Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh brings together an international community of women to develop the next generation of leaders, many of whom are first in their family to attend university. With 1,734 students from 15 different nationalities, this unique institution forms a truly global community. Through its partnership with Aspire Institute and AUW’s Center for Leadership and Professional Development (CLPD), AUW provides women with the leadership skills and global connections needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive professional world.
This collaboration bridges the gap between academic knowledge and workplace readiness, helping students feel more confident and prepared to enter their careers after completing CLPD programming and the Aspire Leaders Program.
Developing Leadership Through Hands-On Experience
The Center for Leadership and Professional Development at AUW equips students with experiential learning that enhances their academic journey.
“The Center for Leadership and Professional Development at AUW empowers women leaders through real-life experience via internships and exchange programs,” said Sameera Khan, Manager of CLPD.
Through strategic partnerships and tailored programming, CLPD facilitates professional growth opportunities.
“These opportunities help students build sustainable global networks and gain intercultural understanding,” Khan said.
Aspire Institute and AUW’s CLPD focus on leadership skills in addition to professional competencies to prepare well-rounded leaders with a bias-for-action.
“CLPD provides both hard and soft skills training to equip students to become innovative professionals who can contribute to sustainable development in Asia and beyond,” she explained.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Career Readiness for Young Leaders
After graduation, students require more than theoretical knowledge to succeed in today’s complex professional landscape.
“In today’s competitive work environment, theoretical academics alone cannot prepare our students for the real-life challenges that await them,” Khan explained.
AUW’s experiential learning approach addresses this gap by immersing students in professional environments where they develop practical capabilities alongside academic knowledge.
“The modern workplace demands a diverse set of skills, practical knowledge, and hands-on experience that traditional classroom learning cannot fully provide,” she said.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The partnership with AUW’s CLPD aligns with Asprie Institute’s mission to empower limited-income and first-generation university students to reach their full potential academically and professionally.
“As a university that provides fully-funded need- and merit-based scholarships to almost 80% of our students, we decided to partner with Aspire Institute because our missions align perfectly,” Khan expressed.
Both organizations actively work to develop change agents who will contribute to change in their communities worldwide.
“Aspire Institute and AUW work toward empowering underprivileged students from low-income backgrounds to reach their full potential,” Khan said.
Aspire’s Transformative Impact
Many AUW students have gone through the Aspire Leaders Program over the last few years. These learners explained that they feel more confident and career ready after going through the various modules.
“I have spoken to several students who have benefited from the program’s professional development segment,” Khan said. “They are now better equipped to showcase their abilities across different platforms.”
Students particularly value the live seminars with world-class educators and the discourse with a global community of peers.
“One student particularly emphasized how valuable the Masterclasses were,” Khan added.
Advice for Emerging Leaders
As AUW continues preparing women for leadership roles across sectors, Khan shares some guiding words.
“My advice to young leaders is to lead by example, acknowledge their weaknesses, and be open to change,” she said.
This partnership continues to cultivate a new generation of women changemakers who bring fresh perspectives and create meaningful change.
