Inclusive Leader, Strategic Thinker, Change Agent

It is Dr. Shyla Rao’s passion to create professional environments of belonging where every individual is celebrated for the identities that inform who they are and empowered to be their fully authentic self in the workplace. 

As a keynote speaker, coach, consultant, mentor, and educator with 30 years of experience, Shyla supports executives, educational leaders, and teams in building partnerships that promote equity, drive continuous improvement, and strengthen organizational culture. She believes in shaping environments where core values and data guide decisions, and where leadership is both strategic and deeply human.

Shyla’s journey has taken her from nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. to international projects with NGOs, ministries of education, and universities around the globe in more than 8 countries. Along the way, she’s led program redesigns, championed equity-centered data-driven change, and brought fresh ideas to life. Her work is grounded in reflective practice, human-centered design, and a deep commitment to coaching leaders at every level to tackle tough challenges and make a real impact.

Shyla earned BFA and MAT degrees from Maryland Institute College of Art, a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teachers College, ACC certification from International Coaching Federation, CPDC coaching certification from CoachDiversity Institute. She is grounded by family, art, and a deep reflective practice.