Sheila Akbar, PhD

Sheila Akbar is a prominent education professional and leader in the college admissions and educational consulting field. Here's a comprehensive overview of her background:

Professional Role

Sheila Akbar serves as the President & COO (not CEO) of Signet Education, leading a team of over 50 educators who provide personalized academic coaching, tutoring, test prep, and admissions consulting.1

Educational Background

She holds an impressive academic profile:

• Double PhD from Indiana University Bloomington in Comparative Literature and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (2006-2014)
• Master's degree from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (2004-2005)
• Bachelor's degree from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (1998-2002)

Professional Experience

Akbar has a diverse professional history:

• President & COO at Signet Education (June 2018 - Present)
• Director of Education at Signet Education (July 2014 - June 2018)
• Previously worked as an Analyst at Bank of America (2002-2003)
• Associate Instructor at Indiana University Bloomington

Additional Achievements

• Member of Chief, a private network for exceptional female leaders
• Multilingual, speaking French, Persian, Arabic, and other languages
• Speaker on topics including education, mentorship, and diversity
• Passionate about helping students achieve academic goals and discover their strengths

Professional Philosophy

Akbar believes in the transformative power of education and focuses on helping students "achieve their academic goals, discover their strengths and values, and forge their own paths forward in college, career, and life".1

Her recent LinkedIn posts reflect her commitment to education, often discussing college admissions, student growth, and the importance of a thoughtful approach to higher education.234