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In the digital age, educational technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. It enhances engagement, fosters inclusivity, and bridges accessibility gaps, transforming traditional teaching into a dynamic, personalized learning experience. At the forefront of this transformation is Renee Dawson , a passionate Educational Technology Consultant whose mission is to empower educators and uplift students through meaningful tech integration.

With a career built on deep classroom experience and a heart for equity, Dawson is reshaping how technology serves education—making it more accessible, impactful, and aligned with real classroom needs.

Empowering Educators with Practical Tools

Renee Dawson’s journey began with over 15 years in special education, where she focused on assistive technologies to support diverse learners. In 2021, she transitioned into an Instructional Technology Coach role, developing and delivering professional development for educators—a role she quickly realized was her true calling.

When her grant-funded position ended, Dawson leaned into her network and expertise. She began contracting with educational tech companies like Screencastify, Almanack AI, and EliteGamingLIVE, creating training programs, onboarding materials, and ambassador networks. Her unique ability to break down complex tools into accessible, actionable strategies has made her a sought-after professional development facilitator.

Innovative Approach to Professional Development

Dawson’s training sessions are anything but conventional. She organizes participants into three categories—speedboats, tugboats, and anchors—to tailor instruction to varying tech skill levels. Rather than relying on slides, she engages participants with hands-on experiences using the tools themselves.

This differentiated approach ensures that all educators, regardless of their digital fluency, leave her sessions feeling empowered to implement new technologies confidently. Her commitment extends beyond workshops—she models lessons, co-teaches, and follows up to support sustained implementation.

Championing Digital Equity and Inclusive Learning

Dawson emphasizes that true digital inclusion goes beyond devices and connectivity. Her work—especially in Title 1 schools—focuses on equipping educators to use tech meaningfully for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

Her professional development incorporates:

Personalized Learning Paths: Adaptable sessions that reflect educators’ tech skills and classroom realities.

Instructional Design Focus: Training teachers to use technology to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and student engagement.

Equity-Centered Strategies: Teaching Universal Design for Learning and leveraging frameworks like the Technology Integration Matrix to support inclusive classrooms.

By prioritizing long-term capacity-building and culturally responsive teaching, she fosters environments where all students can thrive.

Leveraging AI and Gamification to Drive Engagement

Among her standout sessions is one on Curipod, an AI-powered platform. By embedding interactive content and “brain breaks,” she showcased the tool’s classroom value—converting even AI skeptics into enthusiastic adopters. Her Curipod session was so effective that educators began using it the very next day.

In her previous roles, she also led Esports Clubs and the Minecraft Student Ambassadors program. These initiatives improved attendance by 63% and decreased suspensions by 57%, showing the power of engaging, tech-driven extracurriculars in transforming student outcomes.

Building Digital Communities and Content

As a Community Manager and now content creator for Almanack AI, Dawson curated themed social media posts to sustain engagement:

Motivation Monday: Quotes around AI in education.

Tech Tip Tuesday: Platform-specific insights.

Women Wednesday: Celebrating women leaders in ed-tech.

Thoughtfulness Thursday: Reflective questions to spark conversation.

Follower Friday: Spotlighting community contributions.

Her content creation is inspired by student interests, pop culture, and educational standards, making learning materials both relatable and rigorous.

Lifelong Learning and Leadership

A certified Apple Learning Coach and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE), Dawson stays at the cutting edge of educational technology. These certifications reinforce her belief that great educators never stop learning, and they equip her with resources and insights she uses to support others.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Real Terms

From WiFi-equipped buses to digital literacy workshops for families, Dawson understands that closing the digital divide requires addressing both access and effective use. Her recommendations include:

Assessing connectivity and device availability before tech rollouts.

Offering offline and print alternatives to prevent digital fatigue.

Prioritizing digital citizenship and ethical tech use.

Securing funding through grants to sustain innovation.

Looking Ahead: Spreading Empowerment and Inspiration

Renee Dawson envisions herself as a keynote speaker at major EdTech conferences, continuing to inspire and support educators on a larger scale. Her driving force? Changing the way education is experienced—especially for students who, like her, once found learning disengaging and disconnected.

She draws inspiration from Christopher Emdin’s “Ratchetdemic”, encouraging educators to unapologetically bring their authentic selves into the classroom. Now, as a consultant, Dawson spreads that same message: support educators so they can build student-centered, culturally relevant, and intellectually rigorous learning environments.

Conclusion

Making Learning Experiences Better!

Education technology has grown to be a key part of modern learning and teaching, establishing meaningful interaction and inclusivity in classrooms globally. Its progression continues to close gaps in accessibility while equipping educators with new innovative tools to make learning experiences better. Teachers are enhancing student performance by incorporating newly emerging technologies such as AI and personalized learning strategies and responding effectively to various learning needs. The significance of education technology is that it can convert traditional teaching practices into interactive, effective practices that enable teachers and students to excel in today's interconnected world.

Renee Dawson , an Education Technology Consultant, is a passionate leader in this revolutionary field. She possesses a reflective and imaginative methodology in her work, showing a commitment to creating professional development programs that enable teachers to maximize the full potential of technology. She works towards making technology accessible and sensible, allowing teachers to establish inclusive and motivating learning spaces.

Renee Dawson's capacity to engage with diverse educational communities and her dedication to meeting students' and teachers' specific needs reflect her powerful vision and leadership for creating a new future for education technology.

Design for You Learning, a consultancy firm with expertise in educational technology, is at the hub of these initiatives. The firm partners with schools, teachers, and ed-tech providers by way of innovative solutions and tailored professional development offerings to inspire effective technology integration in the classroom. Design for You Learning is at the forefront of developing technology-facilitated learning by emphasizing customized assistance, hands-on training, and constant collaboration. Its commitment to developing a culture of innovation and inclusion makes it a go-to partner for educators working to improve learning experiences and outcomes.

Let's see what Renee Dawson does with her groundbreaking strategies for advanced education:

Embracing Professional Development Roles Renee Dawson instructed special education in multiple grade levels and subject areas for 15 years. During seven of those years, she spent most of her time working with students and teachers to determine and implement assistive technology in the classroom. In 2021, she became an Instructional Technology Coach and discovered that she enjoyed creating and delivering professional development to teachers.

Her grant-funded Instructional Technology Coach position was eliminated after funding ended. She contacted Ed Tech companies she had ties to through ambassador programs or had worked with previously on webinars, blog posts, or podcasts. She discovered that Screencastify needed contract Professional Development Facilitators.

Having been hailed as a platform super user and best content creator for many years in her district and globally, she was thrilled to be joining their ranks to demonstrate other teachers the wonderful benefits of their platform and how video can help improve teaching.

Screencastify is not the sole business she contracts with for Professional Development Facilitation. She works with Almanack AI to develop onboarding videos and professional development materials for users and assists in setting up an ambassador program for the teachers who utilize the platform.

She also just began a contract with EliteGamingLIVE, an esports league and STEM education platform she coached for in her previous position. She will work with them and apply her background as a coach to their league to develop onboarding and professional development content.

Renee Dawson transitioned to an independent Ed Tech Consultant because she felt that it would be best to engage as many educators as possible and make an impact on student learning by offering high-quality professional development and onboarding. She loves designing engaging, concise, and valuable content for educators. She excels in the consulting position because she is continually learning how to "up her game" and developing in her content generation process based on what she has learned and feedback that she gets from her work.

Planning for Successful Professional Development Renee Dawson learns that the most effective means of incorporating new tools into educator professional development sessions is to get them to work with the tool as much as possible. Renee typically has minimal slides to present because she gets educators to work with the new tool or platform for the majority of the session. Renee plans her session development under the paradigm that she has three general types of learners in her sessions: speedboats, tugboats, and anchors.

Theoretically, a speedboat requires its course and couldn't drag an anchor off the bottom of the lake without the line breaking. So, she assigns her speedboat instructors an independent activity they can complete at their own rate without being held back by the less technology-oriented instructors.

For her tugbats, she typically distributes them evenly among the anchors so that they can assist in pulling the anchors up off the bottom with minimal support. These two sets get special training on the tool or platform and many hands-on exercises to make them feel comfortable and confident in using the tool or platform in their classrooms.

She also offers a series of follow-up classroom check-ins with teachers who require additional support in putting new technology into practice. She tends to begin by modeling implementation, then proceeds to co-teaching with them on the tool and finally monitors them practicing the tool on their own in their classroom. It requires a lot of planning on her part, but it leads to greater implementation following the first professional development session.

Personalized Learning for Diverse Tech Skills She has firsthand and remembers that bridging the digital divide is not merely a matter of giving people access to devices and connectivity—it's about giving teachers the power to use technology in ways that increase learning for every child. She works extensively with teachers of varying backgrounds, particularly teachers who work with historically underserved populations.

Their insights are priceless in crafting professional development that tackles core dilemmas. Her process is centered on continuous learning and persistent practice. She is concerned with developing long-term capacity, as opposed to short-term proficiency. Her aim is to build a self-perpetuating culture of tech-powered innovation in schools. A few of the ways that attention to digital equity informs her professional development are:

Personalized Learning: She understands that teachers possess different tech expertise and environments. Her professional learning sessions provide flexible, tailored learning choices instead of one-size-fits-all training. Instructional Design Focus: Renee Dawson moves beyond entry-level tool training to emphasize the way technology can enhance instructional design. Teachers learn to create tech-supported lessons that foster higher-order thinking and creativity. Emphasize Equity-Centered Practices: She clearly discusses how technology can close the achievement gaps and deliver more equal learning opportunities. This involves training in Universal Design for Learning principles and teacher observations several times during the school year using the Technology Integration Matrix. To gauge the effect of her professional learning and make sure it is actually making a difference, she seeks out a number of indicators during her classroom walk-throughs, such as modifications in classroom technology integration instructional practices, student engagement and learning results – especially for historically disadvantaged groups, teacher confidence and effectiveness in utilizing technology, and building teacher leaders in educational technology within her facility.

As she further develops her practice, she looks forward to new technologies such as AI opening the door to further personalization of professional development. Her central focus still lies, though, in the human factor – enabling teachers to leverage technology to develop more inclusive, interactive, and engaging learning experiences for all students. By placing digital equity at the heart of her vision for professional development, she is not only closing the digital divide but reconceiving what is possible in education.

Effective Usage of AI Tools for Teachers Renee Dawson's most favorite session she presented was on Curipod, which is an AI tool. She created the whole session in Curipod with interactive questions and engaging brain breaks for teachers to understand how they could use it in their class. She realized it was a success because several teachers implemented the tool the very next day with what they made during the session.

Over a single educator entirely shifted their view regarding the use of AI for teaching after witnessing how much the tool could do for them to deploy in the classroom within minutes. An educator even scheduled time for a coaching session on Curipod for the following day during her planning time despite being against the use of AI at first. Once she felt that Curipod's AI capabilities saved her time and worked smarter, not harder, her perspective changed, and it significantly improved her curriculum implementation.

Developing Engaging Learning Content for Students Esports teams and the Minecraft Student Ambassadors programs positively impact student development in numerous ways. The two most outstanding areas where Renee Dawson noticed significant changes in the students who took part were their school attendance and classroom behavior. She began a "Lunch Bunch Esports Club" during last year's school year and collaborated with school administration, counselors, and the social worker to reach out to at-risk students to join. Students received their lunch, took it to the esports room, and were able to play video games for about 20 minutes a day.

In one month, attendance among the participating students rose by 21%, and suspensions fell by 27%. From the beginning of the program in October until the conclusion of the school year, the attendance of the participating students rose by 63% and suspensions fell by 57%. In addition to gaming space and socialization with their peers, she also tutored students or remediated curriculum requirements as necessary to ensure they retained passing grades in their core subject classes. She frequently used her free time outside of school to develop interactive and fun learning materials for them to utilize for remediation or additional practice.

Through the Minecraft Student Ambassadors program, she collaborated with students on leadership and encouraged them to develop the confidence they needed to promote Minecraft for Education in classrooms around the school. When teachers needed to integrate a Minecraft lesson in their classroom, she would walk the students through the lesson activities so that they could know and understand what the activities were and how to assist the teacher in executing the lesson and students in finishing the activities.

Maintaining Engagement with Themed Social Media Posts Renee Dawson served as Almanack AI's Community Manager but transitioned into content creation for onboarding, professional development materials, and their ambassador program. Design for You Learning is her consulting LLC.

As a Community Manager at Almanack, though, she utilized a social media planning calendar and scheduling the posts to maintain interaction. She had a theme by day of the week:

Motivation Monday: She made a post with a motivational quote that mentioned the use of AI in education. Tech Tip Tuesday: She made posts with a tech tip for the Almanack platform. Women Wednesday: She made posts with well-known women leaders in AI education. Thoughtfulness Thursday: She made posts that asked a question for the followers to think about and share their thoughts through comments or by sharing and adding their thoughts. Follower Friday: She made posts that featured one of their followers and their efforts in AI education. Virtual Teaching and Content Creation Niche Her inspiration for creativity is driven by what's trending now, TV shows, movies, and anything the students bring to class that they are interested in. Renee Dawson holds a certification in K-12 special education core content and adaptive learning, plus English as a Second Language and Gifted endorsements.

The education she received through those programs assisted her in developing content at grade-level standards at differentiated levels to address all learners' needs. She has always found herself to be a creative person, and when she began teaching virtually amid the pandemic, she discovered her forte in developing content for her students that she wanted other teachers to find useful to apply and utilize in their classrooms.

Continuous Learning for Education Leaders Ed Tech certifications assist Renee Dawson in remaining at the forefront of Ed Tech and ensuring she knows more about the tools she offers professional development on or suggests to teachers for implementation in their classrooms. She strongly feels the best educators, particularly education leaders, never cease to learn. In terms of the most revolutionary certification she has obtained, she would have to say either her Apple Learning Coach certification or her Microsoft Innovative Education Expert (MIEE) certification.

Through the Apple Learning Coach program, she was taught how to become a much better Instructional Technology Coach. They also offered a number of useful coaching materials she refers to as she supports teachers and Ed Tech businesses. She considers the MIEE certification transformative since there are new learning requirements to fulfill each year to be recertified. Those learning requirements are always current and very useful when dealing with Microsoft products in the educational field.

Prioritizing Digital Literacy and Diverse Learning Renee Dawson's experience working with Title 1 schools has given her excellent insights into bridging the digital divide, informing an equity-centered approach emphasizing access and holistic support. It's not just giving students devices. Some important lessons learned and recommendations for educators striving for the same are as follows:

Provide home internet access: Most low-income students have no stable home internet. Programs such as the Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative and Comcast's Internet Essentials program can be effective and viable options. Innovative solutions such as constructing WiFi towers to provide district internet in the homes of students, sending WiFi-laden buses to create internet hotspots in communities, and offering free WiFi hotspots for students to use at home have also been introduced by some districts.

It’s not just about having technology but how it’s used. Educators should focus on:

Digital literacy education: Integrate comprehensive digital skills training into the curriculum, covering essential computer use, internet safety, and even introductions to AI and its societal implications. Diverse learning options: Provide multiple ways for students to access and engage with content, including text, audio, video, and hands-on activities. Support families: Provide digital literacy classes for parents and caregivers, mostly bilingual or YouTube University-taped classes that parents can access at their convenience. Renee Dawson's recommendation to educators who share the same objectives is to test student access devices and the internet prior to starting any new tech projects, develop curricula and select tools (particularly AI tools) that are suitable for student populations of varied diversities (including special education students and English Language Learners), continue to incorporate print material and offline activities to complement learning and avoid digital burnout, creates digital citizenship through education on technology use responsibly and ethically and research grants and available funding that can assist in meeting students' technology needs.

By taking a holistic approach that addresses access, quality of use, and broader socioeconomic factors, educators can work effectively towards bridging the digital divide in Title 1 schools and beyond.

Aiming for Ed Tech Conference Keynotes For Renee Dawson's future career path, the sky's the limit! She would be thrilled to be a guest presenter or keynote speaker for an Ed Tech convention someday. She will keep looking for contract work with the companies she respects. She believes in sharing that enthusiasm with as many educators as she can, getting them pumped and ready to use those tools in their classrooms.

She went into education because she needed to alter the way she learned and how disconnected she felt to K-12 education when she was a student. Most of her classroom career, she did not have the support and leadership she needed to fully alter the method of learning that occurred in her classroom. In her favorite book about education philosophy, "Ratchetdemic," Christopher Edmin invites teachers to "be your most ratchet educator self."

Dr. Christina Rahm, Ph.D., DRC Ventures founder, a holding company with 25 brands, advisor to The ROOT Brands®, has established a legacy of leadership, innovation, and worldwide impact. Committed to an intense passion for scientific research, integrated wellness, and social responsibility, she has spent her career championing solutions that heal at the root of the health issues. Her leadership is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, empowering people and communities to live healthier, more rewarding lives.

From starting businesses in the midst of a pandemic to spearheading game-changing products in health and wellness, Dr. Christina Rahm's impact is felt across various industries. Her efforts transcend business, coupling philanthropy, environmental causes, and technology to create lasting, long-term change. Guided by a vision informed by science, sustainability, and empowerment, she continues to propel initiatives that revolutionize industries and better lives globally.

Journey into Leadership and Global Change Dr. Christina Rahm has had entrepreneurial genes since the beginning, having established several companies throughout her life. As Founder of DRC Ventures and advisor to The ROOT Brands®, she (along with her husband, Clayton) started both companies during the worldwide pandemic in February 2020. This difficult time, filled with doubt and fear, was an ideal opportunity to help people who were looking for assistance with their health and wellness.

Although they were founded early, the companies have taken an impressive stride, selling to more than 240,000 consumers and building their international presence quickly. With the use of advanced technology, such as a fintech social platform that rewards members for sharing products and supporting the brand's growth, Dr. Christina Rahm has successfully traversed exponential growth.

Her businesses are dedicated to designing, creating, patenting, and bringing disruptive products to the market that contribute to improved health, happiness, and longevity. By isolating the underlying causes of disease, including toxins, pathogens, and stressors in the environment, and removing them using detoxification and essential nutrients, Dr. Christina Rahm's businesses keep pushing the definition of holistic well-being.

Defining Success and Long-Term Impact For Dr. Christina Rahm, success isn't just about monetary gain—it is measured by being able to "pay it forward" through charity. Through the Christina Rahm Foundation, she has spearheaded initiatives that deal with mental health, environmental stewardship, and education. Her dedication to giving back can be seen in her partnerships with organizations like Tennessee Voices, the Green Foundation, and the Captain Planet Foundation.

The Rahm Foundation offers educational and career opportunities to women, youth, and minority populations while enhancing animal welfare outcomes. Through continuous work on projects that build better futures for disadvantaged communities, she continues to affirm her dedication to global improvement. Additional details of these initiatives can be accessed through The Rahm Foundation.

Core Mission and Personal Inspiration Dr. Christina Rahm's purpose is profoundly shaped by her extensive science background and international humanitarian experience. "As a peer-reviewed scientist, I have visited more than 85 countries, applying my skill set in pharmaceutical sciences and holistic wellness arts to diverse populations."

With multiple Doctorate degrees, including recent honors in Humanity and Pharmaceutical Science, she reconciles her careers as a scientist, entrepreneur, and mother with an unwavering pursuit of innovation.

As a result of all her achievements, Dr. Christina Rahm continues to broaden her business practices, most recently opening U.S. based manufacturing plants, to continue her vision of innovation and world well-being.

"By bringing manufacturing in house, we will have improved quality control, greater flexibility, shorter lead times, and better cross-team communication, while protecting intellectual property and control over the production process."

Most recently, she launched a revolutionary genetic testing product that examines more than 130 genes and provides knowledge on how personal genetic markers affect nutrition, exercise, and overall health.

Her formulas blend science that is evidence-based with the finest quality ingredients, creating health and wellness products that support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Some of the most popular product releases include detox products such as Clean Slate, an anti-inflammatory item, RESTORE, and skin care solutions such as Ella Pure, and the Rahm Wellness App offers customers health-optimizing tools.

Leadership Values and Decision-Making As a leader, Dr. Christina Rahm prioritizes integrity, innovation, and quality. She is committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients for her nutraceutical and wellness products, differentiating them in a market saturated with substandard alternatives.

My leadership approach is visionary, described by the capacity for visioning a compelling future and galvanizing my team for a common purpose. I absolutely value strategic thinking, risk-taking, and flexibility, making certain that my projects align with long-term objectives and remain flexible in reaction to change."

Empowering Others Through Leadership Dr. Christina Rahm is convinced that success is fueled by the power of a team. She strengthens communication, creates a culture of empowerment, and cultivates innovation and resilience in her organizations. She leads by example, setting high expectations while embracing a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

Strategic Vision for the Future Dr. Christina Rahm's strategic vision combines evidence-based medicine with the changing world of nutraceuticals, which foresees the ongoing ascendance of alternative and homeopathic healthcare solutions. With DRC Ventures, she has diversified into sustainable fashion with Merci Dupre Clothiers, whose Enviremware™ technology is an antibacterial, toxin-resistant fabric.

Her high-end pet line, Bill & Coo, produces sustainable animal nutraceuticals, and her longevity-driven innovations comprise Give Me Back My Youth, RENO, and Envirem Skin Defense under the ELLA PURE brand. Sculpt and Crush also assist with weight management and metabolism. In-house production improves quality control, flexibility, efficiency, and IP protection, substantiating her dedication to excellence.

Adapting to Uncertainty and Danger Dr. Christina Rahm makes decisions strategically with foresight, balancing risks and being flexible with changing situations. She has a long-term perspective with flexibility, engaging her team in making hard decisions to enhance the overall innovation and resilience.

Innovation and Technology in Global Change With a wealth of academic qualifications, such as a master's degree and several Doctorate degrees, Dr. Christina Rahm has been able to successfully incorporate technology into her business ventures. She uses psychological and behavior knowledge to increase consumer interaction and ensure that her products and services provide tangible value.

Under The ROOT Brands®, she (along with her husband) has built a fintech financial system and social network platform, in which customers receive rewards for sharing products. This revolutionary method has cemented brand loyalty and opened up the company's global market to more than 240,000 customers.

Her vision is to enable people to become owners of their health and financial future, building a community-based model where customers are key drivers to business success.

Partnership and International Collaborations Dr. Christina Rahm is dedicated to spreading her international reach, collaborating with businesses across the globe to tackle vital health, environmental, and social issues. "My mission, which I've included in my philosophy of "Cure the Causes," is to give individuals solutions for physical, mental, and emotional health. Through thoughtful partnership selections and strategic collaborations, I continue to create change on an international level."

Legacy and Long-term Impact Following in the footsteps of pioneering women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, and Margaret Thatcher, Dr. Christina Rahm aims to leave a legacy of strength, philanthropy, and empowerment. Her inspiration from these individuals has driven her to be a dedicated advocate of women's rights, international philanthropy, and opening doors in traditionally male dominated professions.

With only women owning 10% of patents, she feels honored to be one of the few women patent owners, always breaking borders in science, business, and leadership. Through her contributions, she hopes to make the world a better place where innovation, empathy, and excellence fuel permanent change.

A Career-Changing Journey

We all in life try to have that kind of career that is close to our passion and purpose. For a few of us, this happens early in life, and for others, it takes many years. For Anjali Jain, the transition from a illustrious career as Chartered Accountant (CA) to the indulgent world of gourmet treats was a leap of faith borne out of an earnest passion for food and an idea to do something profoundly fulfilling. What was initially an experiment within her family business in the time of lockdown, transformed into a popular brand that blends tradition, innovation, and luxury. This article talks of Anjali Jain's motivating shift from the world of accountancy and its strict structure to the unexplored seas of culinary, her business Tyohaar's makeover, and how she managed to listen to her heart.

The Call of the Heart: Passion Over Profession Anjali Jain's is the tale of listening to her heart. Having spent years as a Chartered Accountant, she was well-trained in structure, figures, and regulation. Yet, as time passed, a yearning for something more creative began to take root. She found herself longing for a career that not only utilized her skills but also fed her passion for food. What started as a side experiment with her family’s outdoor catering business during the pandemic quickly grew into a successful cloud kitchen business, with Anjali’s innovative culinary creations captivating the city.

For Anjali Jain, the switch was less about finding a new career but about transforming lives. "When you are working for yourself and working according to your soul purpose," she reminds us, "you give more than 100%. It's not all about making money; it's about making a difference."

This soul calling and her desire to serve society kindled her entrepreneurial spirit. Anjali did not want to produce gourmet food alone but use food as a medium to give back to society, make it a better place, and create an enduring influence on hearts.

The Birth of Tyohaar: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation The year 2024 was the turning point of Anjali’s career as she launched a new concept under the umbrella of the family business: a cloud kitchen for wedding and event offerings that had shrunk due to COVID-19 limitations. It was at this point that Anjali’s cooking talent really emerged as she launched a chain of novel, handcrafted novelties that instantly attracted the foodies’ radar.

One of her first signature pieces, the "Tini Mini Ghevar," a modern take on the traditional Rajasthani dessert, was a harbinger of her success in fusing tradition with contemporaneity. "The concept was to bring together the past and the future, giving people the flavor of history in a healthier, new way," she explains.

As her cuisine continued to tantalize palates and win hearts, Tyohaar was born. The name, "festival" in Hindi, was bestowed as a testimony to the fact that food is at the core of every celebration, and each bite must be a celebration. Tyohaar quickly gained fame for its creative yet traditional approach to gourmet delights, blending costly ingredients with a deep sense of tradition, authenticity, and innovation.

Leveraging the CA Background: Strategic Management of Gourmet Business While Anjali’s passion for food was undeniable, her background in Chartered Accountancy played a critical role in shaping the operational and financial success of Tyohaar. Her expertise in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning enabled her to launch and scale the business effectively.

With experience in corporate compliance, legal regulations, and risk assessment in her portfolio, Anjali Jain understood how important it is to build a business on a sound foundation. She implemented the expertise garnered through the accounting industry to the food industry, adhering closely to cost control, pricing, and profit margin.

Integrating systems and processes that guaranteed smooth operations, dealing with people, and conflict resolution came naturally to Anjali Jain. "Whereas my heart is in the kitchen, my background in CA instills in me the confidence to deal with the business side of things in an efficient manner," she describes. This dual expertise in both the culinary and the business sides allowed Tyohaar to thrive and grow while maintaining the highest quality levels and services.

Gourmet Experiences that Share a Story: Crafting an Experience Through Food At Tyohaar, meals are not just tasty; they are a tale, a stimulus for emotions, an event that individuals will remember. Anjali Jain draws inspiration from childhood memories, global culinary culture, and celebrated chefs such as Ranbir Brar and Sanjyot Keer. Each dessert that she creates is dedicated to her own experience, a combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients from around the world.

Anjali Jain focuses on blending tradition and innovation. "Our food has authenticity at its heart, but we always strive to bring new ideas and new interpretations to tested recipes," she states. Whether it's bringing international flavors to the table or adding new textures to time-tested favorites, the goal is always to evoke nostalgia and make something fresh and new.

One of the most striking products to illustrate Tyohaar's commitment to merging the ancient with the modern is the "Swarn Bhasm Paak," a luxurious, gold-plated dessert that fuses elements of Ayurveda and modern cuisine. The product, which retails at ₹75,000 per kilogram, incorporates gold ashes, one of the ingredients of Ayurvedic medicine, and is packaged in a lavish, jewelry-box type of packaging. The company was not only innovative in its food aspect but also therapeutic in content, blending health with indulgence.

Quality, Customization, and Sustainability: The Soul of Tyohaar Anjali Jain's vision for Tyohaar extends beyond the production of tasty treats. She wants to offer an experience that unites people while also contributing to the community and fostering sustainability. Fresh, quality ingredients from the finest local artisans are the top priority at Tyohaar. From Bengali sweets produced by artisans who are Bengali or chaat prepared by artisans from Chandni Chowk, authenticity is something that is rooted in the brand.

In addition, Anjali’s dedication to healthy options can be seen in Tyohaar’s emphasis on mild sugars, natural colorings, and no non-permissible combinations. “Health is very important in our curations,” Anjali Jain observes, ensuring that her goodies not only bring joy but also health.

Apart from traditional favorites, Tyohaar is also known to be flexible in providing customized products that are tailored to the unique needs and taste of clients. The boutique nature of the brand ensures each product is perfectly customized, as per the client's vision and desire.

Overcoming Challenges: The Resilience of the Tyohaar Team Every entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, and Anjali’s is no different. One of the most memorable challenges occurred just before Diwali, when a plumbing issue caused significant damage to the kitchen. Despite the setback, Anjali’s team came together, worked overnight, and ensured that all the orders were fulfilled on time. The experience exemplified the strength of teamwork, dedication, and resilience at Tyohaar.

"Challenges such as identifying the right skill sets, establishing a professional kitchen, and learning about the balance between production and sales were there, but the emphasis has always been on growth and solutions," Anjali Jain says.

The success of Tyohaar also stems not only from the leadership of Anjali but from the unrelenting passion of her team, which constantly breaks boundaries to deliver innovation and excellence to the kitchen.

Digital Innovation and Vision of the Future: Scaling the Tyohaar Brand With its growing size, Anjali Jain recognizes the need to use technology to optimize efficiency and scaleability. The firm has integrated a customer-friendly e-commerce website where customers can easily move around and customize orders. In addition, data analysis facilitates individualized marketing and customer service optimization.

In the coming times, Anjali Jain wants to expand Tyohaar not just as a one-chain brand locally but also globally. "We intend to take our gourmet products all around the world and inculcate them into every single festival and celebration," she elaborates. Later on, in the long run, she is also going to set up a luxurious production unit for the production of a wide range of FMCG products but retaining the innovative, hand-made charm of the company.

A Legacy of Impact: Tyohaar and Social Responsibility Anjali’s commitment to social welfare is at the core of her entrepreneurial journey. Along with Tyohaar, she manages the Smt. Anju Devi Memorial Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting less fortunate groups in society. “Success earned at the expense of others is not my cup of tea,” she emphasizes. Through her business ventures, Anjali Jain has created a platform not only for gourmet innovation but also for serving the community.

Dr. Christina Rahm, Ph.D., is the creator of DRC Ventures and advisor to The ROOT Brands®, the embodiment of purposeful innovation and worldwide influence. With her holding company, managing 25 brands, Dr. Rahm has created a dynamic legacy based on scientific research, whole-person wellness, and deep social responsibility. Her vision is characterized by an unwavering determination to revolutionize lives and communities with evidence-based solutions for addressing the root issues of contemporary health threats.

Vision Rooted in Purpose Pursuing new startups amid the COVID-19 pandemic early in 2020, Dr. Rahm and her husband Clayton identified opportunity in the face of uncertainty. They collectively launched DRC Ventures and The ROOT Brands®, both of which evolved into international platforms touching over 240,000 customers globally. Both companies have upended the health and well-being space by providing life-changing products meant to cleanse the body, restore key nutrients, and enhance longevity and bliss.

At the forefront of her plan is cutting-edge innovation—everything from nutraceutical blends and skincare solutions to an integrated fintech social platform that rewards users for product interaction and brand advocacy.

Redefining Success Through Service For Dr. Rahm, success isn't only defined by expansion, but by how she is able to return and give back. She spearheads meaningful initiatives through the Christina Rahm Foundation in the areas of mental health, sustainability of the environment, education, and the welfare of animals. Collaborations with institutions like Tennessee Voices, the Green Foundation, and the Captain Planet Foundation increase her efforts to empower underprivileged communities, women, children, and minorities.

Scientific Excellence Meets Entrepreneurial Vision With several doctorates, including honorary degrees in Humanity and Pharmaceutical Science, Dr. Rahm combines an unusual mix of scientific knowledge and business sense. She has traveled to more than 85 nations, sharing her expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and holistic health, working to close the distance between clinical research and everyday wellness.

Recent innovations of hers include the introduction of genetic testing technology that examines more than 130 genes and provides customized information about nutrition, fitness, and well-being. In-house production has been added to better ensure quality control, production efficiency, and protection of intellectual property, while also providing greater responsiveness to market demands.

Pioneering Holistic Wellness Products Dr. Rahm's products—e.g., the Clean Slate detox, RESTORE anti-inflammatory, and Ella Pure skincare line—represent her mission to marry science with high-quality, natural ingredients. Apps such as the Rahm Wellness App enable patients to become their own advocates of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Her upscale pet company, Bill & Coo, and Merci Dupre Clothiers, using environmentally friendly Enviremware™ fabric, are testaments to her multi-faceted philosophies on sustainable wellness for humans and animals alike.

Empowering Teams, Driving Change Christina Rahm is an advocate of visionary leadership—concise, inclusive, and strategic. She believes in a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and ongoing improvement and that a firm's success is directly related to the resilience and strength of its team.

Her leadership approach is based on integrity, quality, and strategic thinking, keeping her companies evolving with change but anchored to their long-term vision.

Innovation at the Heart of Global Impact Dr. Rahm has effortlessly woven technology into her businesses, developing a fintech platform via The ROOT Brands® that allows customers to be rewarded for promoting products, enhancing engagement and brand loyalty.

Her model fosters financial and health empowerment, building an ecosystem of community-focused customer engagement that influences the future of the brand.

Creating Global Partnerships and a Durable Legacy By forming strategic partnerships, Dr. Rahm collaborates with global partners to address some of the globe's most critical health, environmental, and social challenges. Her motto, "Cure the Causes," reflects her mission: to treat the root causes of physical, emotional, and mental imbalance.

Drawn to the legacy of women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, and Margaret Thatcher, Dr. Rahm has created a trajectory of compassion coupled with innovation and business. As one of only a few female patent holders in the sciences, she is committed to encouraging more women to shatter boundaries and lead boldly.

A Legacy of Transformation From leading the way in technological innovation to championing sustainable health solutions, Dr. Christina Rahm continues to redefine purposeful leadership. Her journey—driven by empathy, intelligence, and grit—is a testament that leadership is all about making lives, communities, and industries better.

Empowering Students, Enriching Communities: The Inspiring Journey of Micki Davis

Micki Davis's professional experience in higher education is an inspiring narrative of purpose, persistence, and passion. Hailing from Southeastern Kentucky and with a heart for service, she has devoted her career to empowering students to realize their potential and transforming communities through education. As Director of Undergraduate Student Success at the University of the Cumberlands, Micki reflects the redemptive power of education, particularly for underserved and rural populations.

A Purpose-Driven Beginning: AmeriCorpsVISTA and the Catalyst of Service Micki started her career with a strong sense of purpose to bring about significant change. She became an AmeriCorpsVISTA volunteer with the Massachusetts Campus Compact after college. There, she organized service-learning programs that linked college students with social need, opening their eyes to the ways in which acts of service could transform lives—including theirs.

These early encounters demonstrated the vast potential of education combined with community service. Micki witnessed firsthand how service teaching motivated students to develop as individuals and professionals. This experience sparked her life-long commitment to student growth and would become the foundation of her professional endeavors.

Increasing Student Success at Clark University After three powerful years with AmeriCorps, Micki moved into a position at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Beginning in the Community Engagement Office, her role expanded over time to encompass academic and career advising. By making the transition, she was able to serve students more comprehensively—navigating them through their academic experiences while assisting them in defining and realizing their career aspirations.

Through individual advising, Micki came to a better sense of what students really require to succeed: not only academic advice, but guidance, support, and belief in their possibilities. She took pleasure and satisfaction from assisting students in finding their ways and breaking through barriers—a mission that further confirmed her vocation.

Back to Her Beginning: Making a Difference for Students in Southeastern Kentucky Motivated by a need to contribute back to her native region, Micki moved back to Southeastern Kentucky and joined the University of the Cumberlands in a role that was to become critical to its success. As Director of Undergraduate Student Success, she devoted herself to ensuring students—particularly rural and first-generation students—knew that college attendance was not just possible but available.

Her community connection provided her with special insight into the obstacles that many students in the area encounter. She dedicated herself to overcoming those obstacles so that every student had the support, resources, and encouragement to thrive.

Advocating a Student-Centered Philosophy At the University of the Cumberlands, Micki is a central figure in a student-centered culture where students are at the forefront of all decisions. Whether they're dealing with academic issues, personal ones, or administrative ones, the ultimate question always comes back to: How will this impact our students?

She works across departments to provide comprehensive support to every student. Whether it is sharing critical information or addressing problems with a collective effort, this cross-departmental, student-centered way of working generates a supportive and responsive atmosphere.

A Personalized Approach to Student Support Micki’s strategy for student success is multi-faceted and deeply personal. She ensures students have multiple ways to communicate with her team—via email, text, phone, or in person—so no one slips through the cracks. Frequent check-ins, proactive outreach, and a genuine investment in student well-being are all core to her philosophy.

What makes Micki special is her commitment to forging strong relationships. She and staff spend time really getting to know every student, allowing them to suggest programs, services, and opportunities best suited for each student's needs, interests, and goals. In this way, they support not only academic achievement but personal growth as well.

Using Data to Drive Support and Early Intervention Micki knows that successful student support in the digital age takes more than instinct—it takes usable data. Her staff tracks interim grades, GPA trends, and course loads to identify at-risk students and provide early intervention with focused support.

Furthermore, she simplifies communication by collaborating closely with other departments so that only pertinent and timely information is shared with students. This avoids overwhelm and keeps students engaged and aware.

Making College Affordable and Accessible Cost is the biggest deterrent to a college education. To combat this, Micki collaborates with financial aid and billing departments to clear the way for students to get into college. Through programs such as the "Cumberlands Commitment" and "One Price Promise," students enjoy streamlined, upfront pricing that includes tuition, textbooks, and meals.

By offering clarity and reducing hidden costs, these programs remove significant barriers for many families. Micki’s efforts ensure that financial hardship doesn’t stand in the way of educational dreams.

Celebrating Success Against All Odds For Micki, one of the highest payoffs is seeing students overcome challenges to succeed. She remembers assisting one student who commuted more than an hour to campus and resided in a house with no running water. With the assistance of several departments, the university was able to provide her with housing and a meal plan so that she could continue her studies.

Stories like these are reminders of why Micki’s work matters. Every student who overcomes obstacles—whether personal, financial, or academic—reinforces her belief in the transformative power of education and the critical role of student support.

Looking to the Future: Innovation and Adaptation With leadership transitions looming on the horizon at the University of the Cumberlands, Micki is looking to the future. She's determined to evolve services to address emerging student needs—whether that's by leveraging new technologies, expanding data systems, or reinventing student engagement models.

Her mission never wavers: to provide every student with the means to succeed no matter their background or circumstances.

A Lasting Legacy of Advocacy and Impact Micki Davis's career is a strong example of what it takes to be an authentic advocate for students. From the early days of community service to her present work in student success, she has been a constant advocate for equity, access, and assistance for all learners.

Bilyana Ivanova, Project Director and Senior Naval Architect at Robert Allan Ltd., has spent over three decades in the maritime sector, with over 20 years influencing vessel designs at Robert Allan Ltd. Her path from a young naval architect in Bulgaria to a specialist in vessel design is a testament to her passion for marine engineering, sustainability, and innovation. During her career, she has contributed significantly in developing innovative commercial ships, advancing the limits of naval architecture towards improved efficiency, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Her experience covers a range of projects, such as icebreaking tugs, research ships, salvage and escort tugs, and offshore service vessels, all of which play essential functions in maritime transport worldwide. Aside from her technical work, Bilyana Ivanova is also a diversity advocate and mentor in the industry, working to empower the next generation of naval architects. Here, she opens up about her expertise in leadership, innovation, and how the field of naval architecture is changing.

Inspiration and Evolution It was at age 15 that Bilyana Ivanova first developed an interest in the sea, captivated by sailing and the aesthetic value of ships. When career time arrived, she found that her hometown, Varna, Bulgaria—a Black Sea port city—had a program in naval architecture. Her dream was initially idealistically focused on designing sailboats, but as she went further in her studies, she came to see the financial realities of making a living doing that. With time, her interest changed to commercial boat design, where she derived great pleasure in reconciling functionality, efficiency, and beauty.

During her career, Bilyana Ivanova served as team lead and project manager for many pioneering projects at Robert Allan Ltd., such as:

Investigator (94m research ship) – One of the world's quietest ships, advancing Australia's oceanographic, biological, atmospheric, and geological research. Ocean Tundra and Ocean Taiga – High-power escort icebreaking tugs that serve in the harsh Canadian port winters of the St. Lawrence River and Nunavut. Vilja (36m icebreaker tug) – Hybrid-electric tug that can break up to one meter of ice at Sweden's Port of Luleå. Al Zour (60m multi-purpose offshore vessel)– Facilitating oil spill recovery and rescue work in Kuwait's oil fields. Mwokozi II (42m salvage tug) – East Africa operations, with a key role in salvage work throughout the Indian Ocean. Recent projects currently being built include:

A 103m ice-class Antarctic Support Vessel for the Brazilian Navy. The 65m RAsalvor, Australian Maritime Safety Authority emergency response vessel, with the capability to safeguard the marine environment within the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef. Defining Mission and Daily Motivation For Bilyana Ivanova, naval architecture is not only a job—complicated and intriguing. "My mobile gallery is full of photos of different ships, from yachts to tankers, as I kept observing their structures.". This unwavering drive for innovation propels my ambition to optimize solutions, enhance efficiency, and lead my team towards excellence." All vessels she has had the privilege to design under her leadership are of the highest performance and sustainability standards, creating new benchmarks in shipping marine engineering while outdoing clients' expectations.

Encouraging Innovation and Problem-Solving Bilyana Ivanova has faith in teamwork being at the core of innovation. She develops an open communication culture where she invites her team members to think out-of-the-box and take initiative. Naval architecture problem-solving frequently involves numerous attempts, and she appreciates patience and teamwork in ironing out designs to satisfy clients.

Acknowledgment of team effort is one of the core elements of her leadership. When the latest project was finished earlier than expected, she went out of her way to thank and acknowledge the team for their efforts. She also creates a sense of ownership in her team members so that they feel proud of what they are doing and get the credit that they deserve.

Values Necessary to Succeed Continuous learning is a cornerstone of success in the maritime industry. At Robert Allan Ltd., initiatives like Lunch and Learn sessions help foster professional development, ensuring that employees stay updated with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. “I had the privilege of working under exceptional mentors who have guided me in mastering the intricacies of naval architecture. I feel that experience in different areas of ship design—starting from general arrangements to propulsion systems—is critical to understanding the subject in an integrated manner."

Such well-rounded competence not only facilitates better coordination among experts but also results in better vessel designs that satisfy operational and environmental requirements. Besides technical proficiency, she prioritizes commitment, accountability, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Obtaining client input and fine-tuning designs using actual operational experience are critical elements in attaining excellence in naval architecture. Through ongoing edge-pushing in terms of innovation and sustainability, industry professionals can help drive more effective, safer, and ecologically friendly maritime solutions.

Vision for the Future Bilyana Ivanova is convinced that the future of naval architecture rests with technologies that focus on sustainability. As custodians of the maritime environment, naval architects and marine engineers are entrusted with incorporating green solutions into ship design. She pictures a future in which innovation not just increases operating efficiency but also reduces environmental footprint through the adoption of alternative fuels, hybrid power systems, and efficient hull designs.

The future of naval architecture is driven by technological innovation that enables sustainability. As a naval architect and marine engineer, it is our duty to incorporate environmental solutions into ship design and innovate for the industry.

Aside from environmental issues, she also envisions a future when the shipping sector becomes inclusive and welcomes diverse talent in a bid to inject new ideas and innovative thinking. By embracing innovation and sustainability, the sector will be able to keep growing in a way that still respects its role to preserve marine life for generations to come.

Impact as a Mentor and Leader Bilyana Ivanova has the goal of creating ships that are effective, safe, and durable, as well as being a mentor to the future generation of seafarers. She specifically wants to inspire more women to become naval architects, pushing for diversity and inclusivity in the sector. Having overcome the obstacles of a historically male-dominated profession herself, she knows how mentoring and representation can help create a better-balanced workforce.

By being actively involved in mentorship initiatives and networking events, she wishes to encourage young naval architects and marine engineers to chase their dreams with passion. Her technical leadership is complemented by her development of a supportive and welcoming work culture where people feel valued and are encouraged to share their thoughts and assume responsibility for their projects. Through developing talent and cultivating a culture of ongoing learning, she is convinced that the maritime sector could gain from an enriched cross-pollination of knowledge and ideas, ultimately promoting advancement in ship design and innovation.

Leadership Lessons and Sharing Them Forward Over the years, Bilyana Ivanova has acquired important lessons in leadership, one being respect and acknowledgment. Having worked with clients from around the world, there were instances where they would end up calling her "Sir," but the respect she got for being professional in her work setup gave her the strength to enter leadership positions confidently. She is of the view that leadership is not about authority but about setting up a platform where all team members feel valued and are motivated to do their best.

Appreciating the work of others, open communication, and doing as she says are ideals she works to maintain throughout her career. She recognizes that having a solid team is centered on trust and a shared vision for achievement. By mentoring and support systems, she believes she can provide avenues for emerging professionals to grow skills and move forward in their careers. Her philosophy of leadership is based on the belief that by empowering others, the whole industry can move forward towards enhanced innovation and sustainability.

Advice to Future Maritime Engineers Seeking Leadership Roles To the future leaders of naval architecture, Bilyana Ivanova suggests that they do all they can to develop a passion for their profession, follow a lifelong learning strategy, and combine technical competence with communication skills. Being a problem-solver is essential in this profession, as seen in how she tackles vessel design optimization for functionality and appearance. She suggests that younger professionals follow varied experience throughout the industry, ranging from shipbuilding and design to regulatory matters and dealing with clients.

"Acquiring a wide view of things not only makes one a more technically skilled individual but also makes one more adaptable in an ever-changing profession. Naval architecture is also a very multidisciplinary profession with a lot of role for collaboration with different professionals, from engineers to designers and environmental scientists. By remaining curious, being challenge-oriented, and continuously practicing improvement, future leaders can contribute significantly to the profession as well as prepare themselves for long-term career advancement."

Legacy in Naval Architecture Bilyana Ivanova believes her work will have a lasting legacy on naval architecture, pushing the field forward while encouraging the next generation, especially women, to pursue fulfilling careers in the maritime industry. She foresees a future where sustainable design and innovation are the norm, revolutionizing the way ships are constructed and operated. Through advocacy for eco-friendly shipbuilding practices, she wants to help create a greener maritime industry that achieves economic growth while upholding environmental responsibility.

Her legacy, however, is not merely in the ships that she assists in designing but also in the industry professionals that she guides and the progress that she propounds in the industry. She dreams of having more companies adopt initiatives that foster diversity, ongoing learning, and environmentally friendly innovation. In all that she does, she wants to be the impetus that drives the industry to keep moving forward in a manner that serves both the industry and the world.

Women in Maritime at Robert Allan Ltd. Robert Allan Ltd. has created a welcoming culture in which women marine engineers and naval architects have excelled. A few of Bilyana Ivanova and a few of her contemporaries, such as Hongling Zhang, Mavis Ye, and Andra Papuc, have been identified as among the best women of the marine community, and have become shareholders of company's. This culture of support has facilitated numerous gifted professionals to deliver at the best of their ability, leading to innovation and excellence in ship design. The company actively encourages equal opportunities, with all backgrounds being provided with access to mentorship, career development, and leadership roles.

Bilyana Ivanova is a privileged one to work with an organization that appreciates the role of women engineers working at sea and aims to bring down barriers in the industry. She hopes that by keeping women's achievements in the field of naval architecture into the spotlight, the industry can encourage a new generation of women to become professionals in the field.

Her career is a testament to how passion, creativity, and leadership can define the future of naval architecture. With her work in ship design and mentoring, she continues to break ground for a cleaner and more diverse maritime sector.

In today's fast-changing digital age, leadership requires more than technical competence—it requires vision, compassion, and an abiding commitment to sustainability. As global economies turn to wide-scale digital transformation, the demand for leaders who can merge innovative technology with people-oriented values is higher than ever before. Nowhere is this more essential than in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), where digital transformation is the key to inclusive development.

One such transformative leader is Mouna Essa-Egh, Vice President of Schneider Electric’s IT Division for MEA. With over two decades of global IT experience, Mouna is spearheading a shift in how organizations across the region use technology not just for business success—but for societal impact.

A Global Foundation: Technical Mastery and Cross-Cultural Insight Mouna started out in the industry at technology giant Hewlett-Packard (HP), where she was exposed directly to the fast-changing and frequently intricate markets of the Middle East and Africa. Her path through a number of functions at HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) – such as heading up the server business in Africa, was responsible for the Middle East, and Northern Europe – prepared her as a leader with regional knowledge and worldwide acumen.

Her experience in advanced European markets like the Nordics, Benelux, and the Alps deepened her knowledge of high-end IT systems, regulatory environments, and customer-led innovation. Her dual exposure—between the developed world and the emerging world—enabled her to acquire the skill of adapting strategies to local conditions with a global mindset.

Coming aboard Schneider Electric: Purpose Meets Innovation Mouna's transition to Schneider Electric wasn't merely a career move—it was an ethical choice. The firm's steadfast commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and care for the planet thoroughly resonated with her personal values.

At Schneider Electric, she discovered the ideal intersection of digital innovation, customer-focused implementation, and moral leadership. Her purpose became evident: empower customers throughout MEA to adopt smart, efficient, and low-carbon digital transformation. Her efforts today drive business success as much as they advance more sustainable, equitable communities throughout the region.

Redefining Leadership: Vision, Empathy, and Empowerment For Mouna, leadership isn't about titles—it's about purpose, influence, and authenticity. She believes in leading by example: remaining curious, being open to feedback, and building spaces where people feel valued, heard, and empowered.

A painting she bought with her first paycheck remains in her home—a personal reminder of her evolution and that genuine leadership is rooted in purpose, not power.

By putting psychological safety, open conversation, and ongoing learning at the forefront, Mouna prioritizes innovation bubbling up from every level—not only from the boardroom.

Making Digital Work: From Buzzwords to Actual Impact Digital transformation is a buzzword with great popularity, but the actual implementation is far from it. Mouna identifies the proliferation of AI as a prime example—organizations are in a hurry to leverage the latest technology without objectives or comprehension in sight, resulting in disparate outcomes.

At Schneider Electric, her team always begins with one essential question: What does digitalization mean for your business, your people, and your customers? This clarity ensures that technology becomes a solution—not a distraction.

Turning Insight into Action For Mouna, digital transformation is not simply about system modernization. It's about establishing end-to-end visibility in real time, enhancing operations, and unlocking new business models. Technologies such as digital twins, predictive maintenance, and cognitive automation provide measurable results—from minimizing downtime to enhanced energy efficiency.

She is of the view that when IT is viewed not as a cost center but as a value driver, companies unlock agility, resilience, and sustainable success.

MEA's Digital Renaissance: AI, FinTech, and Green Infrastructure The Middle East and Africa are at a critical crossroads, driven by investments in digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and enlightened policy reforms. From Saudi Arabia's futuristic NEOM project to South Africa's exploding AI sector, the region is likely to bypass traditional development stages.

Mouna considers this a generational opportunity. With technologies such as blockchain, digital wallets, and AI-based healthcare transforming lives, the region has the potential to unleash over $300 billion of economic value every year by 2030.

But, she says, it's not merely about GDP—it's about developing inclusive smart cities, adaptive energy systems, and connected communities.

People First: Creating Human-Centered Transformation Mouna is a vocal campaigner for closing the digital skills gap. With automation at an all-time high, human potential must match it. She is a campaigner for STEM education, mentoring, and women's empowerment.

At Schneider Electric, she has driven programs that reach students from secondary level and up, showcasing them opportunities in energy and technology careers. These programs provide scholarships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training—creating a pipeline of diverse, qualified talent.

In her own teams, Mouna has reached gender balance—a rare and significant achievement in the technology industry.

Security and Confidence in the Digital Era With increasing digital interconnectivity comes increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks. Mouna stresses that trust needs to be instilled in every technology layer. Her strategy features network segmentation, end-to-end encryption, and new architectures such as Zero Knowledge Proofs.

Schneider Electric collaborates with governments and industries to create secure, resilient digital infrastructures. Mouna also advocates for ethical innovation, privacy, fairness, and long-term responsibility in directing tech development.

The Future Frontier: Edge, AI, and Quantum Tech Mouna is already looking ahead to the next transformation wave. She views edge computing, generative AI, and quantum computing as disruptors that will move decision-making closer to sensors and users—particularly vital for remote or underserved regions.

She tells a story about her daughter chatting for hours unaware with an AI chatbot—testimony to how intricately technology is integrating into daily life. But she also warns: this much power brings the responsibility for ethical stewardship.

Culture as a Strategic Advantage To Mouna, company culture isn't a "soft value" but a business imperative. She creates an environment in which it is okay to fail, disrupt the status quo, and learn. This mindset drives innovation, engagement, and resilience throughout her organizations.

Her philosophy: the future is for those who will learn and adapt the fastest.

Success Beyond Metrics While old-school KPIs are still relevant, Mouna encourages businesses to broaden the meaning of success. Real change, she asserts, is in harmonizing profit and purpose, efficiency and ethics, and growth and impact.

Lifelong Learning: The Ultimate Advantage In an era of perpetual change, Mouna is a prime advocate of continuous learning as a key differentiator. Either through formal schooling, certification, or mentorship, she advocates for a culture of curiosity and reskilling.

Schneider Electric University and regular sustainability training are only two of the ways in which she prepares employees for what comes next.

A Leader of the Future Mouna Essa-Egh is at the nexus of innovation, sustainability, and leadership with inclusion. Her path—global strategist to MEA sustainability leader—is both inspiring and highly pertinent.

In a world battling climate change, digital divides, and social inequality, leaders such as Mouna don't merely provide guidance—they provide hope. Her story represents a new leadership paradigm—where technology is an instrument for humanity, rather than the inverse.

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