Celebrating women in leadership at Nexford University on International Women’s Day 2025

What is International Women’s Day?

Since its first celebration in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been an inclusive global movement to promote and celebrate gender equality. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, underscores the push to close gender gaps faster, making lasting change in our workplaces, communities, and societies.

IWD is not just a celebration of achievements but a call to action. It challenges everyone to collectively create an equitable world free of bias and discrimination.

Today, we join this global movement by recognizing and amplifying female leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation, and advocacy for equality.

At Nexford University – where we’ve committed to creating equal access to education and career opportunities – this day resonates deeply with our mission. Our community is filled with students, alumni, and team members who embody what it means to drive societal progress and elevate outcomes in the working world. Among them, several remarkable women in leadership positions carry the torch of Nexford’s mission into 2025 and beyond.

From redefining the future of online education to championing learner success, these leaders are proof that skill, vision, and hard work are reshaping access to quality, global learning solutions. Today, we’re spotlighting the incredible contributions of three influential women at Nexford—Meghan Rodgers, Zahra Safavian, and Jennifer L. Scott, Ph.D.

Leading the way for our Mission

Meghan Rodgers — Chief Marketing Officer

With over two decades of experience in marketing, strategy, and operations, Meghan Rodgers has been a driving force behind Nexford's strategic development and ability to reach learners globally.

By building a culture of mentorship and innovation, Meghan has continuously championed initiatives that align Nexford’s brand with learners’ aspirations, ensuring every student feels empowered to achieve their goals and understands exactly how they can find their fit in our classrooms.

A master at managing large-scale operations, Meghan is also a mentor who inspires her team to push boundaries and bring fresh ideas to life. Her unwavering commitment to developing and empowering her colleagues reinforces Nexford’s goal of bringing equitable access to education for all.

Zahra Safavian — Chief Product Officer

Zahra Safavian’s contributions to Nexford are a testament to her ability to build and scale innovative solutions. A founding product leader, Zahra spearheaded the growth of Nexford’s pioneering enterprise SaaS platforms – including our classroom – transforming bold ideas into reality.

Her vision ensures that Nexford’s offerings aren’t just viable — they’re impactful. With expertise in product management, user experience, and agile methodologies, Zahra has architected systems that deliver personalized, flexible online learning experiences for students around the world.

Zahra’s strategic thinking doesn’t stop at technology. She’s created processes that bring products from concept to launch while driving measurable results. From designing learner-centric experiences to fostering continuous improvement, Zahra sets the standard for building thoughtful and scalable education solutions.

Jennifer L. Scott, Ph.D. — Chief Academic Officer

A renowned leader in digital transformation and higher education, Dr. Jennifer L. Scott joined Nexford in January 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in academic strategy and innovation. With expertise in edtech, organizational performance, and alternative credentials, Jennifer leads Nexford’s efforts to align education with workforce demands.

Jennifer is passionate about redefining how learning is designed and delivered. She has authored research on online learning cultures and alternative credentials, offering fresh perspectives on how education evolves. Her commitment to ensuring that Nexford’s learning model remains competency-driven and future-focused is vital to helping students succeed in a global marketplace.

Beyond her technical expertise, Jennifer’s visionary leadership creates a collaborative environment where ideas flourish. At Nexford, she is spearheading initiatives aimed at personalizing education and preparing learners with in-demand skills for lifelong success.

Why we celebrate

Nexford University is more than just an institution; it’s a movement committed to enabling greater social and economic mobility through affordable, accessible, and career-relevant education. We believe gender equality is foundational to creating opportunities for all, and we’re proud to empower leaders who reflect these values.

Innovative women like Meghan, Zahra, and Jennifer aren’t just leaders—they’re changemakers. Their achievements inspire and empower our global community of learners, proving that with the right tools and determination, progress is inevitable.

This International Women’s Day, let's celebrate the stories, achievements, and inspiration that women bring to the world. Together, we can continue to accelerate action toward a more equal future.

Watch the Future of Education Webinar

Curious about how education is evolving in 2025? Hear from Dr. Jennifer L. Scott as she leads a discussion on the future of learning in our recent webinar.