Lisa Brashear

Business adviser, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Engineer, Event planner, Idea generator, Marketer, Project manager, Promoter, Scientist, Technologist, World traveler

With almost two decades of educating and leading across STEM, statistics, economics, business, quantitative data analysis, and TESOL, I am confident in my ability to lead, teach, assess, and inspire. Currently, I am 1) an Adjunct-Professor at the AUD, 2) the TEDxAUD Lead Organizer, 3) the Event and Communication Manager at a nonprofit Sailing Association (RAKSA) and 4) the Finance Manager of VM-Properties, a small real-estate company. In these roles, I have successfully orchestrated a range of academic and managerial functions, including lectures, workshops, seminars, managing teams, organizing events, while also analyzing data. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills in management, administration, and communication. Moreover, my strong foundation in problem-solving, data analytics, and project management positions me to contribute effectively to your team's goals. Proficient in technology and statistical analysis programs such as SPSS, Excel, and PowerPoint, I can transform complex data sets into clear and actionable insights. As Mathematics Assessment Leader at HCT, I was responsible for creating courses from start to finish: lessons, assignments, assessments, and evaluations of students, faculty and course effectiveness. Furthermore, my commitment to educational data analysis has received significant recognition in the academic and research community, leading to invitations as platform speaker, webinar presenter, and publications - a testament to exceeding standard expectations for a lecturer of Bachelor students. In addition to lecturing at the American University in Dubai, I am the executive organizer and license holder for TEDxAUD 2024. With a focus on The Just Transition we are targeting talks about, but not limited to, sustainability, social responsibility, AI, and environmental awareness. As part of my commitment to provide service to the university, I present workshops and professional development sessions to students and faculty. Noteworthy titles include “How to Integrate AI While Building Your Professional Social Media Presence”, “Conceptualizing Math: Empowering Students with Real-Life Connections”, and “How to Develop Assessments for Academic Integrity?”. I inspire, wherever I go. Yet, I continuously aspire to aim higher than the level I am at right now. Academically, I hold cum laude degrees in economics, mathematics, science education, computer science, and TESOL from highly ranked universities, all of which have been attested. What makes my achievements even more noteworthy is that I completed all my degrees in a fast track while juggling the responsibilities of being a young mom. In 2021, I finished a second Masters (Science Education) with distinction in one year at the British University in Dubai (BUiD), while being a full-time lecturer at Higher Colleges of Technology. No student at BUiD had ever finished their Masters in one year! This demonstrates my exceptional prowess to multitask effectively and my unwavering drive to achieve my goals. In my free time, I am passionate about connecting academia, businesses, and professionals to foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge and insight dissemination and promote global trade relations. Recently, I organized a Belgian lunch at RAKSA after the Terry Fox Charity Run, connecting H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and the Ambassador of Belgium in the UAE H.E. Antoine Delcourt. My ability to seamlessly adapt to different cultures enhances effective leadership and collaboration within diverse teams—a proficiency acquired through experiences of living, studying, and working in the USA, Belgium, and UAE.

I am passionate about connecting academia, businesses, and professionals to foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge and insight dissemination and promote global trade relations. Recently, I organized a Belgian lunch at RAKSA after the Terry Fox Charity Run, connecting H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and the Ambassador of Belgium in the UAE H.E. Antoine Delcourt. My ability to seamlessly adapt to different cultures enhances effective leadership and collaboration within diverse teams—a proficiency acquired through experiences of living, studying, and working in the USA, Belgium, and UAE.

Leveraging the momentum of COP28, my vision is to amplify the ripple effect of The Just Transition within our university community and beyond. I envision an inclusive platform where diverse voices ignite actionable solutions for a sustainable and equitable future, leaving no one behind. I aim to be a catalyst for: Focus on actionable solutions: Invite speakers who propose concrete plans and strategies for implementing The Just Transition within our university and beyond. Encourage audience engagement and discussions that lead to tangible next steps. Amplify diverse voices: Showcase speakers from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, ensuring that different perspectives and solutions are represented on your platform. Foster collaborations: Create opportunities for attendees to connect and collaborate across disciplines, sparking new partnerships and initiatives that can drive collective action. Share knowledge and resources: Make the insights and resources discussed at your event easily accessible to a wider audience through recordings, online platforms, and partnerships with relevant organizations. Connect to the local and global conversation: Partner with other TEDx events and organizations working on The Just Transition to share ideas, learnings, and best practices. Additionally, by aligning our event with IRENA's global momentum, we can empower our university community to translate global goals into local solutions.

Adaptability Skills, Analytical Skills, Born Leader, Content Creation, Creative Problems Solving Skills, Cultural Mindfulness Skills, Customer Experience & Human Behavior, Data Analytics, Interdisciplinary Education, Knowledge Dissemination Skills, Leadership, Local and Global Markets, Management Skills, Market Research & Trends, Mathematics, Microsoft Office, Mindfullness Skills, Organizational Skills, Pedagogy, Presentation Skills, Reporting & Visualization Skills, Self- and Team Motivating, Social Sciences, SPSS, Statistics, STEM, Strategic Consulting

I've been approached twice to deliver a TEDx talk, only to have it canceled both times at the last minute. The first instance saw my slot given to a younger, yet current student. However, their delivery was riddled with errors, rendering the talk unpublishable on the TEDx platform. The second cancellation stemmed from a conflict over the topic "Diversity Matters." As a mathematician grounded in a positivist worldview, I approach understanding the world through empirical evidence—prioritizing measurable and observable results to formulate explanations and predictions. From this standpoint, evidence forms the bedrock of perception, shaping how I view the world. Despite adhering to TEDx guidelines and aligning with the UAE's mission on diversity, the curators objected to certain aspects of my evidence-based approach. They requested alterations that compromised the integrity of my message. After weeks of preparation, they ultimately pulled the plug on my talk. It felt deeply unjust. However, rather than succumbing to frustration, this experience has emboldened me. I've decided to take matters into my own hands by organizing TEDx talks myself. It's a proactive step towards ensuring that important discussions like these aren't stifled by narrow viewpoints. The theme of TEDxAUD is The Just Transition.

People don't know I'm good at a variety of things beyond my professional domain. While my expertise may be evident in certain areas, there's a whole spectrum of skills and passions that often remain hidden. For instance, sailing has been a beloved hobby of mine since I was a small kid, passed down by generations of sailors. The tranquility of the open water and the mastery of wind and sail provide a unique sense of freedom and challenge. Cooking is another talent I enjoy. Experimenting with flavors and ingredients to create delicious meals is not just a necessity but a form of creative expression for me. It's a skill that brings joy to both myself and those I share meals with. In addition to these more leisurely pursuits, I've also found a knack for marketing. Understanding consumer behavior, crafting compelling messages, and devising strategies to connect with audiences come naturally to me. It's a field where creativity meets strategy, and I thrive in navigating its complexities. Lastly, motivating people is something I've always been passionate about. Whether it's inspiring colleagues to reach their full potential or encouraging friends to pursue their dreams, I find fulfillment in uplifting others. Empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals is a skill I value deeply, even if it's not immediately apparent to those around me. So, while my professional persona may take center stage, there's a rich tapestry of talents and interests waiting to be discovered beneath the surface.