Meet the Team

Farhana Saleem
CEO and Founder


"Empowering young women through education has always been my passion and the desire to work towards that materialised as Embrace Worldwide. Embrace Worldwide is a UK-based international student recruitment consultancy with a special focus on empowering girls. We have a range of bespoke coaching and mentoring programs that have been designed to support students with decision making, from choosing what they should study right through to the application and visa process. We aspire to make this process as pain free as possible so with that in mind, we have also developed a buddy program which ensures effortless matriculation". 

"There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free and educated woman" Angelina Jolie

After years of Senior management, sales experience and being a multiple award-winning business owner, I wanted to switch gears and steer my professional career in a more meaningful direction. I am passionate about channeling my coaching efforts into building women into competitive and competent members of the workforce who are not only confident in smashing the glass ceiling but are equally invested in paving the way for other women to follow.  As an ardent believer that one of the critical ways to empower young girls is to provide them with an education, it was inevitable that I would found and lead Embrace Worldwide as the CEO. I want to empower girls to continue their education and accomplish their academic dreams. My team and I at Embrace want to steer these girls on to a path that would lead them towards success and see them evolve into leaders both in their professional and personal lives. 

I am devoted to learning and exploring the nuances of gender inequality and working towards practical ways of making education more accessible. Pakistan is a country of interest for me because of the incredibly distressing gender disparity in schools and I have thoroughly researched the barriers that limit girls from being educated. As a British Pakistani woman who has ties with the Pakistani community, I am aware and sensitive to the barriers that these girls face. I want to reach out to these young girls and their parents to persuade them to continue their education and gain from the experience of studying abroad whilst staying within the realms of what is considered culturally acceptable. I will assure aspiring learners that I will be actively present to provide support and guidance. Some might say it's a drop in the ocean, but I am certain and proud that it will create ripples. 

I wouldn't be an effective coach and an empathetic mentor if I didn't make an effort to understand how people think and why they behave the way they do. Having a bachelor's degree in psychology and Master's in Business Psychology has strengthened the core of my coaching skills. Currently, I am studying for a Ph.D. in Psychology at Heriot-Watt University, aiming to equip myself with the knowledge to help me be a catalyst for the next generation, aspiring young learners with dreams for their successful future." 

Karolina Kowalska
Director of International Student Recruitment



"There are no perfect words to describe the values of education, being confident in a topic one is truly passionate about, adding to difficult discussions, speaking up for oneself. I truly believe that more emphasis should be put on educating as many young people in the next generations as possible so that we can build safe, accepting, inspiring future together."

Karolina has graduated MSc in Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication and with BA(Hons) in Business with Human Resource Management. She has a great passion for Talent Management and Recruitment, especially in an international environment. Her professional experience includes working in the Human Resources Departments in the private and public sectors, in the United Kingdom and in Germany. 

As a recent graduate, being a Manager of International Student Recruitment at Embrace Worldwide, Karolina hopes to help others with their academic choices so that they can experience education in internationally recognised institutions, meet inspiring people and get the best out of their academic ventures. Higher education has allowed her to find her passions and led her to a better understanding of her strengths, skills and talent. As a Consultant at Embrace Worldwide, she aspires to encourage the younger generation to take advantage of what the world of academia has to offer.

Having lived in Poland, Germany, Spain and Scotland and speaking four languages opened many doors on her professional and personal development journey. Although it is still far from the final destination, it allowed her to work in many international teams where diversity and inclusion were the key to success. Higher education institutions are becoming more and more diverse, appreciating the value that diversity brings to many important discussions. Karolina, together with the rest of the team, will aim to help anyone with the desire to complete a higher education degree with their application process, the move and the acclimatisation so that they can have the best academic experience.

Ayaz Sabir
Recruitment and Administration Manager



"I am committed to providing personalised service to every student, taking the time to understand their unique needs and goals. As a skilled communicator I can help students navigate any challenges that may arise during the admissions process."

Ayaz, as an experienced international education consultant, has been helping students achieve their academic and career goals for 5 to 6 years. His passion for education and deep understanding of the global education landscape allowed him to successfully guide countless students through the complexities of the admissions process, helping them secure admissions to top universities and colleges worldwide.

He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in international education, having worked with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. He has a strong understanding of the admissions process and can provide guidance on everything from selecting the right universities to crafting compelling application essays. It is this wealth of knowledge and experience that has elevated him into an exciting new position which will allow him to guide clients who are interested in immigration.

With his extensive network of contacts in the education industry, he is well-positioned to provide students and immigration clients with access to the latest information and resources. Whether you are a high school student planning for college, or a working professional looking to advance your career, he can help you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

Khadijah Zia
Administration Assistant

"My unwavering stance resides in the notion that it is imperative to prioritize the education of a vast multitude of young minds in the generations to come. By doing so, we can forge a future that is not only safeguarded and receptive but also imbued with boundless inspiration and opportunities, all achieved through our collaborative endeavours."

Khadijah's refined linguistic aptitude allows her to effectively communicate with students from diverse backgrounds, tailoring her guidance to their needs for successful outcomes. As a recent graduate and administration assistant at Embrace Worldwide, her goal is to assist individuals in making informed academic choices, connecting with inspiring individuals, and maximizing their academic journeys. She aspires to inspire the younger generation to seize academic opportunities as a Consultant at Embrace Worldwide, fulfilling her dream of empowering students to explore, learn, and excel. Being involved in an organization that prioritizes holistic development, especially empowering young girls, is a privilege that fills her with pride. Joining Embrace Worldwide, she contributes to guiding students in their study abroad endeavors and visa application processes, supporting life-changing educational experiences.

Jazal
Intern




"I'm particularly thrilled about the opportunity to join Embrace Worldwide as a Front End Intern. Their commitment to supporting young minds resonates with my enthusiasm for creating impactful online experiences."

Jazal, a final year Computer Science student at Edinburgh University, possesses a robust passion for web development and front-end design. Gearing up for graduation, he is excited about the prospect of a Master's in Computer Science. Before pursuing further education, Jazal is eager to dive into an internship.

In his role, Jazal looks forward to contributing to the enhancement of user interfaces, leveraging his proficiency in coding languages and design principles. With a focus on refining aesthetics and ensuring optimal functionality, he is ready to immerse himself in the dynamic world of front-end development.

What sets Jazal apart is a combination of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and a strong passion for creating user-centric web solutions. He brings strong organizational and communication skills to the table.

Excited to contribute his skills and learn from experienced professionals, Jazal believes this internship will be a valuable stepping stone in his journey towards becoming a proficient front-end developer.

Emmanuel
Intern



"I'm thrilled to be joining Embrace Worldwide as an administrator. Embrace's dedication to the well-being and success of its students resonates with my passion for helping others."

Emmanuel's interests in football and computer science have honed his teamwork and problem-solving skills, which he is eager to apply in his role at Embrace Worldwide. The organization's international focus and commitment to education align with his values, making this opportunity particularly exciting for him. Emmanuel looks forward to contributing to a positive and efficient learning environment while supporting students in their academic journeys.