Dr. Zahra Ahmed

Hi Winthrop! I’m Zahra, an educator, artist, and leadership coach who’s passionate about helping people grow into thoughtful, creative, and courageous leaders.

By day, I work in faculty development at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, where I design and lead learning communities, including the Inclusive Teaching Institute, open to faculty and teaching staff across the University. I hold a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership and a master’s in Art Education with initial teacher certification from Teachers College, Columbia University. My professional background spans higher education, PK-12 schools, museums, and community settings. I began my career in the arts, earning my BFA in Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University, and creativity continues to shape how I approach leadership and learning.

As a Non-Resident Tutor, I’m especially excited to support students thinking about pre career paths and graduate school, building culture and community, and staying connected to the arts and music. I love conversations about purpose, big decisions, imposter syndrome, creative projects, and designing a life that feels both ambitious and aligned. Whether you’re mapping out next steps or just want to talk something through, I’m always happy to connect.