Shaimaa ElBanna is the Director of Education at the British Council Egypt.
In her role, she oversees the education portfolio, encompassing higher education, transnational education (TNE), science, international partnerships, student recruitment, and schools. Shaimaa’s career journey began as a dedicated researcher, where she gained first-hand experience in development initiatives and empowering marginalized segments of society, with a particular focus on women and youth. With over 20 years of experience in international portfolio management, she has successfully led large-scale and complex multimillion-dollar contracts and programs.
Prior to her current position, Shaimaa held several notable roles. As the head of training at ADEW, she effectively managed an EU-funded project on female empowerment. She also played a key role in establishing the Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership program at AUC in partnership with Wharton University, which was funded by Goldman Sachs.
Furthermore, Shaimaa excelled as the Internship Program Manager, overseeing a 12-million-dollar USAID-funded project with Illinoi University. Throughout her career, Shaimaa has contributed her expertise as a technical consultant for esteemed organizations such as UNDP, Save the Children, the Arab League, and USAID. Her diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the development landscape.
Shaimaa’s academic accomplishments further reflect her dedication to excellence. She holds a BA in Political Sciences from Cairo University, where she was honored with an honorary degree. Additionally, she pursued a diploma in Public Administration with a specific focus on transparency. Shaimaa’s commitment to academic growth led her to earn a Master’s degree with distinction in “Gender & Development” from Cairo University and Sussex University. Her thesis, titled “The Lived Experience of Women in STEM Careers: An Analysis of the Egyptian Context,” stands as a testament to her expertise in the field.