Fatima Abdallah

“If we don’t invest time in teaching our kids how to be compassionate and thoughtful human beings, we will miss the opportunity to shape the world for the better.”

Born in the archipelago of Comoros, Fatima Abdallah moved to Chicago to pursue her passion for teaching. She considers herself a global citizen with a love for different cultures and languages. Her dedication to education is mirrored in her hobbies, where she likes to read about historical events and learn new languages, currently working on mastering Spanish. She spends her weekends volunteering as a mentor to young girls in underrepresented communities. Her ultimate goal is to empower girls to never feel afraid or voiceless.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I grew up in a community where education was not always accessible, and I saw the impact it had on my peers. I wanted to help make education more attainable and enjoyable for students.

What drives you in your work?

I am motivated by the idea that one person can make a difference, no matter how small the contribution. Every day, I have the opportunity to shape the minds of our future leaders, and that’s something I take very seriously.

What do you think is the most pressing issue in education today?

I believe that the education system needs to address the inequalities that exist in our school systems. We need to focus on providing equal access and resources to all students, regardless of their zip code or socio-economic status.