Natasha Ridge is the executive director of the Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research based in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (a quasi-governmental organization that serves as a bridge between the research and policymaking communities). Natasha holds a doctorate of education in international education policy studies from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a master’s degree in international and community development from Deakin University, Australia. Her research focuses on gender, education quality, and teachers in the GCC countries. Natasha has published a number of book chapters, working papers, and policy briefs. She has also consulted on curricula, assessment, training, and other aspects of educational policy for the World Bank, UNICEF, and USAID in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Prior to this, Natasha worked in senior administrative and teaching positions in schools in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Australia.