About

Dr. Sunitha Kshatriya, PhD, MBA

Current Appointment:

Global Educator

Innovation Strategist

Professor

Researcher

Ecosystem Builder

Dr. Sunitha Kshatriya is an accomplished academic leader, educator, and researcher with over 20 years of experience in higher education across the UAE and Canada. As Director of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at American University in Dubai, she champions experiential learning, design thinking, and innovation ecosystems that empower students and communities to reach their full potential.

She has held senior leadership and academic roles including Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Acting Dean of Research, Program Director, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Visiting Faculty, and Sessional Professor across institutions in Dubai and Canada. She is also the Founder Director and Chair of the Empowerment Centre for the Advancement of Education (Canada), a not-for-profit organization focused on education and empowerment.

Dr. Kshatriya has led the establishment and scaling of innovation centers, incubators, academic programs, and institutional accreditation frameworks. She has worked extensively with government bodies, universities, incubators, and international organizations, contributing to entrepreneurship education, women and youth empowerment, and education–industry collaboration.

She is the author of academic and spiritual books, an active researcher with peer-reviewed journal publications, and a frequent presenter at international conferences. Her work has been recognized through multiple national and international awards and professional recognitions.

Impact & Achievements

Measurable achievements delivered by an Academic Leader & Innovator in education and innovation.

Years Academic Experience
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Startups Supported
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Workshops Delivered
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Strategic Partnership
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Active professional engagements

Co - Founder

Curriculum Development, Training Consultant

Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center

Associate Professor of Management

Manager

Adjunct Faculty

Chair and President

Director Institutional Effectiveness, Associate Professor

Program Director

Grader; Guest Lecturer

Leader in Residence, “Skills for Change – Empowerment”

Director and Chair, HR Committee (Board of Directors)

Professor – Sessional

Relationship Manager

Assistant Human Resources Advisor (ITI)

Consulting

Manager, Office of Institutional Research

Branch Manager

Honoring excellence in education, research, and leadership

An Exemplary Educator

Arabian World Magazine

June 2025

An Exemplary Educator

Arabic Al-Nashra Al-Edareya

June 2025

Asian Education Leadership Award

World Sustainability Congress

2019-20

Best Researcher Award

Al Dar University College

2016-17

Research Contribution Award

Al Dar University College

2015-16

Status of Women Canada Award

Skills for Change

2012-13

Professional Focus

Focused expertise delivered by an Academic Leader & Innovator in education and innovation.

Entrepreneurship Education

Cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities through experiential learning and practical application.

Innovation Ecosystems

Building collaborative environments that foster creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable innovation.

Design Thinking & Experiential Learning

Applying human-centered design methodologies to create meaningful learning experiences and solutions.

Strategic HRM & Leadership Development

Developing organizational capabilities and leadership excellence for sustainable competitive advantage.