JAGANNATHAN Sheila
Sheila Jagannathan is a lifelong learner and distinguished global leader in education and capacity development with an illustrious career spanning over 35 years. As an internationally recognized thought leader, advisor, author, and advocate for transformative educational practices, Sheila has consistently demonstrated unparalleled expertise in leading comprehensive and innovative initiatives across diverse global environments. Her work focuses on open learning, digital skills, social and immersive learning, 21st century learning platforms learning analytics, knowledge management, and driving transformational change in both public and private sectors.
Her 25-year tenure at the World Bank as the Global Head of the Open Learning Campus highlights her leadership in integrating cutting-edge educational technologies with strategic capacity building, adult pedagogies. Under her guidance, the World Bank implemented innovative solutions that significantly enhanced performance and productivity on a global scale for clients, demonstrating massive impact and scalability. Sheila’s strategic vision contributed to pioneering advancements in digital and blended learning, AI in learning and capacity development directly supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and facilitating impactful global partnerships.
Since retiring from the World Bank in April 2023, Sheila has undertaken significant roles including Senior Advisor on capacity development at the African Development Bank and Deputy Executive Director of Strategic Relationships at Saylor Academy. These positions underscore her ongoing commitment to democratizing digital education and enhancing global educational practices through strategic advisory and leadership roles.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of global education, Sheila Jagannathan plays a pivotal role in the strategic design, delivery, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up of platforms dedicated to digital skills development in emerging countries. Her efforts focus on creating scalable and sustainable learning solutions that empower disadvantaged citizens and individuals with essential digital skills necessary for the digital economy. By ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous improvement, Sheila's work not only enhances educational opportunities but also fosters long-term economic growth and workforce capabilities in these regions.
Sheila Jagannathan is also the author of the seminal book, 'Reimagining Digital Learning for Sustainable Development: How Upskilling, Data Analytics, and Educational Technologies Close the Skills Gap,' which has been recognized as a landmark in digital capability building and sustainable development. Her strategic insights are further extended through her active roles on the advisory boards of several prestigious organizations, including UN-SDG Learn, the Global Distance Learning Network, and the Indian National Skills Development Council. Through these platforms, Sheila contributes to shaping global education strategies and policies, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.
Recognized for her contributions to the tech and educational sectors, Sheila was named one of the "100 Executive Women in Tech to Watch in 2022" and has been a part of an elite group of global leaders participating in the UN Executive Leadership Program for Sustainable Development. In recognition of her lifetime contributions, Sheila was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of Korea and the World Bank in June 2023. She remains an active member on advisory boards of prestigious organizations including UN-SDG Learn, E-Learning Africa, and the Indian National Skills Development Council, continually shaping the future of education and capacity building on a global scale.
Contact :
Sheila Jagannathan
Address: 8404 Old Seven Locks Road
Phone: 202-247-1893