Azad Oommen is an internationally recognized leader in the field of education reform, known for his commitment to improving school leadership and educational outcomes in underserved communities around the world. As a co-founder of Global School Leaders (GSL), he has dedicated much of his career to helping develop and support school leaders in low- and middle-income countries. While his professional achievements are well-documented, much of his personal life remains private. This article takes a closer look at Azad Oommen’s background, career, and legacy in the world of social impact and education.
Early Life and Education
Azad Oommen early life has been largely private, but it’s clear that his foundation in international education and leadership development was set during his academic years. Born and raised in India, Oommen’s exposure to the challenges faced by communities in the developing world has undoubtedly shaped his career trajectory. His educational background is as impressive as his career, with degrees from some of the world’s leading institutions.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Azad moved to the United States where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics from Georgetown University, followed by a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School. His academic focus on economics and public policy provided him with a solid foundation in tackling social challenges from a systemic perspective.
Azad Oommen Career in Social Impact and Education
Azad Oommen career has been marked by his commitment to improving education systems worldwide. Early in his career, he worked with various nonprofit organizations and social enterprises, honing his skills in leadership development, capacity building, and institutional growth. His professional journey has been deeply rooted in his desire to empower leaders, particularly those in education, to create sustainable change.
Co-Founder of Global School Leaders (GSL)
Azad Oommen most notable professional achievement is his role as the co-founder of Global School Leaders (GSL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming school leadership in countries like India, Kenya, Brazil, and Indonesia. The mission of GSL is to build the capacity of school leaders, helping them improve teaching quality and learning outcomes for students in some of the world’s most underserved schools.
At GSL, Azad worked tirelessly to develop innovative training programs that equip school leaders with the skills needed to navigate complex educational landscapes and drive long-term improvements. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to become a leading force in global educational reform, partnering with governments, foundations, and international organizations to expand its reach.
Leadership in Central Square Foundation
Before his work with GSL, Azad Oommen also served as the Executive Director of the Central Square Foundation (CSF), an organization focused on improving education quality in India. At CSF, he was instrumental in shaping the foundation’s strategic vision and in creating partnerships aimed at improving school governance, teacher training, and curriculum design in one of the world’s largest and most diverse educational systems. Azad’s leadership at CSF has been recognized as key to driving positive change in India’s education sector.
Azad Oommen Personal Life: Family and Relationships
While Azad Oommen is known for his work in education and social impact, he also has a personal life that has garnered some public interest due to his relationship with Poorna Jagannathan, a well-known actress and producer. Poorna is best known for her role in **Netflix’s Never Have I Ever and HBO’s The Night Of.
Azad and Poorna married in 2003, and they have a son together. Though their public appearances are rare, they are often seen supporting each other’s careers in the entertainment and social impact sectors. Poorna has expressed pride in her husband’s work with Global School Leaders, and the couple shares a mutual commitment to bettering the world through their respective fields.
While Azad prefers to keep his personal life private, his work in education and his marriage to Poorna have brought him into the public eye from time to time. The couple resides in Los Angeles, where they balance their busy professional lives with family commitments.
Azad Oommen Global Impact and Legacy
Azad Oommen work has had a profound impact on education systems around the world. Through his leadership at Global School Leaders, he has helped thousands of school principals and educational leaders improve the quality of education in some of the most underserved regions globally. His belief that school leadership is critical to student success has driven his work in creating scalable solutions to support educational leaders.
Beyond his work in education, Azad has also been involved in various philanthropic and social impact initiatives, working closely with organizations that focus on youth leadership, economic development, and global health. His dedication to improving global systems, particularly in developing countries, has earned him recognition as one of the foremost advocates for social change in the education sector.
His legacy will likely be defined by his innovative approach to leadership development and the lasting impact of the educational reforms he has championed. Through his work, he has demonstrated the power of effective leadership in transforming communities and systems, making him a key figure in global education reform.
Conclusion
Azad Oommen is a remarkable figure in the world of education reform, known for his work to improve school leadership and educational outcomes across low- and middle-income countries. Through his leadership at Global School Leaders and Central Square Foundation, Azad has helped transform the way educational leaders are trained and supported, leaving a lasting impact on global education systems.
While he may not be a household name like some other social entrepreneurs, Azad’s work continues to inspire change and innovation in the field of education, and his legacy will endure through the leaders he has helped develop around the world.