Getting to Know Bennett's UAE Consultants: Meet Aamynah Nagji

Why a tangerine? you might ask. Read on...

Meet one of the experienced education consultants bringing Bennett's expertise to families in the UAE and across the region.

As Bennett International expands our support for families navigating academic challenges across the globe, we're proud to spotlight the experienced consultants who make our mission possible. Today, we're speaking with Aamynah Nagji, one of our Global Team leads who has been instrumental in supporting families across the Middle East and Asia region. With her particular blend of financial analysis training, child development expertise, and deep cultural understanding, Aamynah brings a distinctive perspective to helping families find the right education pathways for their children.

Hannah Buzzelli: Aamynah, could you tell us about your education and professional background?

Aamynah Nagji: I studied economics at Saint Xavier's College in Mumbai, where I enjoyed a well-rounded education that included psychology and sociology alongside my economics major. I pursued the Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) program and completed Level 1 of the qualification, which gave me a strong analytical foundation that I find incredibly valuable in education consulting.

What drew me to working with children was a combination of personal and professional inspiration. As I watched my own children grow, I became curious about how guidance shapes young people during key transitions. That curiosity deepened when I completed Girls Circle, a mentorship program focused on supporting teenage girls. It opened my eyes to the difference you can make at pivotal moments. This led me to pursue UCLA’s College Counseling Certificate, which gave me a solid foundation in education guidance and confirmed that this was the work I truly wanted to do.

Hannah: How did you come to join Bennett International?

Aamynah: At the time, I was working in the field of youth leadership and development, and I found myself increasingly drawn to making a deeper impact. I began actively exploring global education trends and opportunities, subscribing to industry publications to stay informed. That’s when I came across a posting from Bennett International (formerly School Choice) for an education consultant — and it immediately resonated. It was one of those rare roles where everything aligned: my background in research and analysis, my cross-cultural experience, and my desire to support families through meaningful transitions.

It felt like a natural next step—a space where I could bring both structure and empathy to the table. It’s been a perfect fit ever since.

Hannah: What is it about the Bennett community that resonates with you?

Aamynah: What stands out most to me about the Bennett community is how deeply collaborative it is. No matter the complexity of a case or the time zone you're working in, there’s always someone ready to share insight, lend a hand, or just listen.

Everyone brings their individual strengths, but it’s never about individual recognition—just a shared commitment to getting it right for the families we support. Our leadership sets the tone—Elizabeth Sawyer (CEO), Timothy Dwyer (President), Kate Ferguson (CFO/CHRO), and Jayne Gandy (COO) lead with humility and heart—and that spirit trickles down across the entire team. It’s a culture of kindness, professionalism, and shared dedication. It's like one big family where we're all committed to supporting each other and, ultimately, the families we serve.

Hannah: Tell us about the work you do supporting families relocating to the UAE and the broader region.

Aamynah: For families relocating to Dubai, the school search can feel like a maze. Between KHDA ratings, parent reviews, glossy brochures, and online forums, the sheer volume of information can be more overwhelming than helpful. What’s often missing is context — what do these ratings really mean? What questions should families be asking? And what kind of school environment will truly support their child?

Beyond the confusion, there’s also the pressure of limited availability in certain year groups or curricula. That’s why I work closely with families to bring structure to the process— guiding them step by step so they feel supported, informed, and confident in the decisions they’re making.

One of the most meaningful shifts we help families make is reframing the question from “Which is the best school?” to “Which is the best fit for our child?” That change in perspective opens up a whole new way of thinking. By understanding the family’s values, their child’s learning profile, and long-term goals, we can build a clear, tailored roadmap. That kind of thoughtful, strategic support is at the heart of what we do at Bennett.

Hannah: What's your favorite aspect of working with relocating families?

Aamynah: When I first connect with a relocating parent, they’re often navigating a whirlwind of decisions, and there’s anxiety about choosing the “right” school. But as we move through the process together, that uncertainty gradually gives way to clarity. Families become more confident and assured in their choices. It’s a powerful shift—helping them step into a new chapter of life with a sense of direction.

What’s especially meaningful is when families return to work with us again. I’ve had the privilege of supporting the same family through three different transitions. Being entrusted with that continued journey is incredibly rewarding—a true testament to the relationships we build.

Many families begin unsure of how to communicate their child’s needs. But through the process, they develop the advocacy skills to truly champion their child. That empowerment stays with them—and knowing that our support helped lay that foundation is one of the greatest rewards.

Whether it's a family returning after years, or a heartfelt message sent months later saying, "Thank you— his made all the difference", those moments reaffirm the impact we make.

Hannah: Beyond your work with Bennett, what are some of your interests and hobbies?

Aamynah: I really believe in maintaining a sense of balance, and that often starts with the values I was raised with. My parents instilled in me the importance of making time for family, and that remains a guiding force in how I live my life.

Alongside that, I enjoy going to the gym—it’s my space to reset—and I love listening to music. I also like to keep my analytical side sharp by investing in the stock market. I make it a point to stay connected with my girlfriends—including school friends and some I’ve known since I was three! These long-standing friendships are a grounding force in my life and such a rich source of laughter and support.

Hannah: Could you tell us about your role as a Global Team Lead at Bennett and what that involves?

Aamynah: A Global Team Lead is an experienced consultant who is expected to mentor and guide a group of education consultants in a particular region. I love each person on our team. When we have our team meetings, I often think of us as a fruit salad where each person adds a different flavor, and together we create something vibrant and well-balanced. As a Global Team Lead, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is connecting those individual strengths. When someone faces a challenge, I connect them with a colleague who’s walked a similar path or brings relevant insight. It’s not about having all the answers myself—it’s about knowing how to unlock the collective wisdom within the team. We’re a team that shows up for each other, and I feel proud to help foster that spirit of collaboration and shared growth.

Hannah: If someone asked what kind of fruit you'd be in that fruit salad, how would you answer?

Aamynah: (Laughing) I think I'd be a tangy tangerine—sometimes sweet, sometimes with a bit of zing, but hopefully always adding something distinctive to the mix. Or maybe I'd be that little sprig of mint that brings out the flavors of everyone else and adds a fresh perspective.

Hannah: You've worked with families across multiple countries in the region. Could you share some insights about that broader experience?

Aamynah: Living in the Middle East and leading work across the APAC region, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families relocating to cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Lahore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. It’s a region that is both geographically expansive and constantly evolving—shaped by a wide spectrum of educational systems, cultural expectations, and evolving regulation.

What I’ve come to appreciate is that while each location presents its own set of challenges, the core needs of families remain remarkably consistent: they want the best possible education for their children, and they need trusted, informed guidance to navigate unfamiliar systems. That’s where Bennett’s approach truly shines—combining deep research and structure with a personalized, child-centered lens.

Hannah: Looking back from your first case to now, how have you grown as a consultant?

Aamynah: I think the biggest shift has been in my confidence and comfort in handling complexity. In the beginning, I relied heavily on Bennett’s tried-and-tested framework, which gave me a strong foundation. Over time, I’ve developed the ability to read situations more intuitively—to pick up on what a family isn’t saying, or to spot red flags early and help them pivot before something becomes a problem.

 I've also grown in my ability to work collaboratively across our global team. The ERA (Education Research & Analysis) team, for instance, allows us to work together on larger, more complex projects and cover areas remotely that require specialized expertise. I often find myself reaching out to colleagues around the world for local insights to bring added clarity to a family’s relocation. This collaborative approach means we can provide families with the best possible guidance, regardless of their location and the complexity of their needs.

What hasn’t changed is the heart of the work—being present for families during moments of uncertainty and helping them move forward with clarity and confidence. That still brings me just as much joy today as it did on day one.

Hannah: Thank you, Aamynah, it’s always a pleasure to chat with you.

Aamynah: Thank you, Hannah. The pleasure is mine.

Read more from the UAE

Over the years, Bennett International Education Consultancy has worked with hundreds of corporations across the globe, many of them Fortune 500 companies, providing domestic and international school advisement & placement services - preschool through university - to the dependents of relocating employees. In addition to education placement, our team provides customized consulting for corporations with a range of education issues: education policy writing & benchmarking, tuition studies, group move advisement & planning, and remote education solutions.