Hi, I’m Hema Vinod, and my journey in education has taken me from the classrooms of India to refugee camps and conflict zones across the world. I’ve spent over three decades dedicated to helping displaced communities, and along the way, discovered my purpose in empowering young minds and their families.
Turning Points in Global Classrooms
In 1990, when my husband was posted to DRC and later in 1996 to Uganda, I moved there with my two children. At that time, I’d already served as an Assistant Head Teacher in Kolkata. In Uganda, I embraced the opportunity to continue teaching, eventually becoming Head of Department at an international school. Shortly after, I joined UNHCR as an Education Advisor, supporting refugee children from Sudan, Congo, and Rwanda by training teachers, renovating schools, and promoting their integration into local education systems.
Learning from War Zones
Two years later, I transitioned to UNICEF as an International Education Specialist. Over the next 15 years, I found myself in countries like Sri Lanka, Yemen, Jordan, Somalia, and Iraq, working to bring child-friendly education to disadvantaged and displaced children. These assignments meant constant movement and, in many cases, posting in insecure, non-family duty stations, yet the resilience I saw in the women there, especially the mothers raising children amidst chaos, deeply shaped me.
I regularly braved risk. I lost colleagues to violence, watched another be kidnapped, and returned home with a renewed gratitude for security and a burning conviction to serve
A New Chapter: Coaching & Writing
Returning to India in 2009, I could have chosen the comfort of a stable job. But I knew my passion was with the most disadvantaged children. After leaving UNICEF in 2020, I didn’t stop learning—I pursued an ICF-accredited coaching program at iPEC, and joined the Iron Lady Programme to sharpen my entrepreneurial direction.
Writing also beckoned. Today, I am a bestselling author and coach with four impactful books:
– Parenteening Made Simple (2021) — a guide for parents of teens, my “true niche”
– Girl, Empower Yourself — for girls navigating adolescence
– ABC of Parenting — focused on adolescent mental and emotional health
– Success Guide for Teens — helping teens transition into adulthood
My Heart’s Work
Originally from Kerala and raised in West Bengal (Loreto College, Calcutta Girls’ High School), I’m driven by nurturing future generations. My mission blends teaching, writing, and coaching—always centered on helping teens and families grow resilience, empathy, and strength
You can connect with me on my LinkedIn or visit our website for more information.
