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Shafik Mina
Chief Executive Officer at 2inspire kids
Professional Background
Shafik Mina is an inspiring entrepreneur and visionary leader dedicated to transforming the landscape of education, particularly in the arena of arts and creativity for children. As the Chief Executive Officer of 2inspire kids, Shafik has been at the forefront of initiating change in how creativity is perceived and taught in today's classrooms. He passionately advocates for the necessity of cultivating critical motor skills, language development, social interaction, and decision-making abilities among the younger generation. With a strong belief that creativity plays a pivotal role in preparing children for future challenges, Shafik founded Imagine Arts Academy in collaboration with the renowned companies Crayola™ and Mad Science™.
Under his leadership, Imagine Arts Academy has emerged as a unique educational initiative designed to counteract the alarming trend of creativity and innovation being sidelined due to chronic underfunding in arts education. Shafik's vision led to the creation of immersive programs that combine traditional art with real-world applications and innovative problem-solving techniques. These initiatives aim to foster creative thinking in children while simultaneously equipping them with the necessary skills sought by employers in today's competitive job market.
With its innovative approach, Imagine Arts Academy has rapidly expanded its reach and now operates in over a dozen cities across North America. As Shafik continues his mission, he actively seeks passionate franchise owners across the United States and Canada who share his vision and want to join the quest to inspire and educate children, bringing the joy of creativity back to classrooms.
Education and Achievements
Shafik Mina boasts an extensive academic background, enriched by studies in law and political science. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Concordia University, where he developed a foundational understanding of the societal structures that shape our world. His academic journey continued at the Université de Montréal, where he studied LLB (Civil Law), sharpening his analytical skills and gaining insights into the legal frameworks that govern societal interactions.
Furthering his legal education, Shafik attended York University - Osgoode Hall Law School, where he studied JD (Common Law). This diverse legal education complements his entrepreneurial initiatives, equipping him with a robust skill set that he has utilized throughout his career.
In addition to his formal education, Shafik has had noteworthy affiliations with various organizations. Notably, he served as the President of Crayola Imagine Arts Academy and Mad Science Group, where he played a crucial role in bridging the gap between creativity and science-focused education for children. Furthermore, as a founding partner at PowerMove Corporation, he contributed to initiatives that promote empowerment and leadership among youth.
Achievements
Shafik Mina's passion for education and creativity is underscored by his extensive set of achievements. He is committed to addressing the critical question of why creativity has been diminishing in classrooms, particularly when 72% of business leaders emphasize its importance as a sought-after skill among employees.
Through Imagine Arts Academy, Shafik has successfully launched programs that have garnered widespread recognition for their effectiveness in enhancing children's creativity. By collaborating with industry leaders like Crayola™ and Mad Science™, he has ensured that these programs incorporate both artistic expression and practical skills, making them relevant to the contemporary job market and everyday life.
With a vision that extends beyond North America, Shafik is actively pursuing international growth for Imagine Arts Academy, hoping to inspire communities worldwide. He is dedicated to empowering children to embrace their creative potential, a commitment that continues to be a driving force in his career.
As Shafik Mina leads the charge to bring creativity back to the classroom, he remains steadfast in his mission to advocate for children's educational rights, ultimately aiming to redefine the standards of arts education on a global scale.
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