I, Dr. Seema Arif, am a Harvard Derek-Bok School of Education Alumnus and a Collaboration for Teacher Excellence & Research program fellow from George Mason University. I have worked in several management positions in leading private universities in Pakistan. I have vast teaching and research experience in organizational behavior, higher education teaching, and quality assurance. My current venture aims at human development and women empowerment by training Muslim teachers and youth globally.

I am an optimist who looks at the brighter picture of life. My optimism leads me to believe in human development. I am not a determinist, so I take full responsibility for my actions. Higher education is the best means for human development and desired change. To me, higher education means higher knowledge, higher values, and a higher sense of responsibility, something that distinguishes a commoner from an elite.

I believe that conscientiousness is the key trait to develop when opting for the desired change. Therefore, I am highly self-critical and a reflective practitioner. I know the difference between criticism and critique while being critical of others’ evaluations. I love the art of motivation. I believe that leadership is the master of change. The heart of leadership is communication, and the heart of communication is listening. The art of motivation and the heart of leadership add value to the human beings you work with. I am most comfortable as a team leader. Achievement is my forte in life, I know.

I have chosen teacher education as my profession, and I am to bring excellence to the life of teachers. Since females dominate school education, I believe in female empowerment by introducing them to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become teacher leaders. I belong to a family of teachers and professors, and I have learned that tacit knowledge works best on the human heart.

My endeavors are a lifelong struggle for peace and tolerance operated through a lifelong learning approach. I wish well, pray for all those teachers and mentors who helped me become what I am today, and seek blessings for my disciples and colleagues.

All praise is for the Creator and the Teacher of this universe.