The ABCs

A. 
Ishita Shailesh Deshmudre, Ed.M.’24  
Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology 

Arzu Mistry, ED.M.’08, my undergraduate mentor, inspired me to be here. Four years of experiencing her inexhaustible wisdom and warm dedication toward my lifelong learning showed me that my educational experience had just begun. The more I learned from her, the more questions I had. Finding a guru that you feel deep devotion towards is rare. I set out to find similar inspirational figures at HGSE and I found them not only among faculty, but also peers, enriching my experience beyond expectation.

B. 
Megan Palmer, Ed.M.’24  
Human Development and Education

I wouldn’t still be in school without Mandy Farhoodi-Moberger, assistant director of Human Development and Education. She has supported me through my nontraditional time at HGSE. From beginning the 2021 school year with major surgery, to adopting a baby, to taking a yearlong break, to now, navigating more medical complications, Mandy continues to cheer me on, provide resources, and give much-needed pep talks. So here I am, graduating in May 2024 because she helped me navigate Harvard at every turn.

C. 
Hanzhang Zhao, Ed.M.’24  
Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology 

My parents have inspired me to be at HGSE this year. Their support and encouragement have fueled my dedication to the field of education. Through the opportunities they provided, I have understood that transforming education is fundamental to transforming the world. Aligned with HGSE’s motto, “Learn to change the world,” as a learning designer, I am passionate about leveraging my skills to craft personalized learning tools tailored to the diverse needs of learners, thereby narrowing the gap and advancing educational equity.

D. 
Evetty Satterfield, Ed.L.D. candidate  
Doctor of Education Leadership

Rooted in introspection, at 26 years old, I envisioned a future where my academic achievements translated into substantial societal impact. Discovering Harvard’s Ed.L.D. Program, I saw a pathway not just to enrich my career but to genuinely influence the world positively. This ambition fueled a decade of purposeful choices, aligning my professional journey with my aspirations. Today, on the verge of becoming Dr. Evetty J. Satterfield, my journey embodies the profound impact of self-inspiration and dedicated ambition.

E. 
Mariama Wurie, Ed.M.’24  
Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology 

I was inspired to come to HGSE by my two sisters, my mom, and my maternal grandmother. They are fierce advocates and organizers for women and girls’ access to our rights, education, healthcare, livelihoods, excellence, and above all else, fun. They often tell me and show me how to strive for what makes me happy, whilst contributing something positive to the world.

F. 
Marc Claude, Ed.M.’24 
Education Policy and Analysis

I credit my decision to pursue a graduate degree in education at Harvard this year to my father, Marc Clervil Claude. Coming from a lineage of farmers in Haiti, he left his hometown 40 years ago to become the first teacher in his family. My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago in Canada. His amnesia motivated me to honor his legacy through public service and education. I have inherited my dreams from him, as he has passed on to me his love for mentoring. Coming to Harvard is a tribute to the global community of educators my father belonged to.