A Trailblazer in Education and a Champion for Women’s Empowerment
By JULES LAVALLEE
Dr. Mariam Shaikh is a highly esteemed professional in the field of Education, based in the United Arab Emirates, with an impressive track record spanning over 35 years. Throughout her extensive career, she has consistently achieved remarkable success and made significant contributions to the education sector. Dr. Shaikh possesses a wide range of expertise, encompassing areas such as Student Recruitment, Marketing, Strategic Development, International Relations, and Student Experience. With her vast experience, Dr. Shaikh has held prominent positions in renowned universities in the UAE. She has actively engaged with ambitious students from around the world, assisting them in their pursuit of higher education. Notably, she has played pivotal roles in the Canadian University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Amity University in Dubai, where she has held senior leadership positions. Her dedicated efforts have played a vital role in the establishment, exponential growth, and overall development of the student population in these institutions’ foreign branch campuses.
You are a trailblazer in education strategy and for women’s empowerment. Share your background.
My journey in education began over four decades ago with a small but significant step—a nursery in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. At the time, it was a modest initiative to create a nurturing space for young learners, but it sparked a passion that has defined my life’s work. Over the years, this passion evolved into a mission to create meaningful educational opportunities that empower individuals and enrich communities.
From establishing nurseries and K-12 schools to bringing renowned international universities to the UAE, my journey has been marked by relentless determination and a clear vision: to make quality education accessible to all and to equip individuals with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I have been privileged to witness the transformative power of education—not just in shaping individual futures but in fostering communities that are innovative, inclusive, and resilient.
In 2020, I founded MS Education Consultants, a platform that reflects my belief in the importance of personalized guidance for students, parents, and institutions. Through MS Education Consultants, we focus on bridging the gap between aspirations and opportunities. Whether it’s helping students navigate the complexities of university admissions, identifying scholarship opportunities, or providing career counseling, our mission is to empower individuals to achieve their dreams with confidence and clarity.
At its core, my journey has always been about the belief that education transforms lives. Each milestone, recognition, and initiative is a step forward in realizing a world where education is a bridge to empowerment, equality, and endless possibilities. This belief continues to inspire my work, driving me to create opportunities that leave a lasting impact on future generations.
2024 has been a milestone year for you, marked by recognition. What have been your proudest moments?
2024 has truly been a year of reflection, growth, and celebration. While being honored with awards and recognitions has been incredibly humbling, my proudest moments stem from something far more meaningful—the tangible impact of my work on the lives of others.
This year, 2024, has been particularly rewarding, as my work in education has been recognized on prestigious platforms. Being named one of the Top 10 Indian Personalities of 2024 by ANI News and featured in Forbes Canada for my insights into hybrid learning and student mental health were deeply humbling moments. These accolades are not merely personal milestones; they are affirmations of the importance of fostering mental well-being, adapting to innovative learning models, and championing the voices of students in a globalized world.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been witnessing students, often against all odds, secure scholarships that pave the way for them to pursue their dreams. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that my guidance has been instrumental in helping them unlock their potential and take steps toward bright, fulfilling futures. Equally inspiring has been seeing women step into leadership roles with renewed confidence, breaking barriers, and redefining what is possible in their professional and personal lives.
Mentorship has been another cornerstone of my efforts this year, particularly in empowering young entrepreneurs. Through tailored guidance and support, I’ve had the privilege of helping aspiring leaders navigate the complexities of launching their ventures, instilling in them the confidence to take bold steps and think innovatively. Seeing their growth and success not only validates my work but also fuels my passion to do more. I have also focused on initiatives that foster sustainable growth and development in education.
These experiences serve as daily reminders of why I embarked on this journey in the first place—to uplift, inspire, and create opportunities that enable others to transform their lives. While personal accolades are fulfilling, it is the ripple effect of positive change that truly defines success for me. As I look forward, I remain committed to amplifying these efforts and continuing to champion the causes that lie at the heart of my work.
Tell us about MS Education Consultants and the resources you provide.
MS Education Consultants was born from a deep-seated passion to provide holistic and personalized guidance for students, educational institutions, and professionals, addressing the evolving demands of today’s competitive world. We understand that education is not just about academic achievements but about equipping individuals with the tools, skills, and opportunities to realize their full potential.
For students, we offer comprehensive services that guide them through every stage of their academic journey. From selecting the right universities and programs to securing scholarships and preparing for competitive exams, we ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed. Recognizing the rapid evolution of industries, we’ve also developed programs that bridge the critical gap between education and employment. By introducing skill-based training in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Automotive Management, we prepare students for the demands of a global workforce while fostering innovation and expertise.
Our mission extends beyond student services. At MS Education Consultants, we are equally committed to addressing the professional training needs of individuals and organizations. Through strategic collaborations with globally recognized institutions, we offer technical and vocational courses designed to upskill professionals in line with industry trends. These programs are complemented by our leadership training initiatives, which are specifically designed to empower young entrepreneurs to build their ventures with confidence and resilience. By nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets, we aim to create a new wave of leaders equipped to drive innovation and change.
We are committed to supporting institutions in setting up new educational ventures in the UAE and GCC, establishing a Corporate Training Hub in partnership with globally recognized institutions, and introducing programs that cater to the professional training needs of individuals and organizations. By aligning with the UAE’s vision as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, these initiatives aim to address growing industry demands in areas like AI, Big Data Analytics, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Automotive Management.
One of our most exciting ventures is the launch of global internship opportunities. These internships provide students and young professionals with invaluable hands-on experience, exposing them to international career landscapes and enabling them to develop a global perspective. By connecting individuals with real-world challenges across diverse industries, we aim to foster a generation of leaders who are skilled, adaptable, and prepared to excel in an interconnected world.
At the heart of MS Education Consultants is a commitment to empowering individuals through education, skills development, leadership training, and career growth. Whether it’s guiding a student toward their dream university, preparing a young entrepreneur to launch their own venture, or helping a professional achieve new heights, our goal is to make a lasting impact and open doors to endless possibilities.
Why is mentorship so important to you?
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career and a deeply fulfilling part of my journey in education and leadership. For me, mentorship is more than imparting knowledge or offering advice—it’s about creating meaningful connections, inspiring confidence, and equipping individuals with the tools and strategies they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
My understanding of mentorship started at home, where my mom, dad, and brother have been my lifelong mentors. They’ve shaped my values, encouraged my ambitions, and provided unwavering support through every step of my journey. From my mother, I learned the importance of compassion and resilience. My father instilled in me the value of hard work and integrity, and my brother taught me the power of persistence and adaptability. Their wisdom and encouragement have been a guiding light, showing me the true essence of mentorship—empowering others to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of mentorship. The right guidance at the right time can unlock potential that might otherwise remain untapped. It can empower individuals to envision new possibilities, take bold steps toward their dreams, and rise above obstacles with resilience and determination.
Mentorship is also about instilling belief—not only in one’s own abilities but in the value of collaboration and shared wisdom. Whether it’s guiding a young entrepreneur as they navigate the complexities of building a business or supporting a student as they chart their educational and professional paths, I see mentorship as a way to light the path forward and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
For me, mentorship is more than a professional responsibility; it’s a personal commitment and a way of giving back to the community that has given me so much. It’s an opportunity to foster a culture of leadership, innovation, and empowerment. Every mentee I’ve worked with is a reminder of the ripple effect mentorship can have—not just on an individual’s life but on the broader community and even future generations.
Through mentorship, I aim to champion the values of perseverance, creativity, and adaptability. It’s a privilege to play a role in someone else’s journey, to help them realize their potential, and to see them grow into confident, capable individuals who are ready to make their own mark on the world. This is why mentorship holds such a special place in my heart and remains an integral part of my mission.
Tell us about your plans for the Corporate Training Hub in the UAE.
The Corporate Training Hub is an ambitious and exciting initiative, designed to align with the UAE’s vision of establishing itself as a global leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development. This hub is not just about training—it’s about creating a transformative learning ecosystem that empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s fast-changing global economy.
We aim to address the professional training needs of individuals and organizations by partnering with globally renowned institutions known for their expertise in technical, vocational, and leadership training. These partnerships will allow us to bring world-class programs to the UAE, focusing on skill enhancement in emerging and high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Automotive Management, among others.
One of the key pillars of the hub is leadership development, particularly for young entrepreneurs. We believe in fostering the next generation of leaders who can drive innovation and growth in their respective industries. Our programs will be tailored to equip these future leaders with the tools, insights, and resilience needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the modern business landscape.
In addition to leadership training, the hub will also launch global internship opportunities, providing participants with hands-on exposure to international career landscapes. These internships will be designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, ensuring that participants are not only job-ready but also future-ready.
For organizations, we will offer tailored corporate solutions that address specific industry demands, helping businesses upskill their workforce and remain competitive in the face of rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics.
Our ultimate vision for the Corporate Training Hub is to create a space where innovation meets education—a place that nurtures lifelong learning, inspires creative problem-solving, and prepares individuals and organizations for sustained success in a rapidly evolving global economy. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to empowering people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Share your vision for 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025, my vision for MS Education Consultants is centered around expansion, innovation, and creating a lasting impact on the educational landscape. We are committed to enhancing the region’s educational ecosystem by facilitating the establishment of global educational institutions in the UAE and across the GCC. With the UAE’s strategic position as a global entrepreneurial hub, its advanced infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and progressive visa policies, it is the ideal location for educational institutions looking to expand into new markets. We are excited to play a pivotal role in connecting international universities with this vibrant region, which is poised for growth in higher education.
In parallel, we are focused on preparing students for the jobs of the future. As technology continues to transform industries, we aim to foster critical skills in areas such as AI, data analytics, and leadership. Our programs will be designed not only to equip students with technical expertise but also to help them think critically, adapt to change, and lead with innovation. We envision our students becoming trailblazers, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow’s workforce.
Additionally, expanding our outreach within the GCC region is a key priority. We aim to expand access to high-quality education and training programs, ensuring that more students, professionals, and organizations can benefit from the opportunities we offer. Whether it’s through skill enhancement programs, internships, or leadership training, we want to inspire and uplift as many lives as possible.
2025 is shaping up to be a year of growth and transformation—one where education, empowerment, and excellence remain at the heart of everything we do. With a continued focus on the holistic development of individuals and organizations, we will push boundaries, create new opportunities, and contribute to the region’s educational and economic success. The journey is just beginning, and I am excited to continue shaping the future of education alongside all those who share this vision.
