I've underestimated how invaluable empathy and emotional intelligence is, to permeate across individual barriers and global borders for change and solution adoption.
Sheena S Mozaffar · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Sheena
Sheena is deeply committed to holistic education, inclusion, and lifelong learning, with a strong interest in how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can enhance educational systems. Her professional philosophy emphasizes human-centered design, authenticity, and the creation of meaningful, equitable learning experiences across all levels of education.
She has managed organizational transformation in terms of strategy, governance and operational excellence. She is currently based in Dallas, Texas, following a seven-year tenure with Deloitte Middle East, where she progressed from client-facing consulting roles in education to internal positions leading change management, communication, PMO for risk, regulatory, strategy and finance divisions. Her work has spanned public and private institutional reform, talent development and training management through technology integration. Working across diverse international contexts, her versatility is evident when successfully delivering for the government in Pakistan, training leaders in North South Europe, and conducting workforce improvement through learning design in UAE.
Notably, Sheena established the Real Estate and Workplace Services department within Deloitte Middle East through the creation of strategy, governance and operational design in coordination with division leadership of Deloitte firms in UK, USA and Germany. In addition, she benchmarked the DME HR, Resource Management and Finance workflows to integrate an AI Resource Management platform in coordination with Deloitte South Africa. Her earlier work also includes contributions to research, process improvement, digital analytics, marketing, and education startups.
Sheena holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood and Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong pursuit of elevating education access and delivery, irrespective of an individual's background, capabilities and stage of life. My journey was shaped by family, strong friendships, capable mentors in the personal and professional landscape who afforded me opportunities for self-discovery and development. My husband, my “True North,” has played a vital role through his unique perspective of life, deep loyalty and enabling my freedom to grow. Upon becoming a parent, my son is a grounding force, reinforcing my drive to impact society with pure intentions and leave a legacy that he can be look up to with pride and ownership.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is “this too shall pass.” It’s a reminder to stay steady through both challenges and successes, keep moving forward, and trust that no situation is permanent. That perspective has helped me stabilize, take stock when needed, and continue navigating my career with resilience and intention.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay true to yourself, be heard and resist all inclinations to blur into the background for success—it may serve others, but it won’t serve you. Take the time to really know who you are through self-exploration, self-experimentation and learning to fail to find what fits. Own your voice, act on instincts, be kind when self-speaking and free flow with the ebbs and tides of life,
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Currently the biggest challenge—and opportunity—in my field, is how fast the education landscape is evolving with AI. The overnight shift creates disruption, gives pause upon adoption and helps to reimagine possibilities for the better. I choose to see how AI can help me achieve what I’m most passionate about—education delivery, storytelling, and changing lives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value mutual respect, authenticity, and surrounding myself with supportive, capable people while remaining human-centered in every interaction. I believe in creating space where people feel heard and where communication is a genuine two-way exchange rooted in listening and understanding. For me, it’s less about simply opening doors and more about opening minds—because when that happens, everything else naturally follows.
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