A Chat With Dr. Mariam Shaikh: A Pioneer in International Education
Guiding with Compassion and Direction: Empowering Future Generations Worldwide by Means of Enlightened Education, Empathy, and Superior Performance, as Achieved by Dr. Mariam Shaikh.
In the bustling world of education, Dr. Mariam Shaikh's name echoes with zeal, purpose, and a deep-seated passion. With nearly four decades of experience under her belt, Dr. Shaikh has redefined what it means to lead with vision, empathy, and impact. From founding a nursery school to leading major academic institutions and now heading MS Education Consultants, her journey is a breath of fresh air in the stagnant seas of education.
Garnering multiple global awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Global Icon Award, Dr. Shaikh is a trailblazer in student empowerment, cross-border education partnerships, and institutional consultancy. Her unwavering dedication to student well-being, global collaboration, and women's leadership in education sets her apart as a transformative force.
In this exclusive interview, we delve deeper into her journey, aspirations, and the forces that drive her work. Helping students across various cultures discover not just academic success but happiness, purpose, and a future they believe in is her mission.
Inspired by Purpose
Our conversation began with a simple question: "What inspired you to transition from running a nursery school to spearheading higher education initiatives across the UAE and beyond?"
Dr. Mariam Shaikh shared her journey, saying, "My journey in education has been one of continuous growth, purpose, and deep personal connection. It all began in the '80s when, inspired by my own children, I established a nursery school. At the time, I simply wanted to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children could grow. That small beginning ignited a flame within me a passion for shaping young lives through quality education."
As her nursery school blossomed, so did her aspirations. She became the principal of a prominent school group in the UAE, and under her leadership, it expanded exponentially to become one of the largest Asian schools in the region, housing over 7,000 students. That experience was transformative, teaching her the power of vision, the importance of community, and the impact of education on a larger scale. In the early 2000s, she felt a strong pull towards higher education. She saw an opportunity to support students at a pivotal stage in their lives—when they're making critical decisions about their futures. Helping them not only pursue academic excellence but also align their education with their career aspirations resonated deeply with her. She wanted to be there to guide them, to open doors, and to create pathways to global opportunities.
This desire led her to play a foundational role in the development of higher education institutions in the UAE. She was actively involved in pioneering efforts to bring international universities to Dubai, one note-worthy example being the initiative to establish the University of New Brunswick from Canada in Dubai Knowledge Village. Throughout her career, she's held leadership roles in some of the most respected universities in the region, including Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Amity University Dubai. Her focus in each of these roles was centered around student recruitment, enrollment growth, brand positioning, strategic development, and creating meaningful international partnerships.
Working with students from over 100 nationalities has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. She's always believed in the importance of the student experience—not just academically, but holistically. That's why she was honored to serve as the Chief Happiness Officer and Vice President for Student Experience & Success. In these roles, she implemented initiatives to foster student happiness, promote leadership, and build vibrant, inclusive campus communities. Her work has extended beyond borders as well, where she's led international collaborations with institutions in countries like Austria, China, Australia, and the U.S., developed study abroad programs, and hosted global student events in the UAE. One of her proudest moments was leading the recruitment of 120 Chinese students to study English in Dubai, as part of one of the earliest attempts to activate the 'Study in Dubai' initiative.
In 2020, she was humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership—an acknowledgement that continues to fuel her commitment to education. She's been privileged to speak at conferences, join international delegations, and serve as an ambassador for the Canadian Business Council in Dubai, all in service of promoting the UAE as a world-class education destination.
Today, she also dedicates her energy to supporting women through the Global Women Entrepreneurs Group in Dubai. She believes in the importance of empowering women to participate in the mainstream economy, through education, skill development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support.
From Mentorship to Mobility
When asked about the core mission of MS Education Consultants, and how it reflects her vision for global education, Dr. Shaikh replied, "MS Education Consultants was conceived out of a desire to guide students worldwide toward achieving their academic and career goals. We're more than just recruiters—our mission involves empowerment, helping students make informed decisions, equipping institutions to grow through strategic partnerships, and bridging international education gaps."
Beyond Accolades
Addressing the significance of recognition in her role as a leader in education, she shared, "Every award I've received is a testament to the countless students, institutions, and colleagues I've been fortunate enough to work with. Recognition, to me, is not about personal accolades; it's a reminder of the responsibility I carry. Awards like the Lifetime Achievement Award, Global Icon Award, or the Women Power Leader recognition affirm the impact we're making in the education space, especially in the UAE and beyond."
Where Happiness Meets Learning
Discussing her approach to promoting student happiness and well-being across her initiatives, she shared, "Student happiness is a core value I've championed throughout my career. At every institution I've worked with, I've implemented initiatives focused on mental health, community engagement, leadership development, and creating inclusive environments where students feel valued."
Empowering Women Leaders
Lastly, when asked for advice for women aspiring to become leaders in education or entrepreneurship, she said, "My advice to women is to embrace your voice, trust your vision, and never underestimate the power of resilience. In education and entrepreneurship, passion must be your compass, and purpose your driving force. I strongly encourage women to seek mentors, build networks, and invest in learning. I've witnessed firsthand how collaboration and community can elevate a woman's career."
Connect with Dr. Mariam Shaikh on LinkedIn
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- Dr. Mariam Shaikh's career in education started with establishing a nursery school in the '80s, driven by a desire to create a safe, nurturing learning environment.
- Recognizing the power of education on a larger scale, she expanded her focus to higher education and helped establish international universities in the UAE.
- With a passion for promoting student happiness and well-being, Dr. Shaikh has implemented initiatives focused on creating inclusive environments, mental health, community engagement, and leadership development.
- For women aspiring to become leaders in education or entrepreneurship, Dr. Shaikh encourages them to embrace their voice, trust their vision, and seek mentors, networks, and learning opportunities.
