Nishat is a Southern California based elementary school educator. She’s dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels seen, heard, valued, and safe. She serves her community in a variety of ways including being a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader at her school site, being an active chef in the Homey Made Meals initiative of Eayikes and Polos Pantry – Los Angeles, supporting the middle school debate programs in the Rancho Coast Debate League as well as the Pacific Coast Debate League, and supporting STEM education in LA County by serving as the President of the Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair.

Nishat just started her 8th year as Lower School Science Specialist, teaching Science to students in grades 2-5 at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California. Prior to that she served as a multi-age classroom educator and Director of Curriculum & Student Affairs at New Horizon School – Los Angeles. With over 15 years of experience, Nishat has an understanding of how to engage young people in age appropriate discussions around social justice issues and is known for helping students see beyond their own social circles. Nishat makes a concerted effort to bring multiple perspectives into her curriculum and allow students to understand each case completely. Nishat actively encourages students to ask questions, make observations, and search for solutions in all their endeavors. She focuses attention on teaching students skills they will utilize long after they leave her classroom by modeling being authentically herself in her classroom.   

Nishat is passionate about social justice and DEIB work. She finds understanding perspective and story integral to moving towards equity. She encourages those around her to bring their authentic selves and share their stories. Nishat celebrates differences and recognizes the parts of us that we all have in common. She whole-heartedly supports the work led by the Fig Tree Alliance’s Core Team. As an educator who has learned a great deal about herself and gained invaluable tools from Daniel, Deb, and Mohammed, Nishat is excited to be a Fig Tree Circle member.