Empowering Excellence: Celebrating Women Leaders in Academia
May 12, 2026
Empowering excellence in academia is not just a vision—it is a powerful movement shaping the future of education. It was a distinct honor for Dr. Summaira Sarfraz, the first woman Director of the FAST-NUCES Lahore Campus, to host a prestigious gathering celebrating “Empowering Excellence by Leading Women in Academia.” The event brought together some of the most accomplished and inspiring female academic leaders from leading universities in Lahore, including esteemed Vice Chancellors, distinguished Heads of Department, and senior faculty members. The occasion served as a powerful platform to recognize leadership, foster collaboration, and highlight the vital contributions of women in advancing academic excellence.The presence of trailblazing leaders such as Dr. Najma Najam—the first woman Vice Chancellor in Punjab—along with Dr. Uzma Qureshi (Vice Chancellor, Lahore College for Women University), Dr. Iram Anjum (Principal, Kinnaird College for Women University), and Dr. Rukhsana Kausar (Former Pro-Vice Chancellor, Rashid Latif Khan University), made the occasion truly remarkable. Their collective insights highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership, academic excellence, and the transformative role of women in higher education. The forum also proudly acknowledged the appointment of Dr. Zareen Alamgir as the first female Head of the Computer Science degree program at NU Lahore Campus, marking a significant milestone in academic leadership. Special appreciation was extended to Dr. Saima Zafar for her role as Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, along with other distinguished female faculty members who continue to lead and inspire through their dedication and excellence.The engaging discussions and interactive Q&A session reflected a shared commitment to fostering collaboration, addressing challenges, and creating opportunities for future generations of women in academia.