Amreen Bashir

Activist, Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Foodie, Global soul, Social entrepreneur, Student, Technologist, World traveler, Writer/Editor

I am Amreen S. Bashir, an advocate deeply committed to educational innovation, mental health, and gender equity. Born in New York to Bangladeshi immigrants and currently pursuing a PhD in Education Technology at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, I have dedicated my life to advancing social change through strategic leadership in both educational and mental health initiatives. My commitment to gender equity is deeply personal, spurred by my experience as a survivor of sexual assault. This defining moment has profoundly influenced my resolve to empower women and girls through education, ensuring they have access to safe and supportive learning environments. At the Mubarak Ali Foundation, which I lead, our focus extends to nurturing the arts and pioneering educational reform. We established Bangladesh’s first business case center at the country’s premier business school, promoting a curriculum that is both contextualized and globally relevant. Additionally, we actively promote the arts by supporting the Emerging Artist Prize at Frieze, celebrating new and vibrant voices in the art world. Our collaborations with prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School and the Indian Institute of Management reflect our commitment to academic excellence and international partnership. As the leader of WISH, a mental health company, I aim to integrate mental health support within educational settings, fostering environments that enhance both learning and well-being. This initiative reflects my belief in the critical impact of mental health awareness on educational outcomes and overall community resilience. Through my ongoing work with the HerStory Foundation, I have led efforts to amplify the stories of influential Bangladeshi women in national curricula. This work not only promotes gender representation but also empowers young girls by presenting them with relatable role models, dismantling barriers that women face in education and beyond. My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Secondary Education from McGill University and a Master’s in International Education Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education. These experiences have equipped me with a robust understanding of the complexities of global education systems and the barriers to gender equality within them. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an avid supporter of the arts and cultural advocacy. Through initiatives at the Mubarak Ali Foundation and beyond, I strive to bridge cultural divides and foster a deeper understanding among diverse populations. The arts are a vital tool for social expression and community engagement, offering unique insights into the human experience. With a global perspective and an unwavering commitment to empowering communities, my work aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of leaders. I advocate for accessible, tailored educational and mental health resources that meet the diverse needs of all individuals, believing that with the right support and opportunities, every person can contribute to and benefit from a more equitable and understanding world. As I continue my PhD studies, I am excited about the possibilities of expanding our initiatives, forging new partnerships, and continuing to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals across the globe. My journey is driven by the belief that through education and empathy, we can transform societies and uplift the most vulnerable among us.

From the bustling streets of New York, where I was born to Bangladeshi immigrants, to the academic halls of Trinity College Dublin, where I am pursuing my PhD in Education Technology, my life has been a journey fueled by a profound passion for education, mental health, and cultural advocacy. These core interests not only define my professional pursuits but also deeply influence my personal beliefs and actions. Education has always been at the heart of my endeavors. Witnessing the transformative power of learning in diverse settings across North America and South Asia has solidified my belief that education is a fundamental right and a catalyst for change. This conviction drove me to spearhead initiatives like the HerStory Foundation in Bangladesh, where we integrate stories of influential women into the national curriculum to promote gender equity and empower young girls. By creating educational content that reflects diverse experiences and perspectives, I aim to dismantle barriers and foster an environment where every student, regardless of gender or background, can thrive. Parallel to my educational pursuits is a strong commitment to mental health advocacy. Leading WISH, a mental health initiative, I work to integrate mental health support within educational and organizational settings, advocating for policies that recognize mental wellness as crucial to overall well-being. This passion stems from understanding the significant impact mental health has on individuals' ability to learn and grow. Through WISH, I champion mental health awareness, aiming to break down the stigmas and barriers that prevent people from seeking help and achieving their full potential. My engagement with the arts further enriches my advocacy work. Through the Mubarak Ali Foundation, I support initiatives like the Emerging Artist Prize at Frieze and our patronage of Para Site in Hong Kong, believing in the arts as a powerful medium for cultural expression and dialogue. These efforts ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued, enriching the cultural landscape and promoting mutual understanding among communities. I see the arts as not just an aesthetic enrichment but as a vital tool for social expression and community engagement. Building bridges between ideas, people, and cultures is another significant aspect of my work. My diverse background has equipped me with the unique ability to navigate and connect various cultural and professional landscapes. Whether it's fostering educational reform, advocating for mental health, or supporting the arts, I am driven by a vision to create networks that support and uplift. This commitment to building connections is reflected in my efforts to forge partnerships that cross geographic and cultural boundaries, contributing to a more interconnected and empathetic world. My journey is also characterized by a commitment to lifelong learning and action. The pursuit of my PhD is a testament to this, allowing me to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in education and ensuring that my contributions are informed by the latest research and best practices. Each learning opportunity informs my actions and enhances my ability to lead initiatives that challenge and redefine the status quo for the betterment of society. In every facet of my life, I am driven by the belief that with the right support and opportunities, transformative change is possible. I am committed to using my skills, knowledge, and passion to make a tangible impact, pushing boundaries and advocating for a world where education empowers, mental health is prioritized, and cultural diversity is celebrated.

Attending TEDNext is more than an opportunity for me; it's a pivotal step in my journey to deepen my impact on educational innovation, mental health, and gender equity. As someone who has navigated multiple cultural landscapes—from the bustling streets of New York where I was born to Bangladeshi immigrants, to the academic halls of Trinity College Dublin where I am pursuing my PhD in Education Technology—I am driven by a mission to foster change that resonates globally. TEDNext represents a unique confluence of thinkers and doers who challenge the status quo and reimagine the future. I am drawn to this vibrant community, eager to absorb the collective wisdom that transcends borders and disciplines. My research in education technology, focusing on its transformative potential, especially for women and girls in resource-limited settings, aligns with TEDNext’s ethos of impactful innovation. By sharing the stage with global leaders, I anticipate not only gaining insights into cutting-edge practices but also contributing my nuanced understanding of integrating mental health into educational frameworks. Through my leadership roles in the Mubarak Ali Foundation and WISH, I’ve spearheaded initiatives that harness the arts and mental health advocacy to bridge cultural and gender divides. I see TEDNext as a platform to showcase these models, illustrating their effectiveness and scalability. My narrative is one of resilience and innovation. My experiences as a survivor of sexual assault have profoundly shaped my dedication to gender equity—motivating me to lead projects that empower women through education. At TEDNext, I aim to share stories from my work with the HerStory Foundation, where we've successfully integrated stories of influential women into national curricula, significantly boosting girls’ engagement and aspirations. Moreover, my approach to mental health in educational settings is both pioneering and practical. I advocate for policies that are not only empathetic but also backed by rigorous research and real-world application. I believe that my strategies, particularly those developed through WISH, can offer valuable insights to the TEDNext community, sparking discussions on how mental wellness can be embedded more comprehensively into educational systems worldwide. TEDNext is not merely a conference; it’s a catalyst for action. I am committed to not just participating but actively engaging—forming collaborations, exchanging ideas, and subsequently implementing them to enhance the communities I serve. My goal is to return from TEDNext with a toolkit enriched by global perspectives, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in education, mental health, and beyond. By sharing my journey and learning from others at TEDNext, I look forward to contributing to a future where education empowers, mental health is prioritized, and gender equity is not just an ideal, but a reality. I am enthusiastic about the doors this conference will open and the paths it will illuminate—not just for me, but for all those committed to shaping a better tomorrow.

Art, Business Education, Children's Books, Curriculum, Education, Education Policy, Education Technology, International School Education, Mental Health, Pedagogy, Philantrophy, Storytelling, Technology, Writing

My TED story began not on a stage, but in a moment of profound realization, watching Richard Turere's inspiring TED Talk, "My invention that made peace with lions." Richard, a young Maasai boy, used his ingenuity to protect his community from lion attacks, showcasing that innovation knows no boundaries of age or wealth. This talk struck a deep chord with me, solidifying my belief that genius can be found anywhere and that poverty should not be a barrier to accessing quality education. This pivotal moment intensified my commitment to educational equity. It inspired me to harness technology's potential to bridge societal gaps rather than widen them, leading me to pursue a PhD in Education Technology at Trinity College Dublin. Here, I am dedicated to developing solutions that make learning accessible to all, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has the opportunity to realize their potential through education. TED Talks have since been a wellspring of inspiration, guiding my initiatives in Bangladesh where I integrate mental health support into educational settings and empower girls through tailored educational programs. Each story shared at TED reinforces my resolve to pursue a future where technology in education serves as a great equalizer, enabling communities like Richard’s to not only address immediate challenges but also to build sustainable futures. Today, my relationship with TED is woven through my professional endeavors and personal growth. The insights gained from TED speakers have informed my approach across various projects, enriching my perspective and strengthening my strategies in promoting accessible education worldwide. As I anticipate contributing to the TED community, I am eager to share how my journey has been shaped by those initial insights gained from watching Richard’s talk. I aim to spark dialogues that can lead to innovative, actionable solutions, particularly in making education universally accessible and impactful. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to believe in the transformative power of education and technology, and to join in the global effort to ensure that every child has the tools to change their world. My TED story is a testament to the power of ideas to ignite change and inspire action. It is a narrative of learning, innovating, and advocating for a world where education transcends barriers, and where technology enriches, rather than excludes. This journey continues, fueled by a commitment to create educational environments that nurture the potential of every student, aiming for a harmonious future where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.

Many who know me through my professional endeavors in education, mental health, and cultural advocacy might be surprised to learn about the array of passions that enrich my life beyond the office. While my work is driven by a commitment to societal betterment, my personal interests are just as varied and integral to who I am. I am a polyglot, which allows me to immerse myself in languages not just as tools for communication, but as gateways to understanding deeper cultural nuances. This ability enhances my work across different geographical and cultural landscapes, making each interaction more meaningful and informed. It’s a skill that opens doors and builds bridges wherever I go, enriching both my professional engagements and personal experiences. My love for equestrianism might come as a surprise to many. Horse riding is more than a hobby; it's a profound practice in communication and trust, teaching me patience and balance. The lessons learned while riding—such as leadership and the subtle art of negotiation—are mirrored in my approach to managing complex projects and leading diverse teams. Aside from being an advocate and an equestrian, I am also a children’s book author. I weave tales that aim not only to entertain but to educate and inspire our youngest readers. My books often tackle themes of empowerment and diversity, reflecting my lifelong dedication to education and mental wellness. Writing for children is another way I strive to impact the world, one story at a time. Travel is my way of learning outside the confines of traditional education. As an avid traveler, I have explored numerous countries, each journey enriching my perspective and reinforcing my commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. These experiences feed into my work, allowing me to advocate for educational and cultural inclusivity with firsthand knowledge and genuine understanding. Lastly, my background in marketing, developed through hands-on experience and self-directed learning, complements my professional skill set. It empowers me to effectively promote the initiatives I care about, ensuring that the projects I lead not only launch successfully but also achieve lasting impact. Together, these roles and interests form a mosaic of who I am. They not only enrich my personal life but also enhance my professional capabilities, allowing me to connect with a diverse range of individuals and communities. Whether I’m leading a seminar, drafting the next story for children, or charting a new travel destination, these passions help me forge meaningful connections and drive forward my mission to make a meaningful difference in the world.