Her Story
About Sadaf
Sadaf Ashraf has over a decade of experience in technology, beginning her career as a Telecommunications Engineer after earning her undergraduate degree in the field in Pakistan. Her career has since evolved across technology and higher education, and she most recently earned an Ed.M. from Harvard University.
In her current role with HGSE IT, Sadaf supports faculty in using technology to strengthen teaching and learning. Her work includes exploring the role of AI in education, optimizing technologies such as Zoom for online learning, and evaluating educational tools to improve both teaching practices and the student learning experience.
Sadaf is passionate about making education and technology more accessible, particularly for older adults and underserved communities. She brings this interest to her volunteer work with Cambridge Homes, where she develops digital literacy workshops for older adults, and the Federation for Children with Special Needs, where she creates educational and instructional resources for parents of children with special needs.
She is affiliated with the Pakistan Engineering Council and the Harvard Alumni Association. Outside of work, Sadaf enjoys oil and acrylic painting. Her artwork has also been selected for the Harvard Art Show.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sadaf
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, resilience, and being open to learning throughout my career. I have learned that progress doesn’t always follow a straight path, and some of my most valuable experiences have come from taking on new challenges and adapting along the way. I’m also grateful for the people who have supported and encouraged me, and I try to carry that forward by helping others whenever I can.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my manager, who always reminded me that “the sky is the limit.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. It reminds me to never stop learning, to believe in my potential, and not to be afraid of opportunities that feel challenging. You don’t always have to feel completely ready before taking the next step, sometimes you grow by taking the opportunity, trusting yourself, and learning along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering technology is to be curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to explore different paths. Technology is constantly evolving, and you don’t have to have everything figured out from the beginning. My own career has taken me from telecommunications engineering to IT and educational technology, and each experience has helped me discover new ways to use my skills.
I would also encourage women to trust their abilities and not let being the only woman in the room hold them back. Ask questions, seek out mentors, build strong professional relationships, and take opportunities that challenge you. Most importantly, think about how you can use technology to solve real problems and create a positive impact for others.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are integrity, respect, continuous learning, and service to others. Professionally, I believe in being accountable, collaborative, and committed to delivering meaningful work while continuously developing my knowledge and skills.
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