Dr. Salma Waly
★ Outstanding Arab American 40 Under 40An award-winning education strategist, speaker and EdTech leader helping organizations find practical pathways to meaningful change.
Dr. Salma Waly is recognized as an Arab American 40 Under 40 for her contributions to advancing inclusive and future-focused learning. With more than 15 years of experience spanning higher education, international schools, corporations, start-ups and NGOs, she brings a distinctive perspective that bridges academic rigor with real-world innovation.
Her work centers on harnessing the transformative potential of education to build communities, expand opportunity, and design human-centered approaches to AI and technology integration. She specializes in multilingual and inclusive education, culturally responsive pedagogy, and professional learning that equips educators and systems to navigate change thoughtfully and ethically.
Dr. Waly’s career began teaching in underprivileged and crisis-affected communities, where she witnessed firsthand how education fosters stability, belonging and hope. Since then, she has led initiatives in training, curriculum design, project leadership and EdTech innovation across the United States, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Japan, China, South America, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Today, she advises schools and education systems on AI-enabled learning, instructional transformation and culturally grounded innovation. She is the founder of Universal Narratives LLC and creator of the IHSAN Framework™, platforms dedicated to amplifying global voices and reimagining education for a future that is innovative, inclusive and deeply human.
Through speaking, advisory work and program design, Dr. Waly partners with organizations seeking practical pathways to meaningful change, ensuring that technological advancement is always aligned with identity, equity and purpose.
Hundreds of educators trained in NYC public schools
Working alongside New York City public school educators, Dr. Waly has trained hundreds of teachers, making an impact in classrooms every day, in one of the most diverse school systems in the world.
In New York, we get things done.
I bring that New York perspective to the world: practical, direct and focused on real results for educators and learners, wherever I work.
Always exploring
From forest trails to mountain views, Salma brings the same curiosity to the world that she brings to every classroom and to every conversation.
Work with Dr. Waly
Advisory, professional learning, keynotes and partnerships for organizations seeking practical pathways to meaningful change.