Meet International Women's Day panelist Ami Shah (BBA '04)

Laurier and the International Women’s Forum are hosting their ninth annual International Women’s Day Luncheon on March 6. This year’s theme is Building futures: Strengthening education from kindergarten to the university campus. The sold-out luncheon will feature a panel of Laurier alumni, faculty, and sector leaders who are educators, researchers, and innovators.

One of those panelists is alumna Ami Shah (BBA '04), Co-Founder and CEO of Peekapak, an award-winning, social-emotional learning platform that engages K-12 students to learn skills to support their well-being and mental health.

Ahead of the event, we asked Shah to share some her insights on global education, technology and advice for women looking to start their careers.

Based on your work around the world, what skills do you think today’s students need most to succeed in the future?

As AI becomes increasingly present in students’ lives, skills like communication, critical thinking, creativity, and a growth mindset are becoming more important than ever. These are the skills that help young people navigate change, learn continuously, and adapt to evolving ways of working and living.

What I’ve seen globally is that these skills don’t need to be taught separately from academics. When educators are intentional, they can be woven into everyday instruction in ways that strengthen both learning outcomes and long-term readiness. The goal isn’t to choose between academic success and future-ready skills, it’s to design learning experiences that support both.

You’ve gone from teaching young students to leading global education initiatives. What’s one key lesson you’ve learned along the way that has shaped you as a leader?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of deep listening. Whether I’m working with students, educators, school leaders, or government partners, I’ve found that real impact starts with understanding who’s in the room (their needs, challenges, and aspirations).

In new situations, I try to approach conversations not by leading with solutions, but by listening first. That mindset has shaped how I lead today. Instead of focusing on 'selling' an idea, I aim to be a problem-solver and thought partner, tailoring my approach to genuinely support the people I’m working with.

Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to women who want to build meaningful careers but aren’t sure where to start?

One of the most valuable things you can do early in your career is to try things out. Volunteering or taking on part-time work can be a powerful way to explore your interests while making a meaningful contribution.

I knew I wanted to work in education, but I wasn’t sure whether that meant being in the classroom or leading an organization. I spent time teaching in Vietnam and working with NGOs, and through those experiences I discovered that I thrived in leadership and systems-level work. That clarity eventually led me to start Peekapak.

Finding small, low-risk opportunities to explore different paths can help you make more informed choices and give you the confidence to take a leap toward work you’re truly passionate about.