Dr. Sarifa Alonto Younes
Shereen Shabnam
This issue I am excited to interview a woman and a friend I admire most from my university days – Dr. Sarifa Alonto Younes. Two decades after studying together, our paths crossed and it’s exciting to see Sarifa as a force to be reckoned with—a global leader whose relentless dedication to education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy has transformed countless lives across the world.
As a multiple international award-winning serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and philanthropist, Sarifa’s work is an inspiration to all who aspire to make a lasting impact. Her life’s mission is clear: to uplift women, children, and marginalized communities through education, empathy, and empowerment.
Dr. Sarifa is the CEO and Founder of the Arndell Park Early Childhood Learning Centre in Australia and the President and Founder of the International Academy of Marawi (I AM) in the Philippines. These institutions are not just educational establishments; they are beacons of hope, particularly for underserved communities. Her belief in the transformative power of education has led her to establish platforms that nurture young minds and empower them to rise above adversity.
Sarifa’s influence extends beyond early education. She is also the Director and Co-Founder of Training College of Australia, where she continues to shape the next generation of leaders. Her innovative mindset has further led to the creation of initiatives like Authors Book Launch & Expo (ABLE), ABLE Publishing Press, and Entrepreneur and Business Leader & Expo (enABLE), all of which are designed to empower entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders to share their voices and drive positive change.
At the heart of Sarifa’s work is her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and children. She is the Chairwoman and Founder of the Alonto-Younes Foundation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities for orphans and young girls.
In addition to her work in education, Sarifa serves as Australia Country Chair for Business Networking under the ALL Ladies League, where she advocates for the empowerment of women through business and leadership opportunities. She also stands as a Brand Ambassador for the Tererai Trent International Foundation, alongside Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, working on global initiatives that further women’s education and empowerment.
Sarifa’s philanthropic endeavors have earned her global recognition. She has received numerous prestigious awards, with the most recent one being the Woman in Education and Woman Changing the World Awards in London, where she was recognized alongside Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. Sarifa’s groundbreaking work earned her the IIUM International Alumni Icon Award in Malaysia and the AusMumpreneur of the Year 2023 bronze title in Australia, further solidifying her place among the world’s most influential women.
Dr. Sarifa’s best-selling book, “Love Your Obstacles,” serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to overcome life’s challenges. The book has been widely acclaimed, receiving the Bronze Medal Award at the Golden Door-REX Karmaveer Truth-Writer Fellowship & Chakra Awards, a prestigious initiative in collaboration with the United Nations and iCongo.
Sarifa’s message of perseverance, empowerment, and embracing life’s obstacles has resonated with audiences globally, and she continues to share her story through various platforms. She has been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, television, and radio outlets, both locally and internationally, showcasing her journey of leadership, compassion, and global outreach.
Sarifa is a remarkable leader whose work transcends borders and touches lives across the globe. Her visionary approach to education, business, and philanthropy has empowered countless individuals to rise above their circumstances and achieve their full potential. As a beacon of hope and inspiration, Sarifa continues to break barriers, offering a transformative vision for a world where education and empowerment create lasting change.
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