Empowering Others Through Knowledge

Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi, MEd is a Palestinian-American educator, curriculum designer, speaker, and founder of Altair Education Consulting. With more than two decades of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to helping educators, schools, museums, and organizations create learning experiences that center inquiry, critical thinking, and the stories too often left out of traditional curricula.

Read our Q+A with Abeer below, and be sure to check out her full feature in our September issue of En Root!

This month's theme is all about empowering individuals through knowledge. Tell us how this theme has played a role in your personal or professional life.

Through knowledge, I access truth. Growing up in a highly marginalized community, I needed to seek the truth to nullify all of the mistruths and stereotypes I was internalizing. Therefore, creating curriculum that promotes real, true history based on primary sources is the only way I know how to access truth, teach truth, and empower students and their communities.

At OutGrowth, we believe in designing the space and time to reimagine the path forward. How do you think we can empower the next generation to build their own unique path forward, in their careers and lives?

Our role is to be mentors, providing the space for the next generation to pave their own way, but allowing us to guide them. The next generation is on a path that is very different from ours ( I am Gen X), so the skills, supports, and access to materials are vastly different from when we were growing up. Once we understand that and how vital our role is in providing support without judgment, we can create the spaces to empower the next generation.

What is one hard lesson you learned in this past year that contributed to your growth?

OOFF!! One hard lesson I learned is not having to say everything that is on my mind!

What is one competency or skill you hope to develop in 2026 (and beyond)?

I have begun building the onboarding of more educators to my business so that is helping me develop skills in leadership, managerial, social and business.

What inspires you?

My advocacy community. When I connect with folks whom I call my community, I always leave in awe and inspired to continue the work that I started.

At OutGrowth, we believe in preparing the next generation of leaders. What is one resource you'd recommend to those looking to carve out the time for growth in the next year?

The most basic general resource is to read!! Read anything and everything that revolves around your interests, and know what opposing forces will create roadblocks so you are prepared to counter those blocks. READ!!

What's next? What are you excited about in the coming year?

Many things: amplifying our work, expanding, making more connections and collaborations.