Dr. Mishkat Al Moumin is a dynamic leader in education and nonprofits, specializing in transformative learning, strategic planning, and inclusive leadership. As the Founder and President of The Communication of Success, she pioneers innovative learning strategies that drive measurable impact. With over 20 years of experience, she has mobilized more than $70 million for environmental and public health initiatives, established Iraq’s first Environmental Council, and founded the Women and the Environment Organization to expand education and resources for thousands of women in rural communities. She is also a passionate advocate for racial equity and sustainability, integrating research-based strategies to strengthen institutions and create lasting social impact.
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture.
My journey has been shaped by a deep passion for education, leadership, and advocacy. I began my career as a law student at Baghdad University’s School of Law, where I found myself in classrooms filled mostly with men, with only a few women present. You could say I learned how to swim against the current early on.
After graduation, I became a lawyer, representing women seeking divorce or custody—often fighting against deeply ingrained societal norms. Over time, I secured my position as a faculty member at the School of Law, continuing to advocate for women’s advancement. That commitment eventually led me to become Iraq’s first Minister of Environment, where I spearheaded major environmental and policy reforms. My dedication to social impact also drove me to establish the Women and the Environment Organization, empowering thousands of women in rural communities through education and access to critical resources.
Believing in the power of learning to drive change, I transitioned into academia, teaching at institutions such as Baghdad University, the National Judicial College, and the Defense Language Institute. Throughout my career, I have worked to bridge the fields of law, education, and sustainability—mobilizing over $70 million for initiatives that create lasting impact. These experiences ultimately led me to launch my own venture, where I focus on innovative learning strategies that empower individuals and organizations to thrive.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
My organization, The Communication of Success, is a premier consultancy that I founded to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. I combine innovative strategies with proven expertise to guide my clients through challenges, help them seize opportunities, and achieve lasting success.
For me, communication, leadership, and strategy are the foundation of excellence. That’s why I focus on bridging gaps in these areas—empowering my clients with the tools and confidence they need to grow and thrive. Through tailored coaching, leadership development, and strategic consulting, I help professionals and organizations enhance their communication, strengthen leadership, and drive meaningful impact.
With over two decades of experience across academia, government, and nonprofits, I bring a global perspective and a results-driven approach to every engagement. I am committed to fostering excellence, resilience, and continuous improvement, ensuring that my clients have the skills and strategies to achieve their vision for success.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture? (Please talk about your recognitions/ achievements here)
Building The Communication of Success has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Clients have recognized the value of my tailored approach to communication, leadership, and organizational growth, and I have seen firsthand how these strategies create real, lasting impact. One aspect they particularly appreciate is my follow-up feature, where I check in with them even after our work is completed to ensure continued success. Another is what I call ‘the defusing feature,’ where I step in to resolve an issue before it escalates. While The Communication of Success is still in its early stages, my experience in educational consulting and leadership spans decades.
I am not new to the world of educational consulting. Before launching my venture, I worked as an educational consultant for the United States Institute of Peace, where I designed Iraq’s civic education curriculum in both English and Arabic. This experience deepened my understanding of curriculum development, strategic education initiatives, and the power of education in shaping resilient societies.
Over the years, my work has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Coin of Justice from the National Judicial College (2023) and several Coins of Excellence from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (2014, 2020). My ability to drive strategic change has also been acknowledged through leadership roles, such as establishing Iraq’s first Environmental Council and founding the Women and the Environment Organization, which has transformed the lives of thousands of women in rural communities.
Clients value my ability to integrate innovative learning strategies with practical, results-driven solutions. Whether working with individuals, nonprofits, or institutions, I have helped them overcome challenges, enhance leadership effectiveness, and strengthen communication skills. These recognitions, along with the success of my clients, continue to fuel my passion for empowering people and organizations to reach their full potential.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
One of the most positive changes I’ve experienced since starting my venture is finding a better work-life balance, which has allowed me to pursue my second doctoral degree—a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership with a focus on Higher Education.
For years, my work in leadership, education, and advocacy demanded my full attention, often leaving little room for personal academic growth. Now, with the flexibility of running my own consultancy, I can continue making an impact while also investing in my education. This journey has not only deepened my expertise but has also reinforced my belief in lifelong learning. Balancing my venture with my doctoral studies has been incredibly fulfilling, as I apply what I learn directly to my work, helping individuals and organizations thrive. It’s a rewarding cycle—my academic growth strengthens my venture, and my venture enriches my learning.
What are you working on right now?
At the moment, I am fully immersed in several exciting projects. While continuing to support my clients through my consultancy, I am also actively working on two books.
The first is a novel narrated through the voice of a child living in a war zone, offering a unique perspective on resilience, innocence, and survival. Set in Lebanon, where I was born, with a second book planned for Iraq, where I was raised, this novel explores and decodes layers of culture, history, language, and food—complete with authentic recipes woven into the narrative. It delves into the experience of loss, from the seemingly small grief of losing a pet or a barn animal to the deeper pain of losing a friend or a loved one.
The second book, Leadership Without Barriers, explores leadership concepts combined with my personal experiences. It builds on themes I’ve explored in my published articles on LinkedIn, where I regularly write about gender equity, leadership, and cross-cultural challenges.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
If there isn’t a seat for you at the table, bring your own chair—then lead the meeting.
Your voice, your ideas, and your vision matter. Don’t wait for validation—create your own path, seize your own opportunities, and lift others as you rise. The world needs more women who are bold enough to lead, to break barriers, and to shape the future.
So, bring your own chair. And when you sit at that table, don’t just participate—lead the meeting.
