Amplifying voices.
Bridging perspectives.
Helping schools and education organizations strengthen leadership, build inclusive learning environments and prepare educators for a changing world.
Who we help & how
We partner with schools, education systems, universities, corporations, start-ups and NGOs to turn educational priorities into practice.
Leadership & inclusive school culture
For school leaders building communities where every learner belongs.
- Culturally responsive & sustaining pedagogy for school leaders
- DEI & inclusive school culture workshops
- Parent engagement & family partnerships
AI-enabled learning & instructional transformation
For schools and systems preparing educators and learners for a changing world.
- AI literacy & ethical, human-centered innovation
- Professional learning & teacher development
- Curriculum & program design
Global education & program partnerships
For organizations designing programs across countries, languages and crises.
- Online & blended learning
- International program development
- Literacy programs for communities in crisis
Speaking & thought leadership
For event organizers, organizations and media looking for a voice on the future of learning.
- Keynotes
- Panels & moderation
- Leadership workshops & masterclasses
- Meaningful Conversations circles
IHSAN Framework™
A framework created by Dr. Salma Waly to guide how education systems govern, design and adopt technology — so innovation stays innovative, inclusive and deeply human.
Identity
Learning and technology that recognize and sustain learners’ languages, cultures and identities.
Humanity
People, relationships and wellbeing stay at the center of every decision.
Safety
Protecting learners’ data, dignity and wellbeing, online and off.
Access
Equitable access for every learner, across languages, abilities and contexts.
Nuance
Context-aware judgment over one-size-fits-all solutions.
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.
On stage & in the field
Keynotes, panels, training and programs with educators and organizations around the world.
Future of Education Summit
Chaired the summit, leading conversations among education leaders on where learning goes next.
AI in Education · EDU Summit 2024
Invited panelist with leading organizations on AI, inclusion and the future of learning.
WISE 11 · Qatar Foundation
At the World Innovation Summit for Education, alongside global leaders shaping education’s future.
150+ educators trained across Pakistan
Professional development for teachers in multiple cities with the Peace and Education Foundation.
Peace and Education Foundation ↗
200+ educators trained in Indonesia
Including a 2021 guest lecture for the International Class Program at Universitas Islam Negeri.
Arab America 40 Under 40
Honored for contributions to advancing inclusive, future-focused learning.
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.
Track record
- Refugee educationEarly childhood literacy programs for Syrian refugees, created with leading NGOs.
- NYC public schoolsTrained hundreds of educators in New York City public schools, making an impact in classrooms every day.
- Community education, USBuilt teacher capacity in faith-based community centers and schools across the United States.
- Strategy & designLed adult education initiatives, curriculum design and AI strategy.
- LeadershipLed multiple sessions on authentic leadership.
- EdTechPartnered with international EdTech companies.
- EventsChairs events on the future of education and is invited as a panelist by leading organizations globally.
Writing on AI, identity & the future of learning
- When AI teaches our children, whose language does it speak?
- Hope is not a feeling but a strategy
- The competency our classrooms can’t ignore: Consciousness
Meaningful Conversations
A circle of dialogue and reflection about the issues shaping our lives, our communities, and the world around us.
We bring together people from different generations, backgrounds, and experiences to slow down, listen deeply, and explore contemporary questions that matter.
Each gathering creates space for honest conversation, curiosity, and connection. While rooted in the UAE, Meaningful Conversations can travel anywhere people are willing to sit together and talk.
Host or co-design a gathering with Universal Narratives — at your school, university or organization.
Host a gathering ↗Ideas & stories
Thought leadership and creative work that extend the Universal Narratives mission.
Voices from educators worldwide
Past episodes of the Universal Narratives podcast, passing the mic to educators on equity, justice, language, EdTech and culturally responsive leadership — including Dr. Laura Kaplan of Pace University on preparing justice-oriented educators.
Maryam the New Yorker
A children’s book series about friendship, curiosity and the many cultures that make a city home.
Get the book ↗Work with Dr. Waly
Whether you are shaping an education strategy, planning professional learning or looking for a keynote speaker or panelist, let’s explore how we can work together.
Or send a general inquiry
Tell us a little about your organization and what you have in mind, and we’ll be in touch.
Universal Narratives is a New York State registered LLC.