Meet Our Visionary Speakers

Selma Talha-Jebril
Biography
Selma Talha-Jebril is a global education strategist with over 15 years of experience leading international education programs, policy initiatives, and research partnerships. She currently serves as Director of Research and Policy at the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), Qatar Foundation Education think-and-do-tank where she oversees WISE’s research and policy agenda and drives initiatives at the intersection of education, innovation, and emerging technologies, most recently focusing on artificial intelligence, EdTech, higher education, and workforce development. Selma co-curated the 11th edition of the WISE Summit (2023) and is currently co-leading the WISE 12 Summit (2025). Prior to joining WISE, she served as a Researcher and Senior Specialist at the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York and as an M&E and Knowledge Management Specialist with Chemonics International in Washington, D.C.
Shaker Lashuel
Biography
Shaker is an education leader with over two decades of experience, currently serving as Executive Director at the Global Studies Institute – Doha. He leads initiatives that leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance learning outcomes and organizational effectiveness. With international experience across New York and Saudi Arabia, he brings a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, quality improvement, and strategic leadership, driving innovation at the intersection of technology, education, and human-centered program management.
Arwa Mosaed
Biography
Arwa Mosaed is an education leader with extensive experience in youth empowerment, education, and programme management. She currently serves as Executive Director of Reach Out To All (ROTA), part of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, where she leads strategic initiatives focused on education, green skills, and employment opportunities in fragile and crisis-affected contexts. She has held several leadership roles within ROTA and Qatar Foundation, overseeing strategic partnerships, international programmes, and e-learning initiatives. Arwa began her career managing school and education programmes across Qatar’s public and private sectors. She also completed a UNICEF leadership fellowship in New York and Jordan, gaining international experience in education and development. Her work bridges local and global education priorities, driving sustainable impact for youth and communities.
Tasneem
Biography
Tasneem is a STEM Engineer at the Ministry of Education in Qatar, specializing in the integration of technology, innovation, and sustainability in education. Recognized as an MIT Innovators Under 35 MENA honoree and a One Young World Ambassador, she is also a recipient of the Sanofi Future Women in Tech Scholarship. With advanced academic credentials in Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering and multiple peer-reviewed publications in AI and nanotechnology, her work bridges scientific research with real-world educational impact, empowering future generations through innovation-driven learning.
Amged
Biography
Amged Abdurabu is a Microsoft Certified Educator and Educational Technology Coach with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar, specializing in digital learning, technology integration, and teacher development. With a strong background in educational digital transformation, he has coached educators and leaders on effective classroom and online learning technologies, while promoting active learning, gamification, coding, and 21st-century teaching practices. A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert since 2016, he has represented Qatar internationally and has been honored as Global Teacher of the Year.
Ebtehal
Biography
Ebtehal Shaheen is a certified professional trainer and experienced school principal with over 20 years in education and leadership. She currently works with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar and serves on the Student Counseling Advisory Committee. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Throughout her career, she has focused on educator development, curriculum enhancement, student wellbeing, and creating future-ready learning environments.
Reham
Biography
Reham Sabri is AGM & Senior Director of Premium Banking at Commercial Bank, Qatar, with over 30 years of experience in banking, including branch management, private banking, business development, marketing, and wealth management. She holds a BA in Economics from the American University in Cairo and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris. Reham is passionate about empowering others, particularly women, and contributes actively to the Qatari Businesswomen Association. She is also a public speaker, sharing insights on leadership, finance, and personal development. Beyond banking, she focuses on longevity, biohacking, and optimizing human performance. Her work bridges finance, leadership, and wellness innovation to inspire growth and wellbeing.
Amr
Biography
Amr Metwally is a distinguished healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic innovation across the GCC region. He has led projects exceeding $7 billion in both private and government sectors, earning international recognition, including an SBID award in 2013. He played a key role as Commander of Qatar’s COVID-19 National Rapid Response Committee, overseeing healthcare upgrades and new facilities. Amr currently leads the ITQAN Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center, one of the world’s largest hubs for medical simulation and healthcare innovation. An internationally sought-after speaker, he has contributed to healthcare advancements in over 20 countries and serves on multiple national boards and committees. He holds an Executive MBA from HEC Paris and actively mentors health-tech startups, supporting initiatives such as Qatar’s TASMU SMART Accelerator.
Amber
Biography
Amber Acosta is the Lead AI Specialist at Qatar Academy Doha, with over 15 years of experience in education across the USA, Egypt, Bahrain, India, and Qatar. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Fordham University, New York, and a Master’s degree in Education from Sacred Heart University, Connecticut. Amber is also a 2025 EDSAFE Women in AI Fellow. She specializes in holistic and purposeful technology integration, focusing on how AI can be leveraged to personalize teaching and learning.
Iman
Biography
Iman M. Khamis is a global information professional and keynote speaker, bridging traditional librarianship with AI to create accessible, future-ready knowledge ecosystems. She has nearly two decades of leadership experience in academic and research libraries, specializing in collection development, information services, digital transformation, and library innovation. As Library Director at Northwestern University Qatar, Iman has advanced libraries as hubs for teaching, learning, and research excellence. She holds advanced degrees in Library & Information Science (UCL, CILIP-accredited), Data Science & AI (Northwestern University), and is pursuing an Ed.D. at Johns Hopkins University focused on educational leadership. Her career highlights include driving digital innovation in libraries, publishing and presenting internationally on AI and knowledge accessibility, serving in leadership roles with IFLA, and mentoring teams to enhance academic integrity and equitable access. Iman is passionate about building the libraries of the future and empowering students, faculty, and global higher education communities.
Biography
Saif Aftab is a STEM Coordinator and innovation strategist at Education City High School, where he leads cross-disciplinary initiatives that bridge K-12 education with the demands of the future workforce. With over a decade of experience in education and leadership—including five years in Doha—Saif specializes in aligning technical curricula with real-world industry needs, fostering student agency through strategic partnerships.A specialist in the ethical adoption of emerging technologies, Saif holds a Master’s degree from the University of Bath. His research on AI policy frameworks in international schools provides critical insights into how educational institutions can support "Smart Learning Ecosystems" and equitable digital capability—directly supporting the human capital goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. He actively contributes to the regional dialogue on EdTech innovation, arguing that successful digital transformation requires not just new tools, but robust policy and pedagogical shifts.
Aslom Ullah
Biography
Aslom Ullah is an experienced educator with over 15 years in the field, holding a BA First Class (Hons), a Master’s in English, and a PGCE from the UCL Institute of Education. He has worked in London as Head of English before moving to Qatar in 2014 to take his expertise to the international stage. In Qatar, he has held leadership roles in three British curriculum schools, including Head of English and Head of Literacy. Aslom regularly presents at Qatar Foundation’s Teaching and Learning Forum, focusing on the use of technology to prepare students for the future and develop essential soft skills. Beyond the classroom, he hosts a podcast highlighting educational leaders and experts on well-being, school improvement, dyslexia, and physical health. His work aims to amplify the voices of educators and showcase impactful contributions to the profession.
Oluwayemisi Ibidunni Olaitan
Biography
Oluwayemisi Ibidunni Olaitan is the Deputy Campus Head at The Next Generation School (TNG), Wakra, and an experienced Cambridge-aligned educational leader with a strong background in curriculum leadership, STEM education, sustainability, and staff professional development, known for leading whole-school initiatives aligned with international standards and national education priorities, while actively advocating for student-centred learning, quality assurance, and innovation in education through her contributions to panel discussions, professional learning forums, and school improvement initiatives.
Belal
Biography
Belal Elkholy is an experienced Co-curricular and Extracurricular Specialist, passionate about designing engaging educational programs that foster teamwork, leadership, and personal development. He is a library and information expert and Microsoft Certified Professional, committed to enhancing student learning through innovative extracurricular initiatives. Belal has received numerous accolades, including 7 Excellence in Education Awards, 22 National Scientific Research Awards, 5 International Scientific Research Awards, 4 National Writing Awards, and a Global Librarian Award. He has also supported the publication of 210 stories and been recognized with a total of 30 awards across reading, writing, scientific research, and educational excellence. His work reflects a strong dedication to nurturing students’ academic, creative, and personal growth.