our panel of advisors
Founder & Director, Springdale International School (An Authorized IB School in Bangladesh) –
Meet Our Team: As the visionary behind Springdale International School, [Emerald International School] leads with a commitment to academic excellence, holistic student development, and global best practices. Under their guidance, the school has become a hub for nurturing young minds with an internationally recognized curriculum.
Chief Advisor, Emerald International School, Dhaka – In this role, [Meet Our Team] provides strategic guidance to enhance educational programs, character development initiatives, and overall institutional growth, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and values-driven education.
EC Member & Convener, Youth Engagement and Development Committee (YEDC), Baridhara Society – Actively contributing to community development, [Meet Our Team] spearheads youth-focused initiatives, empowering young people to engage meaningfully in social, cultural, and educational activities.
Former Head of Academics & Character Development, Seven Skies International School, Selangor, Malaysia (An Initiative of Mercy Mission World) – With experience in leading international academic programs, [Meet Our Team] has a proven track record in curriculum planning, student mentorship, and character-building initiatives that foster lifelong learning and leadership skills.
Youth Life Coach, Nurturing Roots – Dedicated to nurturing young individuals, [Meet Our Team] mentors students in personal growth, emotional intelligence, and goal-setting, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges confidently.
Author, ‘SHINE’ – A self-help book focused on personal growth and development, offering practical strategies and insights to help readers unlock their full potential.
Educational Background – Alumni of the American International School, Dhaka, and Fitchburg State University, [Meet Our Team] combines a strong academic foundation with extensive international exposure to guide students and institutions toward excellence.
With a career spanning leadership, mentorship, and authorship, [Meet Our Team] continues to inspire students, educators, and communities through innovative education, values-driven programs, and a commitment to shaping future-ready leaders.
Mr. Faisal Kader serves as an Advisor to the Board of Trustees of Emerald, bringing more than three decades of international leadership experience across the education, corporate management, and development sectors in Bangladesh, Canada, and the UAE. His career has followed a steady progression of increasing responsibility, from early professional roles to senior executive leadership, shaping institutions with a focus on governance, strategy, and long-term impact.
At Emerald, Mr. Kader plays a pivotal role in aligning the institution’s strategic vision with operational execution. His advisory role supports the school’s commitment to delivering a world-class Cambridge education and to advancing the development of an Islamic Learning Centre. He helps strengthen institutional effectiveness by ensuring that governance frameworks, leadership practices, and academic standards align with global benchmarks and best practices.
Mr. Kader’s educational leadership is grounded in his experience at prominent institutions, including the Aga Khan Education Service in Bangladesh, where he served as Country Manager, and the STS Group, where he was Chief Operating Officer. He had the opportunity to be part of the management of complex educational institution operations, including finance, procurement, and institutional development, while driving improvements in the quality, accountability, and sustainability of the Aga Khan School, Dhaka, the International School, Dhaka, and the DPS-STS School, Dhaka. He brings deep insights from these roles into how strong governance and thoughtful leadership directly influence teaching excellence and student outcomes.
Beyond the education sector, Mr. Kader has held senior leadership and advisory roles at leading organizations, including SHAH Group, Unilever, and ACI, as well as development initiatives with UNDP. These experiences have equipped him with a broad, transferable skill set spanning senior leadership, strategic planning, organizational transformation, marketing, and large-scale project implementation. His cross-sector exposure enables him to bring a uniquely integrated perspective to education, bridging corporate discipline, development insight, and academic purpose.
A strong advocate for holistic education, Mr. Kader emphasizes creating environments that nurture not only academic achievement but also student well-being, character development, and ethical grounding. He is particularly committed to preparing students for life beyond examinations, fostering critical thinking, resilience, and a sense of responsibility within a global and moral framework.
In addition to his institutional roles, Mr. Kader contributes to the broader discourse on education through his articles on LinkedIn. His thought leadership reflects deep engagement with contemporary educational challenges, leadership philosophy, and the evolving purpose of schooling in a rapidly changing world. These contributions further reinforce his role as both a practitioner and a reflective voice in the field.
Academically, Mr. Kader holds a Master of Business Administration from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, and a Diploma in Legal Studies from Herzing Career College, Canada. He has also participated in executive development programmes, including “The Job of the Chief Executive” (Singapore Institute of Management) and “Compass Strategy” (Aga Khan Development Network, Dushanbe, Tajikistan), further strengthening his leadership and strategic vision.
Through his advisory role at Emerald, Mr. Faisal Kader continues to shape the institution’s direction with clarity of purpose and a commitment to excellence. His work reflects a belief that strong governance, values-driven leadership, and a holistic educational vision are essential to building institutions that not only succeed but also endure and inspire.
Sheikh Bilal Ismail
Shari’ah Advisor, EISD
Sheikh Bilal Ismail is a distinguished Islamic scholar and educator, widely recognized for his contributions to Islamic education and leadership development. He currently serves as an Instructor at Alkauthar Institute and as Director of the Imam Development Program,(Meet Our Team) a transformative initiative that has successfully trained and developed over 480 Imams across 14 African countries. Sheikh Bilal’s early dedication to Islam was evident when he memorized the Qur’an during his school years, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey in Islamic scholarship.
Meet Our Team: Drawn by an irresistible passion for Islamic studies, Sheikh Bilal pursued higher education at the Islamic University of Madinah, one of the most prestigious institutions for Islamic learning. There, he earned a Diploma in Arabic and a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Law from the Faculty of Shari’ah, deepening his understanding of jurisprudence, theology, and classical Islamic texts. His time in Madinah not only refined his academic knowledge but also strengthened his spiritual and practical approach to teaching.
Despite his extensive scholarly achievements and global impact, Sheikh Bilal humbly regards himself as a lifelong student of Islam, continuously seeking knowledge and understanding. His teaching emphasizes both academic excellence and the development of ethical, spiritually grounded leadership, inspiring students and community leaders alike.
Through his work with the Imam Development Program, Sheikh Bilal has become a beacon of mentorship and guidance, helping emerging Islamic leaders navigate the challenges of contemporary communities while remaining rooted in authentic Islamic principles. His dedication to education, humility, and service reflects a rare combination of scholarship, leadership,Meet Our Team, and compassion, making him a respected figure in Islamic academic and spiritual circles worldwide.
Meet Our Team: Ashfaque Chowdhury FCCT is a highly experienced educational consultant and senior leader, bringing over two decades of impactful service to the education sector both in the UK and internationally. With extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and school development, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and innovative educational practices. Over the past 16 years, he has held headteacher roles at multiple independent schools, guiding institutions to achieve high standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care.
Currently, Ashfaque Chowdhury serves in several influential positions, shaping education at multiple levels:
Director at Chiltern Learning Trust (since July 2022): Providing strategic oversight and governance to ensure the trust’s schools deliver high-quality education while fostering inclusive, values-driven learning environments.
Executive Head at Birchfield Independent Girls’ School (since October 2021): Leading the school with a focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and holistic development, ensuring students achieve their full potential.
Chair of the Association of Muslim Schools UK: Steering the organization to support and strengthen Muslim schools across the country, advocating for best practices, professional development, and community engagement.
Meet Our Team: Throughout his career, Ashfaque has been a champion of innovative teaching practices, curriculum development, and student-centered learning, blending international perspectives with local educational needs. He is recognized for his ability to inspire staff, mentor emerging leaders, and implement programs that foster holistic student growth.
His work reflects a deep commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, positioning him as a respected authority in both national and international education circles. By combining visionary leadership with hands-on experience, Ashfaque Chowdhury continues to make a lasting impact on schools, students, and the wider educational community.
Meet Our Team: Maryam Noor Yunus is a distinguished educator and academic advisor with nearly 30 years of experience in the education sector. Renowned for her expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence, she currently serves as the Academic Advisor for Cambridge schools in Bangladesh, where she plays a pivotal role in enhancing curriculum standards, fostering innovative teaching practices, and ensuring students achieve their highest potential.
Ms. Maryam’s contributions to education have received international recognition, reflecting her unwavering dedication and impact. She has been honored with numerous prestigious accolades, including the Best Principal Award, Best Teacher Award, Iconic English Teacher Award, and the Woman of Honour Award in the UK. These awards celebrate her exceptional leadership, pedagogical skills, and unwavering commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and holistic development in students.
In addition to her awards, Ms. Maryam was a SAARC Startup Awards finalist, recognizing her innovative contributions to education, and she was named among the Top 60 Teachers in the World by Cambridge University Press, highlighting her influence on global educational standards.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Maryam has demonstrated a remarkable ability to mentor educators, inspire students, and lead academic institutions toward excellence. Her approach blends international best practices with a deep understanding of local educational contexts, ensuring that learning is both relevant and transformative.
Beyond her accolades, Ms. Maryam is celebrated for her visionary leadership, dedication to lifelong learning, and commitment to shaping future-ready learners. Her work (Meet Our Team) continues to inspire educators, students, and communities, leaving a lasting impact on education both in Bangladesh and internationally.
Meet Our Team: Ms. Khadiza Afrin is an accomplished educator with over a decade of extensive experience in both teaching and professional training. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to empowering educators by providing comprehensive training programs for teachers across all levels—early years, primary, middle, and secondary. Her expertise has benefitted staff from prestigious institutions such as Sunbeams and Scholastica, helping to elevate teaching standards, implement innovative strategies, and foster student-centered learning environments.
In addition to her work in teacher training, Ms. Khadiza has held various leadership roles in multiple schools, where she has been instrumental in driving curriculum development, mentoring faculty, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Her experience combines practical classroom (Meet Our Team) insight with strategic educational leadership, enabling her to bridge the gap between pedagogy and administration effectively.
Meet Our Team: Ms. Khadiza is deeply passionate about inspiring students to reach their full potential, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and social development. She places a strong emphasis on building meaningful partnerships with parents, recognizing that collaborative engagement is key to a child’s overall growth and success.
At Emerald International School Dhaka (EISD), she continues to empower the school community by fostering a supportive and innovative environment where both students and staff can thrive. Her approach emphasizes holistic development, ensuring that every child is given the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to excel academically, socially, and personally.
Through her unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and mentorship, Ms. Khadiza Afrin has become a respected figure in the education sector, inspiring educators, students, and parents alike. Her dedication ensures that EISD (Meet Our Team) remains a place where children are not only educated but empowered to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
