About Dr. Salma Waly

About Universal Narratives

Amplifying Voices, Bridging Perspectives

Awarded as an outstanding Arab American 40 Under 40, Dr. Salma Waly is a passionate and innovative educator dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of education to uplift communities. Her journey began as a special education teacher, working with underprivileged children. This formative experience revealed how education can bring stability and comfort during crises, fueling her lifelong commitment to empowering individuals through learning.

Over the years, Dr. Waly has built a dynamic career that spans continents and sectors, including roles in teaching, training, program design, project management, and educational leadership. She has worked with diverse learners and professionals across the United States, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Japan, South Korea, China, and South America, designing tailored programs to address their unique needs. Her efforts have prepared Arabic-speaking students for international education and equipped professionals to excel in multicultural and multilingual settings. Dr. Waly holds a PhD in Instruction and Learning from the University of Pittsburgh, complemented by master's degrees in Educational Leadership (Queens College, NY) and TESOL (The American University in Cairo, Egypt), and a bachelor's degree in Special Education (Dar Al-Hekma University, Saudi Arabia). These academic foundations, paired with extensive professional experience, have allowed her to consult for NGOs, universities, schools, and aid organizations, creating literacy programs and curricula for refugees and communities in crisis. She has also presented at esteemed conferences worldwide and published research in reputable academic journals.

As a bilingual speaker of Arabic and English who has lived across the USA, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, Dr. Waly brings cultural competence and a global perspective to every project. Her leadership experience includes senior roles in EdTech, where she shaped organizational strategies and decision-making. She has a particular focus on integrating AI and technology into educational systems to enhance learning experiences and foster equitable access to education. By combining her expertise in strategy management, innovative leadership, and technological advancements, Dr. Waly has driven impactful projects that address the challenges of modern education, ensuring that institutions remain adaptable and future-ready.

During the pandemic, she founded Universal Narratives LLC, an educational consulting company specializing in online teaching and learning. She also launched the Universal Narratives Podcast, a platform dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering global dialogue on social justice and equity in education.

Dr. Salma Waly is also the author of the book series Maryam the New Yorker: Amazon.com: Maryam The New Yorker: Meets an Ecuadorian Friend at the Unisphere: 9781735846897: Waly, Salma, Hobeldin, Mariam: Books