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Raya Bidshahri
Founder & CEO at School of Humanity
Professional Background
Raya Bidshahri is a visionary educator and leader widely recognized for her transformative impact on the landscape of modern education. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the School of Humanity, an innovative online high school with a distinct interdisciplinary curriculum, Raya is actively reshaping how students learn in a digital-first environment. She is committed to enhancing educational systems worldwide, working closely with both public and private education providers to create programs and initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of learners in an ever-evolving world.
Her leadership at the School of Humanity underscores her dedication to rethinking traditional educational frameworks. Through collaboration and advocacy, Raya is paving the way for a future where education is more personalized, accessible, and aligned with the skills required in the 21st century. Her commitment to educational reform has positioned her at the forefront of global discussions on the future of education.
Education and Achievements
Raya's academic journey began with a focus on Neuroscience at Boston University, where she acquired a profound understanding of how the brain learns and processes information. This unique background in neuroscience not only informs her approach to education but also fuels her passion for creating innovative learning experiences that resonate with students of all backgrounds.
Raya's influence and thought leadership have been recognized on international platforms. She had the honor of being featured by the BBC as one of the 100 most influential and inspiring women globally, a testament to her commitment and passion for educational reform. In addition, she was awarded the prestigious Next Generation Foresight Practitioner’s Award, an accolade that acknowledges the importance of foresight and innovative thinking in addressing future challenges. This award was organized by the School of International Futures and supported by the Omidyar Network, further bolstering her reputation as a pioneer in education.
Speaking Engagements
With over 14 years of experience as a keynote speaker, Raya has graced over 60 conferences across 15 countries, sharing her insights and forward-looking perspective on the future of education. Her dynamic speaking engagements have included critical international events such as COP28, Expo 2020, EduTech Asia, the G20/Y20 Summit, the Global Education Forum, and the GESS Summit. Through her presentations, she empowers educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to embrace innovative teaching practices that challenge the status quo and embrace a more holistic view of learning.
Professional History
Raya's exceptional career journey also includes multiple leadership roles that contribute to her well-rounded expertise in education. Prior to founding the School of Humanity, she served as the Founder and CEO of Awecademy, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing learning experiences through technology and innovative methodologies. Her role as a Business Development Manager at SheWorks! further honed her skills in strategic growth and partnership development within the educational sector.
Raya's early experiences in the educational landscape began with her impactful work as a Production Intern at the World Science Festival and as a Researcher at the Department of Philosophy at MCHPS University. Additionally, her role as a Research Assistant at the Laboratory of Cognitive Neurobiology at the Center for Memory and Brain deepened her understanding of cognitive processes and informed her future pursuits in education and learning.
Achievements
- Featured by the BBC as one of the 100 most influential and inspiring women globally.
- Awarded the Next Generation Foresight Practitioner’s Award by the School of International Futures.
- Keynote speaker at over 60 conferences in more than 15 countries, emphasizing the need for educational reform.
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer of an innovative online high school that emphasizes an interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Experience collaborating with international educational institutions to enhance learning outcomes.
