Sheila Akbar, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Signet Education (MA)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
As a child of immigrants from a rural town with a small high school, I was really at a loss applying to college. Beyond that, I had no real mentors to help me through it, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have somehow muddled through. When I was finishing my Ph.D., I was teaching and tutoring as well, and thatās where I found the most joy. Truthfully, I just followed that joy, and it led me to today, where I get to be the mentor to teenagers that I needed when I was growing up!
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love working with students to help them understand how remarkable they already are. I may have to lend them a bit of confidence to get the ball rolling, but itās the most amazing thing to watch a student start envisioning their future, writing about who they are and who they want to be, and finding more spaces to show up as their authentic selves.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has been an amazing resource for education, networking, and resources. Iāve learned about niche topics; bonded over shared values; and accessed tools, data, and publications I couldnāt get from anywhere else! It is wonderful to be among so many professionals who āget itā!
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
The communication gaps between colleges, high schools, and families lead to a lack of trust! This is a systemic challenge, and I also believe individual efforts will help move us toward more clear, consistent, and caring communications.
When you arenāt working, what do you like to do?
I indulge the more creative path that I was not permitted to take as a child: art; film; music; and my absolute favorite, poetry.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Is it ridiculous to say Moana? LOL! I just love her.
Published Dec. 2, 2024