HGSE Admissions Blog

Malaika Ogukwe (she/her)

Malaika is a multidisciplinary artist, consultant, coach, and current Master’s student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her studies focus on somatic movement, social-emotional well-being, and healing-centered learning. Drawing from her own experiences of navigating grief while building her career in consulting, tech, startups, and education, Malaika plays with a range of mindfulness and movement practices to find balance in day-to-day life. Through her personal practice and time spent living abroad, she exemplifies the healing power of dance, yoga, and touch.

I spent the first few years post-undergrad building a career across multiple industries and functions. The unifying factor across my experiences was my interest in understanding the organizations from a leadership and organizational level. I knew that I wanted to pivot my career into education and the ELOE seemed to offer the support to synthesize what I’d learned in my career so far and grow as an education entrepreneur. I appreciated that ELOE offers a more personalized approach, creating a unique learning experience. During undergrad, I regularly gravitated towards independent studies so being able to steer my learning experience was really important to me!

During How People Learn, we had the option of opting in to a peer view for our final design proposal assignment. Unbeknownst to me, my peer reviewer would become one of my closest friends and most trusted confidantes at HGSE! Her feedback on the assignment really pushed my thinking but her overall support for my educational and personal journey can not be understated! I met so many amazing people during my Foundations courses that made me excited to learn alongside such brilliant and passionate minds.

There are countless ways to get connected with the broader HGSE/Harvard community! I sign up for newsletters at Harvard’s various schools and centers – they always have cool events and talks and they’re great opportunities to network outside of HGSE. I spend much of my time outside HGSE at the Harvard Dance Center, the Harvard Art Museums, the Kennedy School, and the Harvard Innovation Labs. I’ve been fortunate to make friends and professional connections in these spaces! My recommendation is to say yes! Say yes to as many things as possible (without burning yourself out, of course!). You never know what connections you’ll make at a random event on a Tuesday evening.

This is an excellent program for those who want a transformative leadership experience. The world needs committed leaders now more than ever. Get clear on the impact you want to have in your communities and how your experiences thus far set you up well for creating that impact! People at HGSE are all accomplished in their own unique ways so be authentic and tell your story because I promise, as a leader, there’s someone who needs to hear yours.

Aysun Mammadli (she/her)

Aysun is a dedicated educator, mentor and trainer with extensive experience, a TESOL certification from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Language from the Azerbaijan University of Languages. Currently, I’m an Ed.M. candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on ELOE/GICE. I take pride in being a recipient of the competitive State Program scholarship awarded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. My passion lies in creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that inspire both academic excellence and personal growth.

There is a beautiful expression in Azerbaijani: “İşi peşəkarından öyrən.” It signifies that the most effective way to acquire expertise in a particular field is by learning directly from seasoned professionals who practice it. As a 21-year-old eager to carve out a life of meaningful impact, innovative creations, and lasting legacy, I knew I needed more than ambition—I needed an education that would guide me in the right direction.

That’s when I set my sights on a master’s program that would not only equip me with vital skills and knowledge but also connect me with like-minded individuals. After exploring the offerings of my dream university, Harvard, my heart undeniably leaned toward the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship (ELOE) program. It perfectly encapsulated my interests in leadership, organization, and entrepreneurship.

To help us achieve our goals, ELOE students are organized into five-member Micro Learning Communities (MLCs). These small groups provide a support system throughout the year. I remember the anticipation on my first day, wondering who I would be spending the next year with. As I sat at the table with my assigned group, I was pleasantly surprised. A miracle unfolded—I found myself surrounded by people I genuinely liked and respected. It’s as if we were meant to be together, each one of us complementing the other like the halves of an apple. We meet weekly to share our goals, challenges, and achievements, supporting each other along the way. This community enhances my productivity, allowing me to reach my goals more easily alongside individuals I value greatly. Oh, and we’ve created beautiful memories together, like exploring Boston and even visiting a halal restaurant as a sign of respect for my faith. The love and respect in this community are palpable!

Harvard is a hub of constant events, initiatives, and club activities. At the start of each month, we receive emails about upcoming opportunities, and I make it a point to participate in as many as possible. My primary motivation is not only to gain new knowledge but also to build lasting friendships with quality people. Making connections here is simple; it begins with a few sentences and often blossoms into deep friendship and love. For prospective students, my advice would be to take the time to truly understand yourself and the HGSE/ELOE program. Dive into their official resources to identify how well your goals align with theirs. If your heart says, “Yes, this is what I want,” be sure to give it your all to become a part of this community. Join online informative sessions for prospective students and connect with alumni on LinkedIn—they are always open to helping.

Muskkaan Bafnaa (she/her)

Muskkan is an early childhood education enthusiast, currently studying at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the Vice Principal of The Evolvers Nest Preschool, India. She is currently developing an after-school program focused on social-emotional learning, serves on the Student Advisory Board for ELOE. Her ultimate goal is to create a democratic K-12 school that fosters holistic development in India.

I am an architect by qualification, but my career path shifted during the lockdown due to experiences with education that deeply resonated with me. My mother founded The Evolvers Nest preschool in India, and I grew up watching her shape young minds. I saw the powerful impact education can have on individuals and communities. This influence guided me to step into a leadership role within our preschool and I later founded Evolving Thinkers, an afterschool program for young children, I was already in a leadership role and working at a systemic level. However, I wanted to make more informed decisions, understand the broader landscape of education, and bring innovative practices to my work. The Education, Leadership, Organization and Entrepreneurship program stood out because every aspect aligned with my goals. The chance to blend my practical experience with academic theory to scale my impact was why I applied.

I’ve been fortunate with my classes at HGSE—they are exactly what I hoped for. One of the most impactful courses has been T565: Entrepreneurship in the Education Marketplace with Dr. Angela Jackson. This class perfectly combines business and education, which is the very reason I joined HGSE. Each week, we dive into real-world case studies, followed by engaging discussions with the case protagonists, who share their experiences either in person or via Zoom. What makes this class particularly memorable is that alongside learning from these entrepreneurs, we’re developing our own products, learning how to pitch, and getting practical feedback on our ideas. This course has helped me grow both as an educational entrepreneur and a leader, reinforcing that HGSE was the right choice for my professional growth.

I’ve embraced many opportunities to connect with the HGSE and Harvard communities. I currently serve as co-chair of two clubs: the India Club at HGSE and the HGSE Dance Club. These roles allow me to organize events, such as Navratri night, which brings together students across campus and celebrates cultural diversity. I also participate in the activities organized by the EDventures club, a group that embarks on weekly adventures with peers, which has been a great way to form friendships and build a sense of community. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to connect with students from other Harvard schools through cross-school mixers and events. The warmth of the HGSE community is truly unmatched—everyone here is welcoming and eager to support one another, making it feel like HGSE is one big family.

If you’re thinking about applying to HGSE or the ELOE program, my advice is simple: believe in your story and take that leap of faith. You belong here. HGSE is a place that values diverse experiences, so don’t hesitate to bring your unique authentic journey to the table. It doesn’t have to be perfect or completely figured out, but it must be yours. The program is transformative, and if you’re passionate about making an impact in education, this is the perfect place to start. Don’t wait—hit that apply button!