Katrina Mankani is an accomplished leader in the UAE’s educational sector, serving as the Managing Director and Director of Positive Education at Fortes Education, a Dubai-based operator of K-12 schools and preschools. She is also the Managing Director of Jumeirah International Nurseries (JINS), Fortes Education’s preschool chain, and a driving force behind the Positive Education initiative implemented at its flagship schools, Sunmarke School and Regent International School. These roles highlight her commitment to integrating innovative teaching practices with positive psychology principles, fostering environments where students excel both academically and emotionally.
From Real Estate to Education: A Journey of Purpose
Katrina’s professional journey is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to meaningful impact. Arriving in Dubai over 16 years ago, she initially ventured into real estate, launching her own brokerage firm. However, inspired by her mother-in-law, Shakuntala Mankani—a pioneer in Dubai’s education sector since the late ’70s—Katrina transitioned into the field of education. Starting as a teaching assistant at JINS in 2009, she progressed through roles as a teacher and nursery manager, eventually becoming the Managing Director in 2015. This hands-on experience across various levels of the educational system has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the sector, informing her leadership approach today.
Pioneering Positive Education
Under Katrina’s leadership, Fortes Education has championed Positive Education, an innovative approach that combines academic learning with character development and emotional well-being. This philosophy is woven into the curriculum, creating an environment where students thrive holistically. Katrina describes it as “educating the head, heart, and hands,” emphasizing the importance of nurturing kindness alongside academic skills. The goal is to create a world where every child has access to an education that balances academic achievement with emotional well-being and character development.
Fortes Education: A Legacy of Excellence
With a legacy spanning over four decades, Fortes Education is a distinguished institution in the UAE’s educational landscape, operating two premier K-12 schools and ten preschools in Dubai. Its flagship schools, Sunmarke School and Regent International School, are highly acclaimed, both earning the prestigious “Outstanding” rating from the British Schools Overseas (BSO) Inspection Bureau. Notably, Sunmarke School ranks 69th globally and 3rd in Dubai for International Baccalaureate (IB) results, with an impressive average score of 36.2 points—5.88 points above the world average.
Community-Centric Approach
For Katrina, the sense of “community” is at the heart of everything Fortes Education does. She believes that parents aren’t just spectators but collaborators in shaping their children’s futures. This partnership has helped create an ecosystem of trust and loyalty. While many organizations struggle to balance growth with quality, Fortes Education has made it their signature, maintaining the promise that every child deserves the best. It’s not just education; it’s transformation, delivered with a touch of warmth, humor, and humanity—because that’s how true learning happens.
Embracing Innovation and Sustainability
Fortes Education is at the forefront of educational innovation. Its Positive Education model is complemented by the adoption of AI tools to personalize learning journeys, while green initiatives drive its sustainability efforts. This holistic approach ensures that students are prepared not just academically but also as responsible global citizens.
A Vision for Global Impact
Looking ahead, Katrina envisions Fortes Education as more than a regional leader; she sees it as a global thought pioneer. The goal is to export Positive Education to the world, influencing how schools approach teaching and learning. It’s about redefining success—not just in grades but in how students navigate challenges, build relationships, and contribute to society. Fortes Education is more than an organization—it’s a movement. Katrina invites everyone to visit their schools, see the smiles, hear the conversations, and feel the energy, assuring that there’s something extraordinary happening there.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Despite her demanding roles, Katrina emphasizes the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal well-being. She believes that leaders should model the principles they advocate, including self-care and continuous personal development. This balance not only enhances her effectiveness as a leader but also sets a positive example for her team and the students they serve.
Inspiring Future Educators
Katrina’s journey from real estate to education serves as an inspiring example for those considering a career in this field. She advocates for passion-driven work, encouraging individuals to seek purpose beyond profit. Her story underscores the idea that flexibility and resilience are key to navigating one’s career path, and that meaningful impact is achieved by aligning one’s work with personal values.
Conclusion
Katrina Mankani’s leadership at Fortes Education exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovation, compassion, and excellence. Her commitment to Positive Education is transforming traditional educational paradigms, placing equal emphasis on academic prowess and character development. As Fortes Education continues to flourish under her guidance, it stands as a beacon of holistic learning, not just in the UAE but potentially on a global scale.
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