Dr. Debbie Almontaser is an internationally recognized educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and expert in cross-cultural understanding. She is the author of Leading While Muslim: The Experiences of American Muslim Principals After 9/11 and a prominent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As the Founder and CEO of Bridging Cultures Group Inc., Dr. Almontaser leads a for-profit organization that provides professional development and coaching to companies, nonprofits, universities, and K–12 education professionals. She is also the founding principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Brooklyn, NY, and has over 25 years of experience in the NYC Public School System as a teacher, trainer, administrator, and diversity advisor.
Dr. Almontaser currently serves as Senior Advisor to Emgage NY Metro and advises New York City elected officials and city agencies on cultural and religious diversity. She is also an advisor to the NYC Department of Education’s School Diversity Advisory Group. Additionally, Dr. Almontaser is the Board President of the Muslim Community Network (www.mcnny.org), and serves on the boards of the Yemeni American Merchants Association (www.yamausa.org), Therapy and Learning Center Preschool, and The New Majority (www.thenewmajoritynyc.org).
A dynamic leader and speaker, Dr. Almontaser was a featured speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and delivered a Quranic recitation at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration at Washington National Cathedral. She has been profiled by The New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and featured in multiple documentaries. Dr. Almontaser is also known for her leadership in organizing the historic Yemeni Bodega Strike and the “I Am a Muslim Too” rally in response to the Muslim Ban in 2017.
Through her work, Dr. Almontaser continues to champion interfaith and cross-cultural understanding on both local and national stages.