Founder Named 2026 Woman of Influence

Recognition highlights leadership in advancing ethical artificial intelligence, educational innovation, and institutional transformation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Columbia, MD | April 7, 2026

The International Institute of Technology, Education, and Leadership (IITEL) proudly celebrates the recognition of its Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Karla Bailey, as a 2026 Woman of Influence. The honor recognizes leaders whose work is creating meaningful impact within their professions and communities through innovation, service, and leadership.

Dr. Bailey's recognition reflects years of leadership at the intersection of education, technology, governance, and organizational transformation. Through IITEL, she has worked with educational institutions, government agencies, and international partners to help organizations thoughtfully navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.

As the founder of IITEL, Dr. Bailey has championed a human-centered approach to artificial intelligence that emphasizes ethical governance, institutional readiness, responsible innovation, and the protection of educational values. Her work focuses on helping leaders develop practical strategies that align technological advancement with mission, policy, and public trust.

In addition to her work through IITEL, Dr. Bailey serves as a Fulbright Specialist, international speaker, researcher, and Managing Editor of the American Journal of STEM Education. Her scholarship and professional engagements have contributed to global conversations on responsible AI integration, academic integrity, leadership, and the future of higher education.

"This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of colleagues, institutional partners, and educators around the world who are working to ensure that innovation strengthens—not replaces—the human purpose of education," said Dr. Bailey. "I am honored to share this recognition with those who are committed to building educational systems that prepare learners and institutions for the future with integrity, purpose, and courage."

For IITEL, the recognition reinforces the organization's growing role as a trusted partner for educational institutions seeking to navigate digital transformation with intentional leadership and evidence-based practice. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education and work, IITEL remains committed to supporting organizations in developing policies, governance frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives that place people, learning, and ethical decision-making at the center of innovation.

"Leadership in the age of artificial intelligence is measured not by how quickly institutions adopt new technologies, but by how thoughtfully they cultivate human knowledge, ethical judgment, and public trust."

— Dr. Karla Bailey, Founder & Executive Director, IITEL

About IITEL

The International Institute of Technology, Education, and Leadership (IITEL) is a global research, strategy, and institutional capacity-building institute dedicated to helping education, government, and workforce organizations navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies. Through research, governance, leadership capacity building, and institutional strategy, IITEL partners with organizations to strengthen the systems, policies, and organizational capabilities needed to responsibly integrate innovation while advancing learning, institutional excellence, and public trust.

Grounded in the belief that technology should serve people, IITEL helps institutions build the capacity to lead through technological change with confidence, integrity, and purpose. By combining evidence-based research with practical implementation, IITEL transforms emerging technologies into sustainable opportunities that strengthen organizations, empower people, and create lasting public value.

Media Contact

International Institute of Technology, Education, and Leadership (IITEL)

Email: media@iitelsolutions.com