Recognized among the Top 10 Educators by Khaleej Times (KT150) and honoured with the Global Peace Award by the United Nations for her humanitarian and educational initiatives, Masooma Ajaz has become a powerful voice for empowerment, education, and opportunity in the UAE. Through her community work, she has transformed the lives of countless job seekers and young professionals, helping them navigate their careers with confidence and purpose.
In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about her journey, inspiration, and the mission that continues to drive her impact.
Masooma Ajaz’s Early Life Journey
We wanted to know what shaped Masooma Ajaz’s early life and inspired her journey to where she is today.
Masooma Ajaz: I come from a background where education, empathy, and purpose were always at the heart of everything. From a very young age, I was drawn toward helping others — whether it was guiding classmates, volunteering for causes, or taking the lead in community activities. My early life was shaped by curiosity and a desire to make a difference. I’ve always believed that success means little if it’s not shared, and that mindset has guided me throughout my journey.
Empowering Job Seekers in UAE
We were interested in how Masooma Ajaz’s professional experiences influenced her journey toward empowering job seekers in the UAE.
Masooma Ajaz: My journey began when I realized how many skilled and talented individuals in the UAE struggled to find the right opportunities — not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked direction. I started helping job seekers voluntarily with their CVs, interview preparation, and career guidance. What started as a small act of kindness grew into a community initiative that has now helped thousands secure employment and regain self-belief. The smiles and gratitude of people who found hope again are what continue to inspire me every single day.
Impact of Brand Management Education
We were curious about how Masooma Ajaz’s educational background in MSc Brand Management shaped her professional journey.
Masooma Ajaz: My MSc in Brand Management gave me a deeper understanding of how identity and perception shape success. It taught me how to build and position a brand — lessons I later applied to people through personal branding and career development. Today, I use those same strategies to help job seekers understand their strengths, communicate effectively, and position themselves confidently in the competitive UAE job market. That educational foundation continues to influence how I mentor and empower others.
Inspiration Behind Youth Advocacy
We were interested in learning who or what inspired Masooma Ajaz to become a youth advocate and philanthropist.
Masooma Ajaz: I’ve always believed that youth hold the power to create a better future. What they often lack is guidance and belief in their own potential. I wanted to become that guiding voice — to help young people find their direction, stay motivated, and dream bigger. My philanthropic work grew naturally from this belief. To me, giving back isn’t just a choice; it’s a duty. When you have the ability to make a difference, you must use it to lift others up.
Meaning of UN Award Recognition
We wanted to know what receiving the UN Award means to Masooma Ajaz, both personally and professionally.
Masooma Ajaz: Receiving the Global Peace Award from the United Nations was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. Personally, it’s a reminder that every small act of kindness and every effort to empower others truly matters. Professionally, it reaffirmed my mission to continue building initiatives that promote education, peace, and community development. The recognition has also allowed me to connect with global changemakers and expand my impact beyond borders. It’s not just an award — it’s a responsibility to keep doing more good.
Passionate Topics as Global Changemaker
We were curious to know which topics Masooma Ajaz is most passionate about sharing with audiences as a speaker and global changemaker.
Masooma Ajaz: I’m deeply passionate about topics that revolve around career development, education reform, women empowerment, youth leadership, and mental well-being. These are subjects that shape individuals and societies alike. When I speak, I want people to feel seen, heard, and inspired to take action. My goal is not only to motivate but to offer practical tools that help people navigate real challenges and build purposeful lives.
Authoring’s Impact on Career Goals
We wanted to understand how Masooma Ajaz’s journey as an author has shaped her professional ambitions.
Masooma Ajaz: Becoming an author allowed me to reach people I might never meet in person. Writing gave me a voice that could travel further — to inspire, educate, and guide. My book will be a reflection of my journey, filled with practical insights and encouragement for anyone seeking growth. They complement my mentoring and speaking work, offering readers a lasting source of inspiration and self-development.
Motivation to Support Job Seekers
We were curious about what motivated Masooma Ajaz to focus on supporting job seekers in the UAE.
Masooma Ajaz: The UAE is a land that celebrates ambition and rewards determination. But for many job seekers, the journey can be confusing and overwhelming. I wanted to bridge that gap by providing genuine mentorship and practical guidance. Helping people find jobs isn’t just about employment — it’s about restoring confidence, dignity, and hope. Each success story I witness reinforces my belief that empowerment begins with education and empathy.
Challenges Faced by UAE Job Seekers
We wanted to know what Masooma Ajaz sees as the top challenges facing job seekers in the UAE today.
Masooma Ajaz: The biggest challenges are often not about skill but about awareness and approach. Many job seekers don’t understand how recruitment works here. They use generic CVs, apply everywhere without strategy, and miss the importance of networking and personal branding. There’s also a growing need for continuous learning — upskilling has become essential. Through my mentoring, I try to address these gaps by teaching people how to present themselves effectively and build a career, not just get a job.
Advice for Creating Meaningful Impact
We were interested in hearing what advice Masooma Ajaz would offer to someone aiming to make a meaningful impact in their community or career.
Masooma Ajaz: Start small, but start today. You don’t need to have a huge platform or resources to make an impact. Change begins with empathy, consistency, and purpose. Whether you’re mentoring one person, volunteering, or sharing your skills online — it all counts. In your career, focus on adding value and building trust. In your community, focus on kindness and collaboration. When you lead with authenticity and intention, impact naturally follows.
Closing Thoughts
Masooma’s journey is a powerful reminder that compassion, education, and determination can create waves of positive change. From being recognized by Khaleej Times to receiving a United Nations award, her story is one of purpose, passion, and perseverance — and a testament to how one person’s vision can empower an entire community.
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