching role with being an assistant house parent and hockey coach. I then moved to the state sector, where I developed my ability to bring out the best in every child with a diet of high expectations and tailored teaching, all within a nurturing and safe environment. Clemmie Stewart is a Director of Learning and Teaching at Chatsworth Schools and is leading the charge in creating incredible progress in education – providing children with the opportunity to have an outstanding future. She believes that the best way to ensure success for all children is by providing a quality education that is tailored to their individual needs, and this is at the heart of her approach. Further to this, I worked for a London-based school as Director of Teaching and Learning before becoming Senior Head across two prep schools. I joined Chatsworth Schools in September 2021 as Director of Teaching and Learning after meeting Chatsworth Schools Founder and CEO Anita Gleave. She has worked hard to create a robust educational system that enables students to develop their knowledge and skills and to become well-rounded, confident individuals. 28 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Clemmie Stewart Director Chatsworth Schools 29 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference in Educa?on Sector Globally, I am part of the core team developing Blenheim Schools, the international school arm of Chatsworth Schools, that is re-imagining international education for investors and school owners around the world. Blenheim Schools aims to have the same international impact on children as Chatsworth Schools does for thousands of children in our UK schools and nurseries. In 2022, we finalized a partnership to open innovative, inclusive, international schools in KSA. The first school in this exciting new partnership opened in September 2022 and is called Beech Hall School Riyadh, a new British international school in Saudi Arabia powered by and guided by Chatsworth Schools. Please enlighten us about your approach toward your work. I am committed to research-based innovation alongside tested traditional pedagogy, with a great deal of passion for developing young people and staff alike. I completed my Master of Education last summer and am currently implementing my findings on coaching and teaching in all Chatsworth Schools. Part of this is building relationships based on trust and respect with colleagues across all of our schools, ensuring we are, as a genuine team, doing the very best we can for every child in our care. Anita has inspired me to disrupt, and that is what attracted me to the Chatsworth Schools role. It is one thing to continually question our “why,” “how,” and “what,” but it is quite another to act on it tangibly and pragmatically, and that is what I have the opportunity to do in my role at Chatsworth Schools. Tell us about Chatsworth Schools, including its mission and vision. What is your role in group development and global outreach? Please highlight Chatsworth Schools and its prominent features. Chatsworth Schools operates fifteen schools and nurseries across the UK, and our mission is to enable outstanding futures for all our children. We focus on learning and believe that world-class schools enable our pupils to be world- and work-ready, confident, and well-rounded individuals. As a group, we share a commitment to integrity, resilience, and passion as our core values, and we endeavor to not only live our values but to encourage our school communities to do so too. For Chatsworth Schools, our criteria for success is: Enabling Outstanding Futures for all our children. This is not a tick-box exercise but a constant journey of challenge and improvement. Outlined below are just some of the ways we work to meet this criterion every day. Outstanding Exam Results: In 2022, one of our schools, The Village Prep School in Belsize Park, announced fantastic Year 6 results, including ten scholarships (from a class of only 13 girls), at an impressive range of leading day schools. The scholarships included two major academic ones: a performing arts scholarship and a music scholarship. As Director of Learning and Teaching, I work closely with all our schools on an individual basis, as every school in our group is unique, although they are all non-selective. Last year, I co-authored a unique learning framework with our founder and CEO that ensures every school in the group can deliver a truly bespoke education tailored to each child’s needs. This bespoke framework is called the Chatsworth Tapestry, and it consists of six individual strands that encompass all the skills that children need to flourish in the 21st century: mindset, well-being, entrepreneurship, sustainability, global, and digital literacy. Each of our schools weaves these strands differently to adapt their learning to their children’s unique talents and needs. Excellent Inspection Reports: In 2002, another of our schools, Highfield Prep, was found to be “Excellent” for every single element inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The ISI found that ‘Throughout the school, pupils develop excellent knowledge in all areas of learning and acquire a high level of skill in literacy, numeracy, and ICT, which they confidently apply across the curriculum, successfully meeting the school’s aims.’ 30 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Innovative changes: Through the Chatsworth Schools Tapestry, wehave designed a unique learning framework that ensures every Chatsworth School can deliver a truly bespoke education tailored to every child’s needs. We strive to be ahead of the curve, inves?ng in and fostering incomparable educa?on alliances from nursery to Secondary educa?on. Commitment to Training and Funding: Chatsworth Schools recently secured the future of one of our London schools, Benedict House School in Sidcup, on an enlarged site, more than double the size of the existing school, and is now investing in a program of refurbishment. This work will see the creation of new subject specialist learning rooms and improve the outdoor spaces at the school with the addition of a floodlit all-year synthetic turf pitch, a forest school, and an extended play space including multi-activity areas and a jungle gym. This can, of course, be applied to so much, but it seemed to ring particularly true as we navigate our way through the pandemic. The change was most certainly the case as a Head of two schools during COVID-19: change by the day, week, and, in some cases, hour. While it was a difficult time, it also provided many opportunities: to capitalize on rapidly expanding access to technology, to bring our communities together from afar, and to reconsider the purpose of education and how we deliver it. According to you, how do you support welfare and innovative learning for students? We have proudly placed health and well-being at the heart of our Tapestry curriculum, recognizing and highlighting that children need to feel happy, safe, and secure to reach and unleash their potential. Last year we announced a partnership with Happy Space UK to support all pupils with their mental health and well-being, and all our schools now have mental health guidebooks, which are a core part of our approach to helping support our young people’s development, from their academics to their mental health and well-being and everything in between. For every child that benefits from this mental health partnership, a child at a state school is given the same access to resources and mental health support from Happy Space UK. As life started to return to some semblance of normality, I started a new role, and my new boss, Anita Gleave, founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools and Blenheim Schools, asked me a question—a seemingly rhetorical one at the time! If you could rewrite education from scratch on a blank piece of paper, where would you start? What might have been a bonding icebreaker as I began my new role was a serious and strategic question that would ultimately lead us toward launching our own bespoke, unique, and inclusive educational framework, which is now in operation in the UK as well as in schools abroad—the Chatsworth Schools Tapestry. Our framework is forward-looking, taking into consideration the uncertain and ever-evolving future that our children face. We recognize that this uncertainty means our children need to learn to think critically, become solution-based problem solvers, and act with empathy and resilience. We have therefore created learning experiences that enable them to develop a toolkit that equips them to face their futures with confidence and excitement. Where do you envision yourself and your company’s global outreach in the upcoming years? Looking ahead, I am excited both about our work in the UK, where we will continue to enable outstanding futures for children at all Chatsworth Schools schools and nurseries, and about our plans to grow internationally, which are an opportunity to spread best practices and enable outstanding futures for even more children. Tell us about the challenges you have faced and how they have shaped you as a business leader. One of the biggest challenges of my career to date was the pandemic, and I know this was a huge challenge for so many of us. Award Chatsworth Schools was delighted to win Private School Operator of the Year at the 2021 and 2022 Education Investor Awards. One of my favorite quotes is that of C. S. Lewis: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” 31 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Industry Insights 34 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Strategies Female Leaders Overcome Challenges to Help O ver the past few decades, there has been a growing recognition of the significance of female business leaders. In previously male- dominated fields, women have been shattering glass ceilings and breaking barriers, and their leadership is impacting the business world. The variety of perspectives female leaders bring to the table is one of the main reasons they are important in businesses. Women’s experiences, values, and approaches to leadership are different from those of men, which can result in more diverse and inventive solutions to business issues. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that businesses with more women in leadership typically have better financial results. It could be because women tend to be worried about taking risks and are more concerned with long-term viability, which can result in more stable and long-lasting business practices. However, despite recent advancements, women still face significant obstacles to leadership positions in numerous industries. Unconscious bias, gender-based discrimination, and a lack of access to opportunities and resources frequently affect them. People Matters consulted experts in 35 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
the field to identify some of the most effective methods for strengthening women leaders to assist them in achieving success and shining brightly. Matters, “They should be proactive in seeking out leadership roles and expressing their interest in taking on more within their organizations.” Women for Women Let’s look at it and find out more about it! Construct a range of skill sets In reality, as we know it, where women have generally been underestimated and underrepresented in influential places, they must stand together and lift each other. Trailblazers inspire and motivate others to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes by setting an example for other women to follow. They show that women are just as capable, intelligent, and creative as men and can make a big difference in how a business develops in the future. It’s also critical to stay updated with the most recent patterns and advancements in your field and to search out unique opportunities to learn from specialists and companions. Upskilling is an integral part of being successful as a woman leader. You can do this by looking for opportunities for education and training, making connections, being aware of what’s going on in your industry, and committing to a lifelong learning and growth process. The key is fostering the abilities and mastery essential to becoming a more compelling and significant forerunner in your field. Your help will rouse different ladies and give you the fulfillment of seeing more ladies scale higher levels. Let’s work together to help women reach their full potential,” said Jakson Group CHRO Radhika Arora. Trust Matters As a female leader, it is essential to acknowledge that there is always room for advancement and growth. By consistently upskilling ourselves, keeping a receptive outlook, and embracing new learning opportunities, we can remain on top of things in reality as we know it, where cycles and advancements are quickly developing. Adjusting to change and extending our range of abilities is urgent to guarantee that we stay equipped and clear forerunners over the long haul. Trust is essential when creating an atmosphere where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. Employees are more likely to feel at ease sharing their ideas, taking risks, and working together when there is a high level of trust within the organization. It may result in increased innovation, improved decision-making, and enhanced performance. Transparency, sincerity, and authenticity are all qualities that women leaders can use to increase team trust. They can openly communicate with their employees, promptly share information and feedback, and create a secure environment for discussion and collaboration. Networking is vital Organizing is significant expertise for any pioneer, yet it is particularly substantial for ladies who must progress in their vocations. Women leaders can increase their professional opportunities, develop valuable connections, and acquire fresh perspectives through effective networking. Attending industry events like conferences, trade shows, and networking events is one effective way to network as a woman leader. These events allow you to meet other leaders in your field, learn about new developments and trends, and hear from experts and peers about their perspectives. To Conclude, Women will also need to spend more time reflecting on themselves, stepping outside of their comfort zones, and taking on new challenges confidently, despite organizations worldwide gradually beginning to establish solutions to gender bias and assist women in flourishing. There is a bias against women in leadership positions, and attending these forums and speaking up can help change that. Second, ladies ought to seek out pioneers directly for direction and backing in the workplace. Thirdly, women should stand up for themselves by praising their accomplishments and negotiating raises and promotions. Neha Juneja, IndiaP2P’s CEO and co-founder told People They will be able to more effectively chart a course toward leadership and develop self-confidence that will help shape future leaders if they work in an encouraging and supportive environment. - Shreyasi Shelke 36 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference in Educa?on Sector Shelli Brunswick Leading the Way to a Broad and Ingenious Global Space Ecosystem Shelli is a champion for space technology innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity, and inclusion and works with global organizations to bridge the commercial, government, and educational sectors. She has made it her mission to ensure the inclusion of marginalized communities, an effort inspired by the values she was taught while serving in the military - A commitment to share her experience, support the space community, and aid in the growth of the upcoming generation of workers. Advocating Space Technology Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Inclusion! F most challenging tasks. It can be difficult to stay motivated when faced with seemingly overwhelming odds, but with the right mindset, we can persevere and come out of any challenge feeling victorious. This does not mean we should ignore the hardships we face but rather embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. inding joy in challenges is a skill that so many of us strive to master. It is about overcoming obstacles and finding positivity and happiness even in the As a pioneering thinker, she has been called upon to deliver her astute insights at renowned think tanks like the Hudson Institute and the Wilson Center to tackle topics such as invention, technology, and workforce augmentation. Her expert knowledge has extended to include inclusion in studies conducted by both NASA and ESA to explore the prospects of the space system worldwide in the years to come. When we take on a challenge, we can make it our own and come out to the other side with newfound strength and wisdom. Shelli Brunswick embraced her challenges and eventually fell in love with her career. This is an in-depth look at the incredible work Shelli has done to advance the space industry, and it was a reminder of the power of individual commitment and determination. Growing up, she never would have imagined that she would one day be a COO for the Space Foundation, working tirelessly to bring about an expansive view of the worldwide space economy. After wrapping up high school, she joined the United States Air Force with the dream of becoming an officer. It was a difficult journey, as the Air Force prioritized STEM professionals, but she eventually achieved her goal and was appointed a space acquisition officer. Initially, she was clueless about what she had gotten herself into, yet she learned quickly and soon fell in love with the concept of space exploration. This passion led her to a position on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison, which was where she concluded her military service. Let’s explore further… Shelli, kindly brief us about yourself and your professional journey so far. What was your inspiration for stepping into non-profit organizations? Working in the space industry is not something I expected to do growing up. After high school, I joined the United States Air Force. 38 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
Space Industry is at the center of all of the exci?ng possibili?es for the space industry, leading those discussions and connec?ng with even more amazing scien?sts, entrepreneurs, innovators, sponsors, policymakers, and crea?ve thinkers. Shelli Brunswick COO Space Founda?on 39 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
It gave me a chance to learn some job skills as well as explore the world and learn about other cultures in a manner for which I am grateful to this day—and I did it without incurring student debt because of the GI Bill. The Space Foundation really brought together all the pieces of my career—operations, policy, service, working to connect people, and of course, space. To do so in a non- profit was appealing because I wanted to continue serving and try to make a difference in the world through space technology. I realized that I wanted to be an officer, but at that time, the Air Force was very much focused on STEM professionals, which was not me. I have a degree in business administration. This meant my chances of acceptance were only about 12%, but I tried anyway. I was rejected, but I tried again and received my appointment as a space acquisition officer. I had no clue what this meant or what was involved; I had no real interest in space. In fact, I tried everything I could think of to get reassigned. But when it came down to it, the Air Force needed me to be a space acquisition program manager, so I learned! Tell us about the Space Foundation, including its mission and vision. What is your role in its development and global outreach? The Space Foundation has been devoted to the mission of promoting and advancing innovation for the betterment of life on Earth for the past 40 years. Whether connecting companies with NASA’s Tech Transfer Program, which helps commercialize cutting-edge technology so that everyday people can benefit from its practical applications, or by helping innovators meet the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, including food security, clean air and water, clean energy, off-planet manufacturing, and more, the Space Foundation works at the center of a global space ecosystem united by technology innovation. I fell in love with space and went on to help develop space policy on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison. This is where I finished my military service, and I was ready for a new challenge. My role within all of that is to increase awareness of Space Foundation programs, ensure that not only are those programs funded but that we can contribute resources – human, technological, financial, etc. – and be excellent collaborative partners to drive innovation forward. To that end, I oversee the Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education, Symposium 365, and Global Alliance. Please enlighten us about your approaches toward your work and facilitating management within the organizations. I am a tremendous proponent of collaboration, first and foremost. The Space Foundation is at its best when multiple voices are heard, and different perspectives are considered. I also believe in empowering our team by finding the resources they need to be successful and having confidence in their abilities. When you’re working on a mission as significant as trying to improve life on Earth through space innovation, no idea is too small or too big. I aim to create a safe space for teams to think boldly, and we work together to turn ideas into action through partnership. Mentorship is also a fundamental tenet of our Workforce Development Roadmap, so I try to mentor our teams however I can, whether it’s helping individuals identify additional career opportunities and the skills they need or 40 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
assisting in the refinement of soft skills, like improving their public speaking abilities or leadership development. This helps to keep our people motivated and engaged – and should they choose to leave the Space Foundation, chances are they will go to an organization we partner with, so we continue to strengthen our connections within the global space ecosystem. the importance of these technologies as a return on investment in space exploration. How is the Space Foundation utilizing technological advancements to enhance non-profit organizations and their services? The biggest way is by enabling us to extend our reach and collaborative abilities. And interestingly, the space industry is responsible for a lot of the technologies that are vital to operations today, like Zoom. Please highlight the Space Foundation and its prominent features. What services enable you to open doors for opportunities? The Space Foundation believes technology is the key to solving the world’s biggest problems. The organization fulfills its role as an educator, facilitator, and super- connector in numerous ways, but it is most widely known for hosting the largest gathering of space technology leaders in the world, between its Space Symposium and its Symposium 365 Digital Platform, Space. If you think about how we can use Zoom as a non-profit, it streamlines operations and reduces operational costs by eliminating all the expenses associated with in-person meetings. It also enables us to collaborate with teams all over the world very quickly, easily, and frequently. Together, we can work to address stunningly complex issues in a highly efficient manner that has not been possible for non- profits previously. We can connect with donors in new ways, make introductions, and deliver presentations all over the world. This is necessary work for any non-profit, but now we can scale it to accomplish so much more. Zoom is just one example. The foundation hosts 11,000 (2022) from 43 countries, including 235 technology exhibitors and 221 speakers. And as I touched on above, it also operates the Center for Innovation and Education to deliver new opportunities and pathways for students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and professionals, as well as runs its Global Alliance program to assist commercial, educational, and government stakeholders in collaborating on joint programs to advance space technology and innovation. Shed light on your experiences whilst working in the non-profit organization industry in your journey Non-profits operate quite differently than the military. There is not as much red tape, and things can be accomplished faster. There still needs to be processing in place to start new programs, however. We are accountable to donors and sponsoring organizations. Fiscal responsibility is imperative – especially in today’s climate. Another difference is overseeing the finances behind projects rather than relying on the federal government. If I want money, I must go out and raise it, which is easier in some respects and harder in others. The Space Foundation also plays an essential role in the development of many new technologies and in ensuring that they find their way successfully to market as efficiently as possible. For example, the Space Foundation runs a Space Certification Program that awards commercial companies a seal of approval that serves as market validation for products and services that originate from space or inspire discoveries and innovations that improve life on Earth. According to you, how do you support three divisions driving one mission in the market? Additionally, we publish The Space Report, which provides research and insight into trends and opportunities. Highlighting each report is an overview of the latest data available on the space economy, space infrastructure, and other key industry indicators, as well as an analysis of commercial, government, and educational events impacting business, the workforce, and our daily lives. And since 1988, we’ve inducted individuals and organizations into the Space Technology Hall of Fame® to recognize the life- changing technologies emerging from global space programs. In doing so, we honor the scientists, engineers, and innovators responsible and communicate to the public For us, everything is about driving innovation and the betterment of life on Earth. That can mean a lot of different things and take on various shapes. But we always go back to the question, “In what way does this improve life on Earth?” Where are the connections? What piece does a program or alliance contribute? With those answers, it’s very easy to achieve alignment. We also constantly assess the different divisions and where there might be holes so that we can identify ways to plug those holes. 41 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
There is so much that can be done across the global space ecosystem, but we have to have focus and balance across our divisions. ● Chief in Tech of the Year, WomenTech Network · Dec 2022 Global Chair of the Year Award, Tod’Aers · Dec 2022 LifeTime Achievement Award 2022, World Women Organization (WWO) · Dec 2022 Top 100 Leaders Award, The Most Influential Women in Leadership 2022, March 8 Magazine · Oct 2022 Top 100 Inspirational Women 2022, March 8 Magazine · Mar 2022 Global Technology Leadership Award 2021, WomenTech Network · Dec 2021 AeroTime Aviation Achievement Award, AeroTime · Sep 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Officer / Role Model of the Year 2020, WomenTech Network, Dec 2020 CSBJ Women of Influence 2020, The Colorado Springs Business Journal (CSBJ) · Nov 2020 ● ● Tell us about the challenges you have faced and how they have shaped you as a business leader. ● I would never have made it this far if I had listened to conventional wisdom. I was a woman in a male-dominated field. I had a business degree when the Air Force wanted STEM. I didn’t have private sector experience, and so on and so forth. I’ve been told “no” a lot over the course of my career, far more than I’ve been told yes. ● ● ● ● From my interactions, I learned to pay attention but not to listen to naysayers. They probably have their reasons for doubt that warrant trying to understand and learn from their perspective. But I find joy in challenges. I don’t want to back away from something because it’s hard or someone says I can’t. ● This philosophy feeds into the big three lessons I like to share: take advantage of every opportunity, don’t fear the unknown, and even when the odds are stacked against you, try anyway. Where do you envision yourself and your company’s global outreach in the upcoming years? The Space Foundation is at the heart of the global space ecosystem, and I think it will become that much more prominent in the years to come. We will be at the center of all of the exciting possibilities for the space industry, leading those discussions and connecting with even more amazing scientists, entrepreneurs, innovators, sponsors, policymakers, and creative thinkers. We want to develop a robust, qualified workforce that never has to worry about labor shortages again, and we want to raise awareness for all that “space” means and what it touches. In terms of my own career, I hope that I can bring more people—especially from underrepresented groups—into the global space ecosystem. It is an exhilarating industry with so many possibilities, and it is open to all. When we say that people in space careers have the opportunity to change the world, we really mean it! Please share clientele, awards, and recognitions. ● Top 100 Aerospace & Aviation Professionals to Follow on Linkedin in 2022, Issued by Matt Higa and Pineapple EMPIRE · Jan 2023 42 March| 2023 www.thecioworld.com
INSPIRING THE BUSINESS WORLD CI THE www.thecioworld.com