www.theknowledgereview.com Vol. 04 | Issue 02 | 2024 ol. 04 | Issue 02 | 2024 Founders Chair Professor of Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas Thuraisingham Fostering Revolutionary Advances and Enhancements in the Computer Science Field Power, Identity and Agency Theoretical Frameworks for Women Educational Leaders Most Passionate Educational Leaders Inspiring World, 2024
Editior’s Note
When it comes to building truly inclusive and diverse learning environments, fostering educational equity for women leaders is a critical step. Women bring a unique perspective to educational leadership, often prioritizing collaboration, empathy and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. This translates to classrooms that celebrate differences, creating a safe space for diverse voices and learning styles. Moreover, by ensuring equitable opportunities for women to lead schools and educational institutions, we send a powerful message to students—regardless of gender—that their potential and leadership aspirations are valued and achievable. This inclusivity fosters a more wellrounded learning experience, preparing students to thrive in a society that values diverse perspectives and collaboration. Progress in educational equity for women leaders is evident, with many making significant strides in leadership positions across the globe. Their achievements contribute to a more balanced representation within the educational landscape, driving positive change and innovation. As we continue to support and recognize their contributions, we move closer to a future where educational equity is a reality for all. Welcome to the latest edition of The Knowledge Review, where we celebrate and spotlight "Most Passionate Women Educational Leaders Inspiring World, 2024." This edition underlines the transformative impact of women in education, highlighting broader trends of innovation, joy and sustainability. Our cover story features Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham—a trailblazer fostering revolutionary advances in computer science. We also shine a light on Laura Barton-Toyne—whose work ignites joy in nursery life and Marcela Ximendes—a CXO dedicated to implementing energy efficiency solutions on campuses and driving netzero objectives. These stories exemplify the powerful strides women leaders are making across diverse fields, inspiring a brighter, more sustainable future. -Maria Christopher Maria Christopher Advancing Educational Equity
CONTENTS Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham Fostering Revolutionary Advances and Enhancements in the Computer Science Field Cover Story 08
Laura Barton-Toyne Igniting Joy in Every Facet of Nursery Life 22 Theoretical Frameworks for Women Educational Leaders Power, Identity and Agency 18 Social Justice Leadership Women Redefining 28 Educational Norms Profile Articles CXO Strategies for Sustainable Campus Operations Implementing Energy Efficiency Solutions for Campus Facilities and Driving Net Zero Objectives 32
Name Designation Brief Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham Head of Education Technologies, Radix Dr. Bhavani stands out from other educators because she emphasizes an inclusive approach to learning at all levels. One of the most important aspects of her work has been educating a global community through presentations in multiple nations. Olga Stavropoulou Nursery Principal, Kangaroo Kids Nursery Dubai Vice Principal, Elko Institute for Academic Achievement Olga is dedicated to marine environmental protection, focusing on educating the public and fostering awareness about marine pollution and its prevention. Lori advocates for academic excellence and holistic development, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future. Marcela leverages technology to enhance learning experiences, promoting innovative solutions to integrate tech seamlessly into educational environments. Founders Chair Professor of Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas In her approach to childcare, Laura has a simple aim which is to ignite joy and nurture the natural curiosity that lives within every child. Co-founder, HELMEPA Lori Lynch Laura Barton-Toyne Marcela Ximendes Most Passionate Educational Leaders Inspiring World, 2024
April, 2024 Editor-in-Chief Mary D'souza Managing Editor Art & Design Head Co-designer David King Raul Belin Business Development Executive Sr Sales Manager Alice Smith Amy Wilson Technical Consultants Technical Head David, Robert Jacob Smile Digital Marketing Manager Circulation Manager Eric Smith Mark Clain Contributing Editor Maria Christopher Anish David [email protected] CORPORATE OFFICE People this behind edition 2024
Thuraisingham Dr. Bhavani Founders Chair Professor of Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas Fostering Revolutionary Advances and Enhancements in the Computer Science Field I have a 43+ year career, first working as a visiting faculty and then intense work in industry, federal lab, government, and now a tenured professor in US academia. “ “
Cover Story
Women Leaders inspire fellow women aspiring to break stereotypes and chase their dreams. When these intellectual leaders take leadership roles in the educational domain, they take charge of crafting an educational set-up that promotes the upliftment of society by encouraging young minds to explore, learn, and excel in the academic domain. These leaders make great effort to elevate their school to the highest level of academic achievement. They hold the power to create an inclusive learning environment that cares for every student's special academic needs. They utilize the resources provided by the education programmes and communities sustainably to nurture wholesome development at the school. Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham, Founders Chair Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas, is an inspirational personality who upholds patience and vision throughout her career journey. She has abundant knowledge and efficiency, with which she has successfully brought progressive transformations in the educational realm. The Journey towards Success After completing her undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, at age 20, Dr. Bhavani's journey began in 1975. Since her father had died four years earlier when she was only sixteen, her maternal uncle had insisted that she get married before starting graduate school in the United Kingdom or the United States. Fortunately, her husband was finishing his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Cambridge in England, and her uncle arranged her marriage. where she worked for 13 years at a Federal Lab called the MITRE Corporation and also took on a position as an adjunct professor at Boston University and continued her work in cyber security and data science. After spending three years as a Programme Director at the National Science Foundation in Washington DC while on assignment from MITRE, she joined the University of Texas at Dallas as a tenured professor in October 2004. She committed herself fully to academia in Texas, pursuing a career in academic research and teaching. A Determination to Illuminate the World with Education Dr. Bhavani is a big advocate of lifelong learning. She, therefore, taught cyber security and data science to a global community in conjunction with learning new subjects. While waiting for a visa to immigrate to the US, she began teaching high school students in the UK. She imparted knowledge to US audiences through seminars and lectures, including in the commercial industry, the US government agencies, She completed her final exam shortly before her marriage in April 1975, moved to England with her spouse, and enrolled at the University of Bristol for her graduate studies. As opportunities expanded after receiving her Ph.D., she and her family moved to the US. Her husband got a position at the Petroleum Recovery Research Centre in Socorro, New Mexico. She received an offer from New Mexico Tech to become a tenuretrack assistant professor of computer science. When her son was a baby, she declined and accepted a job as a visiting professor instead. After a year, the family moved to Minneapolis, where she worked at the University of Minnesota for two years. After that, she entered the private sector, working as a Senior Software Developer at Control Data Corporation and subsequently as a Principal Research Scientist at Honeywell. She began working in cyber security and data science at Honeywell and also as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. Once more, the family relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, While educating my students, I also give motivational talks, so they don’t get despondent when they find it difficult to get jobs. “ “
and university students. She did this from 1980 until 2004 until she started working full-time in academia. Her greatest passion is teaching students. She has trained students worldwide, including at the University of Dschang in Cameroon, Africa. Through teaching others, she gained even more knowledge in computer science and various communities' approaches to education. She genuinely appreciates the opportunity to pursue her passion for educating people. A Proficient Educator Dr. Bhavani claims that teaching cyber security and data science to her students is her primary objective. She also gives motivational speeches to keep them from giving up when they have trouble finding work. For example, she discusses how learning is a continuous process throughout one’s life and what tools and technologies people can use to stay highly competitive in the workforce. She also gives them advice never to give up. They will succeed eventually even if they don't get what they want immediately if they work hard and have self-confidence. She discusses the importance of having a mentor and offers first-hand accounts of her experiences. According to her, one needs a solid support system to thrive in the workplace. She gives equal weight to the theoretical and practical facets when instructing her students. For the systems they design, they must offer a theoretical foundation. But their priority needs to be developing usable and efficient systems. For her students, these methods have proven to be effective. Most Passionate Women Educational Leaders Inspiring World, 2024
A Caring Leader The happiness and motivation of her team members are Dr. Bhavani's main priority. In other words, don't force the pupils to produce something they are not passionate about. She informs them of the importance of work-life balance. The phrase "work-life balance" has been derided by some. On the other hand, having a calm home is necessary for academic success. Similarly, having issues at work prevents one from having a peaceful home. For this reason, any problem that a student has must be resolved right away cannot be allowed to fester. Dr. Bhavani explained how she juggled work and school while focusing on marriage, motherhood, and now grandmotherhood. It's not simple. At every stage, trade-offs need to be made. She tries her best to listen to and advise her students, emphasizing that each person is unique and that giving their best effort rather than competing with one another is essential. This motivates Dr. Bhavani and her group to hire more gifted pupils. They also make use of personal connections. For instance, many team members recruit students from the home universities where they completed their undergraduate degrees and find the best candidates from these schools. To hire the top students, they network at conferences as well. They can recruit students from different universities across the world in this way. Dr. Bhavani and her team require a varied group of students, each bringing their unique talent and creative ideas to ensure everyone succeeds and produces work of a higher caliber. Working with a few somewhat difficult coworkers has been another personal challenge in her career. It was early in her career when this occurred. She was fortunately assisted in overcoming this obstacle by an excellent mentor. This experience made her more determined, and in a way, she thanks her critics She tells them that she evaluates her performance for the day before going to bed, asking herself if she did her best and what she could have done better each night. As it has been said, “Tomorrow is another day.” Going back to her objectives, she wants to create a work environment where individuals are inspired to perform to the best of their abilities. Sailing through the Challenges Dr. Bhavani has encountered several challenges in her career. Highly qualified students are what the University of Texas at Dallas most definitely needs. Given that every university vies for the best students, it is challenging. These students go on to work in academia, industry, and government after producing outstanding research and learning some of the newest technologies. To keep the institute's reputation intact, they need to do an excellent job at what they do.
because these setbacks have helped her succeed more in her career. According to her, no two people are alike, which presents a challenge in the classroom. Students come from different countries and backgrounds, each with its own culture. Her job is to motivate the students to give it their all. She tries to meet with students as often as possible if they want to, even though having 80 students in her class makes it difficult to provide them with individualized instruction. She wants to avoid pressuring them. To help them understand the problems, she also provides feedback on their performance early in the semester. She also provides the students with links to other resources to learn more. She is aware that some students experience anxiety before exams. She thus assigns them take-home tests and exams and answer questions. She assigns them programming tasks to complete in groups. This is the most productive portion of the course since they enjoy working as a team, which will help them in their future careers. Lastly, she takes them on field trips, warns them that cheating will result in a report. They are encouraged to perform well when given flexibility while still being held accountable for their work. She also advises them to read as much as possible about the subject to prepare for the take-home My main goal is for our team to be happy and motivated in what we do. Do not push the students to produce at any cost. “ “
like visits to government and industry laboratories, to help them understand what happens in the real world and inspire them to do well. Contributions in Enhancing Education Dr. Bhavani was hired by the University of Texas at Dallas as a tenured full professor to found and direct the Cyber Security Research and Education Institute. The resources were limited at that time. So, she had to prioritize. She selected top faculty in certain research areas and started collaborating with them on writing proposals and developing curriculum. She then expanded into more varied research areas in cyber security. As a result, the University of Texas at Dallas became known as one of the premier institutes in Data and Applications Security and Privacy. Then, she started recruiting talent in systems security, programming language security, cyber-physical systems security, and cryptography. This made the institute a reasonably comprehensive one in cyber security. The most essential constituents are the students at all levels, e.g., BS, MS, and PhD. The institute also established education programs, degrees, and certificates for the students, and Prestigious Awards and Achievements Dr. Bhavani is blessed to have won numerous significant awards and fellowships. As a computer scientist, software engineer and scientist, she holds the three most essential fellowships: the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), She is well-known in the innovators community due to her fellowship in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), headquartered in the United States. She is also a fellow of numerous other organizations, the British Computer Society being one of the most prominent. She has also won great recognition from associations like the IEEE and ACM, including being awarded the IEEE Computer Society (CS) 2023 Taylor L. Booth Award for Education. She says, “As an educator, I cannot ask for more.” Additionally, she received the distinguished recognition from the IEEE CS in 1997, the Edward J. McCluskey Technical Achievement award. Dr. Bhavani and her team try their best to recruit the best and brightest. The Ph.D. students conduct innovative research to solve the challenging problems in cyber security. She then began collaborating with other colleges in her university, such as social sciences, political sciences, and public policy, and established interdisciplinary research and education programs. The institute is now considered one of the premier institutes in cyber security, and Dr. Bhavani is one of the driving forces in this. In recognition of her hard work, the university promoted her to the Founders Chair Professor in Computer Science and Engineering. What differentiates me from others in education is that I focus on an inclusive approach to education at all levels. “ “
Additional recognitions include the IEEE CS Technical Committee (TC) Services Computing 2017 Research Innovation Award, the IEEE CS TC Cloud Computing 2022 Women in Cloud Computing Award, the IEEE Communications Society (Comsoc) 2019 Technical Recognition Award, the ACM SIGSAC 2010 Outstanding Contributions Award, and the ACM SIGSAC CODASPY Lasting Research Award. Her work at the nexus of cybersecurity and data science has garnered her almost every prestigious award in this field. A Visionary Leader Dr. Bhavani stands out from other educators because she emphasizes an inclusive approach to learning at all levels. One of the most important aspects of her work has been educating a global community through presentations in multiple nations on every continent. Since everyone has access to virtual education these days, the pandemic has allowed her to reach out to countries she otherwise would not have been able to. Additionally, she teaches the general public and K–12 students. She instructs and guides high school students in summer school at her university, for instance, every summer. To encourage people to practice good cyber hygiene, she also presents talks at the public libraries in her community. She was given the following citation in recognition of her IEEE CS Taylor L. Booth award: “For Outstanding Leadership in Cyber Security Education and Data Science Education as well as Mentorship of Members of Systemically Marginalized Groups.” This quote from IEEE CS sums it all up.
The etical F amew ks for Women Educational Leaders 18 | April 2024
When considering the realm of educational leadership, the role of women has progressed significantly over the years. From being underrepresented to increasingly taking on leadership positions, women have navigated a complex domain shaped by societal expectations, cultural norms and institutional barriers. This journey is intricately tied to theoretical frameworks that not only explain the phenomena of women in leadership but also advocate for their empowerment and advancement. Theoretical Frameworks for Women Educational Leaders At its core, the phrase "theoretical frameworks" refers to established theories, models and perspectives that provide a lens through which we can understand complex social phenomena. In this context, these frameworks serve to analyze and interpret the challenges, successes and dynamics that women face in leadership positions within educational institutions. Power, Identity and Agency The subtitle highlights three crucial concepts that are essential to understanding the experiences of women educational leaders: • Power: The ability to influence others and make decisions, which can be shaped by societal structures and organizational hierarchies. • Identity: How individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others, often influenced by gender roles, cultural norms and personal experiences. • Agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often constrained or empowered by societal expectations and institutional contexts. These concepts are interlinked and shape the leadership experiences of women in educational settings. Power dynamics can influence how identities are constructed and perceived, which in turn affects the agency of women leaders to effect change and lead effectively. The Correlation Theoretical frameworks provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women in leadership positions and offer insights into strategies for empowerment and advancement. This article will analyze into several prominent theoretical frameworks that have been used to analyze the experiences of women educational leaders, examining how these frameworks can inform policies and practices to support and promote gender equity in educational leadership. Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Women Educational Leaders Feminist Theory Feminist theory provides a foundational framework for understanding the experiences of women educational leaders. It critiques patriarchal structures and highlights how gender norms and biases influence leadership opportunities and perceptions. Feminist scholars argue that educational leadership has historically been dominated by men and this dominance has perpetuated gender inequalities in educational settings. The key concepts include: • Intersectionality: This concept, developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw, emphasizes how different social identities (such as gender, race, class, etc.) intersect and influence one another, shaping individuals' experiences and opportunities. • Gendered Organizations: This perspective examines how educational institutions are structured in ways that advantage men and disadvantage women, thereby perpetuating gender inequities in leadership. Implications for Women Educational Leaders according to this theory comprises the following: • Feminist theory encourages policy and practice changes that promote gender equity in educational leadership. • It advocates for mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities and policies that address gender biases in hiring and promotion. Critical Race Theory Critical Race Theory (CRT) examines how race and racism intersect with other social identities, including gender, to shape educational opportunities and outcomes. While initially focused on race, CRT has expanded to include gender as a critical axis of analysis. Power, Identity and Agency www.theknowledgereview.com | 19
The key concepts include: • Interest Convergence: Derrick Bell's theory suggests that progress for racial minorities (and by extension, women) occurs when their interests converge with the interests of the dominant group. • Counterstories: Narratives that challenge dominant narratives of race and gender, offering alternative perspectives that highlight the experiences of marginalized groups. Implications for Women Educational Leaders according to this theory comprises the following: • CRT calls attention to the unique challenges faced by women of color in educational leadership positions. • It advocates for policies that recognize and address intersectional forms of discrimination and inequity. Social Identity Theory Social Identity Theory (SIT) explores how individuals' self-concepts are tied to their membership in social groups and how this affects their behavior and interactions within organizations. The key concepts include: • Ingroup vs. Outgroup: People tend to favor members of their own group (ingroup) over those who are not members (outgroup), which can lead to biases in leadership perceptions and opportunities. • Identity Salience: The importance of a particular social identity (e.g., gender) in shaping behavior and outcomes. Implications for Women Educational Leaders according to this theory comprises the following: • SIT helps explain how gender identity influences perceptions of leadership effectiveness. • It suggests strategies for increasing the salience of gender identity in positive ways, such as through leadership development programs that promote inclusive leadership practices. Power, Identity and Agency in Women Educational Leaders Power Power dynamics in educational leadership can perpetuate gender inequalities. Women may face challenges in accessing decisionmaking roles and opportunities to influence institutional policies and practices. The strategies for empowerment in this context include: • Advocating for policies that promote gender diversity in leadership. • Creating mentorship and sponsorship programs for women leaders. • Addressing unconscious bias through training and awareness programs. Identity Gender identity influences how women are perceived as leaders and their own perceptions of their leadership capabilities. Gender stereotypes can shape expectations and limit opportunities for women in leadership. The strategies for empowerment in this context include: • Challenging stereotypes through visibility and leadership role modeling. • Promoting inclusive leadership styles that value diverse perspectives. • Establishing networks and support systems for women leaders to share experiences and strategies. Agency Agency refers to the ability of women leaders to act independently and influence their environments. Structural barriers can constrain agency, making it essential to address systemic inequities. The strategies for empowerment in this context include: • Providing leadership training and professional development opportunities. • Advocating for policies that promote work-life balance and family-friendly workplaces. • Supporting women's networks and communities of practice. Conclusion The theoretical frameworks of feminist theory, critical race theory and social identity theory provide valuable insights into the experiences of women educational leaders. These frameworks highlight the complex interactions between power dynamics, identity constructions and the agency of women leaders within educational settings. Moving forward, it is essential to continue applying these frameworks to inform policies and practices that promote gender equity and empower women to thrive in educational leadership roles. Future research and initiatives should focus on advancing intersectional approaches that address the unique challenges faced by women of color and other marginalized groups in educational leadership. By continuing to integrate theoretical insights with practical applications, we can create more inclusive and equitable educational environments. 20 | April 2024
Laura Barton-Toyne Igniting Joy in Every Facet of Nursery Life Nursery Principal, Kangaroo Kids Nursery Dubai Laura Barton-Toyne 22 | April 2024
A nursery is a child’s first formal introduction to the outer world. With the ideal foundation laid by nurseries, children march further through all the layers of formal education and carve a niche for themselves in a competitive world. But irrespective of how their paths and destinies are, they tend to remember their first teacher who helped them take the first ideal step of their lives. For hundreds of students who graced the Kangaroo Kids Nursery, Laura Barton-Toyne is definitely a name they will recall and have the utmost admiration for the rest of their lives. With her empathetic nature, passion for childcare, and her surroundings which were filled with remarkable women, Laura was destined to enter this field. Laura's Journey from her childhood to becoming a Nursery Principal is a manifestation of her lifelong aspirations. She believes the path of childcare chose her than the other way around. She believes that the sheer joy and fulfillment She got from spending time with children, even in her own youth, has always been a cherished aspect of her life. Laura naturally finds herself taking on leadership roles within groups of peers, “ “ I believe that the greatest reward lies in knowing that I'm making a positive difference, no matter how small it may seem. Most Passionate Women Educational Leaders Inspiring World, 2024 www.theknowledgereview.com | 23
mind and loving heart and thus, she has always strived to embody this same attitude to learning. Laura has performed various roles within both small-scale childcare businesses and larger nursery groups and has thoroughly enjoyed immersing herself in the world of early years education. Contributing to the Well-being of Children Amidst her diverse experiences and responsibilities, Laura has noticed that one constant remains—her dedication to the children and families she serves. She is driven by a genuine love and commitment to their well-being and development. For her, the essence of this work is not in fancy titles or complex organizational structures, but in the beautiful relationships, Laura has built wonderful memories that will last a lifetime and has impacted the lives of people she has worked with. Laura finds herself fortunate to have gotten a chance to help children take the first ideal step in their lives, which has been her lifelong desire. Her journey into this career path is a result of deep influence by some of the remarkable women in her life—her Laura’s experiences have taken her to a variety of settings, from children’s homes to pupil support centers, schools, and nurseries. Throughout her career, she has continuously sought to expand her knowledge and skills, earning additional qualifications in areas such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), adult education, and early years education. Laura believes children can absorb information easily because they view the world around them with an open instinctively organizing activities and creating a sense of camaraderie. An Empathetic Leader As she progressed, her passion for child development only grew stronger. From school to college, Laura excitedly pursued courses and studies that delved deeper into understanding the complexities of nurturing young minds. Eventually, this journey led her to pursue a career as a qualified social worker, specializing in providing support to specially-abled children and underprivileged families. “ “ Building a sense of community has been a labor of love for me, and I've dedicated countless hours to bringing our Kangaroo family together. 24 | April 2024
mother, grandparents, and favorite teachers—who were all shining beacons of inspiration and kindness. Growing up surrounded by their powerful presence instilled in her a desire to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The unyielding support and encouragement given to Laura by her role models continues to fuel her passion for this field. She observed how they dedicated themselves to caring for others with compassion and empathy and she has always strived to replicate their footsteps. Their influence inspired Laura to pursue a career where she could contribute to the well-being and development of children and families. Igniting Joy and Nurturing the Natural Curiosity In her approach to childcare, she has a simple aim which is to ignite joy and nurture the natural curiosity that lives within every child. Laura firmly believes that each child is born with an inherent desire to explore and learn about the world around them. As a lifelong caregiver, she sees it as her responsibility to create and encourage this innate sense of wonder. qualities and requirements of each family. This means tailoring her services to accommodate individual circumstances and preferences, whether it's adjusting the curriculum to meet specific learning needs or providing additional support where necessary. By embracing inclusivity as a guiding principle and actively collaborating with families, the nursery creates a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. The primary goals and vision of Kangaroo Kids Nursery revolve around three core principles: Connect, Protect, and Play. Firstly, the nursery aims to foster connections within the community, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all. Whether it's dedicated staff, children, their families, or the broader community, Kangaroo strives to give a sense of belonging to everyone. It firmly believes in the proverbial "it takes a village," recognizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in nurturing healthy and thriving communities. Secondly, the nursery is committed to protecting the well-being of children and the world they inhabit. It promotes positivity and kindness in all aspects of interactions, instilling in children the values of respect and care for both each other and the environment. Through play, Kangaroo Kids Nursery creates an environment where children feel safe, secure, and empowered to explore their interests and express themselves authentically. In essence, its primary goals and vision revolve around creating a nurturing and enriching environment where children One of the key ways she accomplishes this is by prioritizing the building of connections with the children under her care. Laura understands the importance of forming meaningful relationships, as it lays the foundation for trust and understanding. Rather than expecting children to conform to her world, Laura makes a conscious effort to step into theirs. Building a Sense of Community Building a sense of community has been a labor of love for Laura, and she has dedicated countless hours to bringing the Kangaroo family together. Her tribe emphasizes the importance of unity and support, recognizing that they are stronger together than they could ever be alone. While Laura plays a role in orchestrating these connections, she is acutely aware that it takes a village to make it happen. Laura finds herself fortunate to be surrounded by a team of dedicated educators who share my passion for fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. At her nursery, Laura takes pride in her approach as a boutique establishment. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all mentality, she recognizes the unique www.theknowledgereview.com | 25
can thrive, connect with others, and develop into confident and compassionate individuals. Building Lifelong Relationships Kangaroo Kids Nursery has received numerous awards and recognitions, such as being voted the number 1 nursery by parents in Ed Arabia. Additionally, it was honored to be both the first Curiosity Approach accredited setting and the first Hygge in the Early Years accredited setting in the UAE. Beyond these accolades, what truly fills Laur’s heart with pride are the countless beautiful children and families who have graced Kangaroo’s doors over the past 18 years. Their trust and loyalty mean more to the nursery than any award or accreditation. It's the relationships the nursery has built and the memories it has shared that define its success. Looking back on 18 years of cherished memories, Laura and the entire community feel grateful for the opportunity to play a role in the lives of so many wonderful families. Each child who has walked through its doors has left an indelible mark and Kangaroo Kids Nursery is blessed to have been a part of their journey. Keeping the Essence of Childhood Intact In her previous nursery leadership role, Laura was also incredibly grateful to be a part of the team that was awarded the "Top 10 Nurseries in the UAE." At the core of her philosophy is the belief that play is not just an activity used to pass the time or distract children, but the very essence of childhood. Laura wholeheartedly embraces this principle and deeply understands that play is a vital component of children's development. learning, staying open to feedback, and constantly seeking ways to enhance the practices. At the heart of Kangaroo Kids Nursery's mission is a dedication to being the best, not just for itself, but for the families and communities it serves. The Nursery understands that its success is intertwined with the wellbeing and satisfaction of those it supports, and it is determined to always exceed their expectations. Looking ahead, Laura is excited about the prospect of welcoming more families into the community and expanding its reach across the UAE. She believes that every family deserves a warm and welcoming environment where they feel valued and supported, and Kangaroo Kids Nursery is committed to providing just that. By expanding its reach and deepening connections within the community, the nursery hopes to create an even stronger and more inclusive environment for all. She makes it a priority to immerse herself in the child's world, honoring their innate curiosity and finding joy in the simplest of moments. Laura is passionate about championing the importance of connecting with the natural world and incorporating natural elements into every facet of nursery life. In a time when technology often dominates, she strives to provide opportunities for children to engage with the tangible and natural aspects of their environment. By stepping away from a synthetic childhood and embracing real experiences, her nursery is able to create a deeper appreciation for the world and all its intricate wonders. Enhancing the Reach of the Community The nursery’s journey of growth and learning is never-ending, and it is firmly committed to maintaining a flexible growth mindset as it continues to evolve and improve. This means embracing new opportunities for 26 | April 2024
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promote positive social change through innovative educational practices and progressive policies. By challenging traditional educational paradigms and advocating for inclusivity, women leaders have significantly contributed to shaping more equitable and democratic educational environments. Their efforts are crucial for educational advancement and broader societal transformation towards equality and justice. The Correlation The correlation between the title and subtitle lies in examining how women leaders are at the forefront of social justice leadership within educational institutions. By redefining educational norms, women are advancing inclusive and equitable practices that prioritize n recent decades, women have I emerged as pivotal figures in reshaping the educational relam, challenging entrenched norms and advocating fervently for social justice within educational institutions. Historically, these norms have been shaped by patriarchal structures that systematically limit opportunities for women in leadership roles. However, in the face of these challenges, women leaders have steadfastly pushed boundaries and advocated for inclusivity, equity and social justice in education. Social justice leadership within educational settings emphasizes fairness, equity and the promotion of democratic practices. It seeks to address systemic inequalities and Redefining Norms Social Justice Leadership www.theknowledgereview.com | 29
they influence policies that prioritize equity and social justice, ensuring that all students have access to quality education and support services. Challenges Despite their contributions, women leaders face challenges such as overcoming gender bias and stereotypes about women's leadership abilities. They navigate institutional barriers that hinder their advancement and address intersectional challenges faced by women of color and other marginalized groups. These challenges highlight the ongoing need for support and advocacy to create more inclusive and equitable educational environments. Conclusion Women's leadership in education isn't just about representation, it's about reshaping the very foundation of learning. Female leaders bring diverse perspectives, fostering environments that are inclusive and equitable for all students. Their focus on social justice ensures education empowers every voice, dismantling biases and creating a space where all can thrive. This shift in leadership paves the way for a future where education is a true equalizer, nurturing not just academic success, but a generation of socially responsible citizens. Moving forward, it is essential to continue supporting and empowering women leaders in education. Future efforts should focus on addressing intersectional challenges, fostering inclusive leadership practices and promoting policies that prioritize equity and social justice. By doing so, we can create educational environments where all students have the opportunity to thrive. diversity and support the needs of all students. This effort aims to promote equity and inclusion by creating a culture of empowerment and understanding. They recognize that addressing social justice issues within the educational system requires proactive measures that prioritize the needs of marginalized groups. Advocating for Social Justice Social justice leadership involves advocating for policies and practices that promote fairness, equity and social change within educational institutions. Women leaders are guided by principles such as critical pedagogy, which engages students in critical thinking and social activism to challenge systemic injustices. They collaborate with community stakeholders to address local educational challenges and influence policy decisions to prioritize equity and social justice in education. Women leaders strive to empower marginalized groups by giving voice to students and communities who have been historically underserved. They improve school culture by fostering inclusive and supportive environments where every student feels valued and respected. By inspiring future leaders through mentorship and nurturing the next generation of social justice leaders, women leaders ensure a sustainable impact on educational norms. Social Justice Leadership Impact Women leaders are making a significant impact on educational norms by empowering marginalized groups and promoting inclusivity. They improve school culture by fostering supportive environments that celebrate diversity and value every student's unique background and experiences. Through their advocacy efforts, social justice, fostering environments where all students can thrive. Join in to find out the impact of women's leadership in education, analyzing their strategies, challenges and successes in promoting social justice and reshaping educational norms! Women Redefining Educational Norms Challenging Traditional Leadership Models Women in educational leadership often face barriers rooted in traditional leadership models that favor masculine traits and hierarchies. These models historically perpetuate gender inequities and limit opportunities for women to influence educational policies and practices. Women leaders are challenging these norms by promoting inclusive decision-making processes that value diverse perspectives. They emphasize transformational leadership qualities such as empathy, collaboration and empowerment. By advocating for policies that promote gender equity, diversity and inclusion, women are redefining leadership in education. Promoting Equity and Inclusion Women leaders are championing equity and inclusion in educational settings, ensuring that all students have access to quality education and support services. They work to close the achievement gap by implementing strategies that address disparities in academic achievement among marginalized groups. Cultural competence training is provided to enhance educators' ability to understand and support diverse learners. Women leaders create inclusive learning environments that celebrate 30 | April 2024
oor management of energy Pconsumption and wastage of energy are some of the reasons for the runaway situation around carbon emissions from facilities and integrating data through smart technologies implemented onsite are steps in the right directions says Marcela Ximenes, Head of Education Technologies at Radix.’ The world is facing on urgent crises of limiting the runaway global warming and must reach net-zero emissions by 2050. But what is less realized, and similar to most fluid consumption models, of the energy consumed by facilities in the US, 68% of the energy is actually wasted while buildings across the facilities are responsible for 80% of the energy consumption. Research buildings or competency centres, usually present inside sprawling facilities, and legacy engineering practices for ventilation, heating and cooling, are also responsible for these runaway emission trends. Reducing the percentage of energy wasted across the facility and making buildings more energy efficient is a good way to advance in the direction of sustainable practices helping to achieve net-zero goals. While realising net zero goals is a multi-pronged initiative and requires multiple technology solutions and best practices, reducing consumption as well as wastage of energy needs to be the principal forward looking drivers. Facilities managers and plant managers are the principal on-ground champions to achieve these goals. This includes conceptualizing, developing and mobilizing an engineering-led strategic energy plan that considers grid scale transmission and distribution, design of local facilities, local building design and operations, digitalization and deployment of smart energy technologies. This will also involve the skills and experience of a technology and consulting partner to bring in the energy process re-engineering, choice of smart technologies, and implementation of smart energy solutions. Real Life Initiatives Global academic institutions are rising to the net zero challenge by signing up for the U.N.’s Race To Zero campaign. Last year, 1,050 universities from 68 countries, including 800 in the US, made commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and more have followed since. A key driver for this change is students who want a more sustainable and secure world to grow into. Nearly 90% students believe universities could do more to reduce their environmental impact, and nearly 75% of prospective students consider their environmental commitments when deciding where to enrol themselves to build their educational careers. The Race to Zero campaign, is the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Globally, US based colleges and universities are leading the way in creating efficient and sustainable energy infrastructure in their environments. From small liberal arts colleges to large public universities and community colleges, higher education institutions are taking the lead in reducing energy consumption and deploying renewable energy technologies. Educational campus facilities are the ground zero to lead the challenge of reducing energy consumption, since they are significant energy users. Technology Solutions One of Radix main solutions is to optimize the heat and power generation, based on the real time demands, weather, fuel costs, equipment efficiency. This is the most impactful gain. Any technology solution that integrates and unblocks the value of data will help the management of energy demand. Not having the right data or having scattered and inaccessible data mean. While they are the ones best suited to make the right decisions, they can only make these informed decisions if they can see and interpret the data. Smart energy solutions typically unlock data and include real-time data visualization, performance monitoring, asset tracking, forecasting, reporting, analysis and visual representation of consumption, and enable effective decision- making. Strategies for Sustainable Campus Operations ‘ 32 | April 2024
Marcela Ximendes, Head of Educa on Technologies at Radix, is a leader focused on excellence in organiza onal management and transforma on. She is passionate about developing high-performance teams fully oriented towards delivering truly valuable solu ons to clients. Her innova ve vision and over 15 years of experience in technology and digital transforma on are founda ons for genera ng strategic solu ons capable of driving industry progress. Smart meters are placed on-site across facilities and join data that helps to visualize and measure energy demand. These trends are shown by peaks and troughs and by managing excessive peak periods the overall consumption profile can be lowered. The equipment provides information needed to efficiently manage peaks and troughs in usage, thereby reducing operational costs. Many campus facilities are using old legacy equipment with inadequate capture and display of energy demand. This also means they have not captured data to build energy consumption models. An indirect consequence of this is that there is no visibility of the wastage of energy. Smart energy solutions can bring efficiency to such operations. Success Stories George Washington University is a prestigious private institution in an urban setting, with facilities spread over 42 acres and an enrolment of about 12,000 students. George Washington University partnered with Radix to conduct a Cogeneration Systems study to find energy efficiency gaps and improvement opportunities for its power plant. Automated monitoring systems help to bring an end to this problem with predictive maintenance alerts and reduced downtime. Asset tracking systems can check the transmission system for overload, degradation, and vulnerabilities. This extends the assets’ lifetime and ensures on-time, on-site maintenance. These solutions will help operations and plant managers make better and more informed decisions. www.theknowledgereview.com | 33
Through hundreds of operation scenarios and different operating cost curves, several recommendations were made by Radix for the operations of the combined heat and power plant. Radix developed a roadmap of improvements in the plant, prioritizing projects that would deliver the most impact and cost savings to the plant. Recommendations were summarized in a cost-benefit matrix, classifying the project improvements in four categories. These were quick hit; desirable projects; potential desirable projects; and least desirable projects. Guidance was provided on the priority of the proposed improvements. New equipment was installed to enable higher operational efficiency. The University of Massachusetts is a public land-grant research university. UMass Amherst campus is considered among the top public research universities in the U.S. and is the thirdlargest university campus in Massachusetts, with a student population of more than 28,000. Radix performed an operational assessment of the UMass Amherst Campus combining heat and power plant, to better understand the physical infrastructure, the systems, and data supporting it, as well as its operations. An energy audit was performed, by modelling the combined heat and power plant, executing simulations, and analyzing the data to find best plant settings and configuration. Energy wasted across campus was also found in this audit. An important part of this audit is finding operational gaps, and finding ways to optimize the automatic control, supervisory system, and instrumentation. An energy audit using heat balance software allows the modelling of the facility’s plants. Multiple scenarios of the plant’s operations are modelled and simulated to find its best configuration in various scenarios with different heat and energy demands. These show energy-saving opportunities and classify areas of opportunity. Most facilities receive help from the implementation of an advisory system. This system makes up a set of dashboards to offer better visibility to facility managers, management teams, and operators. These dashboards offer insights into predictive operating conditions and an intuitive framework for perfecting costs and production through various plant configurations. This allows real-time tracking of fuel costs, demand, and weather conditions. These thoughtful implementations allow Radix to uniquely support facilities to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs within their financial constraints and without delays. A scenario-based advisory system was developed to function as an essential part of the UMass Amherst Campus CHP Energy Command Center. It is important to mention that the energy audit is an input to the advisory system. Based on the optimal configuration that Radix calculated in the audit, through the real time heat and power demand, weather forecast, equipment efficiencies, and fuel and energy costs, Radix developed a user friendly interface that tells the operators how to operate the plant in the optimal way. The savings in this case were 3% of the total OPEX, or nearly 1 million dollar per year. This tool provides information to the plant’s equipment operators and recommendations to enable the operators to keep the physical plant running at maximum possible efficiency. The Radix Approach Radix provides a multidisciplinary team partnering with global technology leaders to provide energy efficiency solutions for facilities. Radix combines engineering, software development, automation, and industrial IT to deliver customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of a particular facility. An operational assessment is conducted to show a facility’s infrastructure gaps that prevents data reliability, availability, and accessibility. Next, an identification analysis on how assets are checked and used, how control systems are configured and integrated, and the reliability of current instrumentation. 34 | April 2024