Her Story
About Shakila
Shakila Mumtaz is an accomplished Assistant Principal with 25 years of experience in education, serving students across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Throughout her career, she has taught all elementary subjects, Spanish, and English abroad, developing a comprehensive understanding of student learning and achievement across diverse educational environments. As a bilingual leader fluent in English and Spanish, she is passionate about fostering inclusive school communities by strengthening partnerships among families, educators, students, and community stakeholders. Her collaborative leadership style is rooted in building trust, promoting equity, and ensuring that every student has the support and opportunities needed to succeed.
In her role as Assistant Principal, Mumtaz provides instructional leadership while overseeing school operations, student safety, curriculum implementation, and staff development. She is dedicated to mentoring educators, cultivating professional learning communities, and creating a culture of continuous improvement that empowers both teachers and students. Her academic preparation includes leadership training through The College of Saint Rose and studies at Queens College, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to lead with vision and purpose. She is also an active member of ASCD, CSA, and ASTD, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.
Mumtaz attributes her success to her unwavering faith, the inspiration she draws from her children, and her commitment to hard work and perseverance. She believes that honesty, trust, and integrity are the foundation of effective leadership and meaningful relationships, embracing the philosophy that "when you know better, you do better." Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, journaling as a way to reflect and grow, and walking throughout New York City, where she finds inspiration in its vibrant neighborhoods, diverse communities, and rich culture. Through both her personal and professional endeavors, she remains dedicated to empowering others and making a lasting impact in education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shakila
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my unwavering faith, which has guided and strengthened me throughout every stage of my journey. My children inspire me each day to become the best version of myself, motivating me to lead with purpose, resilience, and integrity. I also believe that success is built through consistent hard work, perseverance, and the determination to keep moving forward, even in the face of challenges.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you'll never feel completely ready for the next opportunity, so don't wait for the perfect moment—just go for it. Growth happens when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone, embrace uncertainty, and trust in your ability to learn along the way. I've found that doing my best, staying adaptable, and having the courage to take the leap has opened doors that I never would have reached by waiting until I felt fully prepared.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be intentional with every decision you make. Give yourself the time and space to reflect before acting and trust that thoughtful decisions lead to stronger outcomes. Stay flexible, embrace change as an opportunity to grow, and remain open to learning from every experience. Being purposeful, reflective, and adaptable will help you build a career that is both meaningful and resilient.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is effectively integrating technology into teaching and learning. While artificial intelligence is part of the conversation, the broader opportunity lies in helping both students and educators develop the skills to use technology as a tool that enhances—not replaces critical thinking and learning. Finding the right balance can be difficult, and many educators are still learning how to incorporate these tools effectively. By investing in technology literacy and thoughtful implementation, we can better prepare learners for the future while preserving the essential human elements of education.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, trust, and integrity. I believe that integrity should guide every decision you make, because it's the foundation of strong relationships and lasting success. I also live by the principle that when you know better, you do better. Continuous learning, personal accountability, and taking pride in doing what's right are values that shape who I am and how I strive to lead and serve others.
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