Governing Board Elections 2024

Biographical Data

A distinctive feature of my background and experience is interdisciplinarity. In particular, building bridges between cultures represented by multiple disciplines, building bridges between the private and public sectors, and building bridges between academia and the wider society.

I hold a PhD in Economics from UCLA and a BA in Economics from USC, with extensive teaching experience in graduate and executive education programs at some of the leading academic institutions in Switzerland, France and Sweden. Most recently, up until 2022, for 6 years, I taught at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), in graduate and executive education programs. The topics of my teaching activities have been entrepreneurship, innovation and investments.

In research, I regularly publish my work in refereed journals and have co-authored a book with the objective of empowering investments in innovation and entrepreneurship.

In parallel to my academic activities, I am a Partner at a Swiss Investment firm specialized in technological innovations. In that function, I lead the research activities, and serve as member of the firm’s investment committee.

Finally, as a Swiss citizen, educated in the United States and with Persian origins, I enjoy a rich international exposure, and appreciate understanding and sensitivity to cultural diversity. Having lived on three continents, I have a vast international, multicultural and multidisciplinary experience, perspective and network. I am proficient in both English and French languages.
 

What does Ecolint mean to you?

My alma mater which I have held at heart since graduation.
 

What skills/expertise can you bring to the School?

1. International background and perspective. Cultural sensitivity to diversity, appreciation for different perspectives and a commitment to inclusivity
2. Passion and commitment to education and student success and well being. Solid understanding of educational principles and practices. Awareness of curriculum development, different pedagogical methodologies and importance of a positive learning environment.
3. Technology literacy. Familiarity with educational technology and its integration into the learning environment. Experience at University level of different pedagogical approaches.
4. Ability to contribute to discussion regarding the development of the school's mission, vision, and strategic goals. Strategic thinking and long-term planning skills.
5. Fundraising and Development. Good knowledge of fundraising strategies. Ability to contribute to the development of financial resources for the school.
6. Relationship Building. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders of the school.
7. Risk Management. Awareness of potential risks and the ability to participate in risk management discussions and decision making.
8. Financial Acumen.
9. Teamwork oriented personality and good collaboration skills. I am confident I will be able to work collaboratively with other board members, school leadership, and external stakeholders.
10. Conflict resolution skills.
     

Understanding that the Governing Board focuses on long-range and strategic issues, and not specific management, personnel, or curricular issues, how would you support the Ecolint Mission if you were elected to the Governing Board?

I will be able to support Ecolint in its strategic planning, by actively participating in the development and review of the school's strategic plan. I will be able to contribute insights and ideas to shape the long-term goals and objectives of the institution.

Given my extensive experience in educational innovation at the University level, I am well informed about educational trends, best practices and educational innovations. I would therefore be able to contribute to discussions about potential initiatives that would enhance the quality of education and better prepare students for their personal and professional lives.

My experience in fundraising would allow me to contribute to the financial resource development of the school. I will be able to explore together with fellow board members, and with school administration, opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that would enhance resources for further development of Ecolint.
 

The Ecolint Governing Board is the key governance body of the International School. What is your understanding of the tasks you are called upon to perform in this context? And, what particular skills and experience would you draw on to fulfil this role?

My understanding of responsibilities I would be accepting if invited to join Ecolint Governing board, is to support the school in fulfilling several tasks including the following:

1. Working collaboratively with other board members, school leadership and stakeholders to ensure strategic, policy, and financial planning, development and oversight

2. Advocate for the interests of Ecolint, with relevant stakeholders.

I would draw on my 20+ years of experience working in education, research and administration at some of the leading universities in Switzerland, France and Sweden.
 

Fair and equitable access to an education of excellence such as that of the International School of Geneva is at the heart of the objectives on which the Governing Board must focus. What might your thoughts be on this matter at this time? Do you have any particular expertise that you could draw upon in such societal matters?

Ensuring fair and equitable access to quality education at Ecolint would be an objective I would be very pleased to contribute to.   This is a most powerful tool for the advancement of our societies.  My thoughts on this matter are based on key principles of human rights and economic development.
 

Ecolint aims to ensure a framework that serves to provide a distinctive high quality international education through which all students are helped to develop their abilities to the highest level of the potential. In your opinion, what are the different elements that are critical to this framework (buildings, interior and exterior spaces; technical supports and equipment; management team, teachers, and administrative staff; or others...)?

The different elements critical to helping students develop their abilities to the highest level of the potential, involve a comprehensive framework that encompasses critical elements including careful design and development of the curriculum and pedagogy by qualified teachers, integration of technology in classroom learning process, and promoting integrity, compassion and social responsibility among students.
 

Ecolint embraces diversity and honours the unique voice and personal experience of all members of the community. What do you think of this statement in terms of your experience as a member of the community? In your opinion what should be the role of the Governing Board in strengthening inclusion of diversity in the Foundation?

The Governing Board is in a unique position to play a vital role in strengthening inclusion of diversity in the Ecolint Foundation.  By engaging with diverse stakeholders such as school administration, staff, students, parents, alumni and the wider community, Ecolint could promote collaboration in strengthening inclusion of diversity in the Foundation.   This could be achieved by carefully reflecting upon the admission policy, hiring process, curriculum and pedagogy design and development.
 

Are you aware of the financial information related to the Foundation? While efforts have been made, what else can be done in your opinion, to make the Foundation more sustainable in the long term continuing to ensure affordable fee structures while providing qualitative inclusive education in an effort to make global citizens and optimum capital development efforts?

I am afraid I am not aware of the financial information related to the Foundation.   However, I would imagine that Ecolint, like all other international schools is looking to identify ways to ensure financial sustainability in the long term.  I would be quite interested to take part in the reflection and brainstorming together with Ecolint governing board and all stakeholders on how to diversify the revenue streams and explore revenue sources beyond tuition fees in order to continue ensuring affordable fee structures while providing inclusive education.  Avenues which could be examined could include establishing and growing an endowment fund to provide ongoing and sustainable source of income to support the school's strategic priorities.
 

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