Her Story
About Amaal
I work as a school leader and educational consultant, advancing the strategy and vision of educational programs to better serve students. Every program has its own culture, demographic, teachers, and students, and they're all so different. My philosophy is that as a school leader, my job is to make the teacher's job as easy as possible, because they have the hardest job in the world. Through my educational consulting firm, I've built great relationships with schools all over the world and have had a greater impact both from a purpose and business perspective. My most recent achievement is World Storytime Live, which we started in January. We go on Zoom and read a story to kids, then give them an opportunity to reflect on the story, connecting everything back to values and manners. This is a global initiative with more than 150 families joining from all over the world, and it’s truly heart warming. I teach Arabic and Qur'an, the Holy Islamic book, and I have certifications in both for teaching. I also have multiple certifications in school leadership and continuously develop myself by taking communication workshops, because I believe communication is the number one skill that leaders need. My most valuable contribution is centered around helping children develop a meaningful connection to the Quran through Arabic language immersion from a young age. I believe early childhood is one of the best times for language acquisition, the focus should be on teaching Arabic during these formative years when children naturally absorb language with greater ease. Through this early elementary framework, I seek to nurture a love for the language of the Quran while building understanding and connection.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amaal
01What do you attribute your success to?
It all goes back to purpose. I don’t work for the money; I work from a sense of purpose. I believe that when you’re doing meaningful work and making a positive impact, the money will come. I ask Allah to place barakah- described as the unlimited blessing you receive from sincere intentions- in everything I do from the smallest task to the largest. Everything I do is driven by purpose rather than financial gain, and that purpose-driven and barakah-seeking approach has been the foundation of my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you have to keep growing. If something isn't working, or it feels like a door is closing, it's time for change. You have to be ready for that growth that's going to come, because other doors are going to open. This advice has helped me stay adaptable and embrace new opportunities throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is to be yourself and stay true to your values. Don’t feel pressured to become someone you’re not in order to fit in or meet other people’s expectations. Your authenticity is one of your greatest strengths.
Work hard, be professional, and be committed to the organizations you serve, but don’t lose sight of your own growth, well-being, and long-term goals. It’s important to find a balance between being dedicated to your work and taking care of yourself. Your career should support your life, not consume it.
I would also encourage young women to make decisions based on what aligns with their purpose and future. Sometimes opportunities will come along that help you grow in ways your current role cannot. It’s okay to pursue those opportunities. A good leader wants to see people succeed, even when that success leads them in a different direction.
Most importantly, trust yourself. Continue learning, seek out mentors, stay grounded in your values, and remember that your contribution matters. When you lead with integrity, purpose, and confidence, you can make a meaningful impact wherever you are.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in our field right now is student behavior. The screens and COVID has really made schooling much more difficult, because the children don't have the emotional regulation that I think we had when we were kids, because we didn't have as much technology. But the number one solution to all of that is more training for the adults on how to regulate our own emotions so that we can impart that on our kids. So while student behavior is the biggest problem facing our field, the opportunity lies in better training educators in emotional regulation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My most important values are purpose and empathy. I believe everything we do should have a meaningful purpose behind it. Whether in education, business, or everyday life, I want my work to contribute to something greater than myself and make a positive impact on others.
I also believe that, no matter how busy or challenging our environments may be, we must remember that we are all human beings. Everyone is carrying responsibilities, struggles, and personal challenges that others may not see. Because of that, I try to approach people with empathy, patience, and understanding. The way we communicate matters, and I believe we should extend grace to one another because we never truly know what someone else may be going through.
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