Norah Alfaiz received her bachelor’s degree from King Saud University in 1978, majoring in Sociology. She continued her education at Utah State University, where she received a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the College of Education in 1982. After completing her degree she returned to Saudi Arabia where she worked as a teacher in the public schools, and was rapidly promoted to educational supervisor. She subsequently held numerous management positions in the field of education, including her service as head principal of the girls’ section at Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Schools. She became Director of the women’s section of the Administration Institute in Riyadh in 1993.
In 2009, Alfaiz became the first female Deputy Minister for Education, the most senior government appointed position ever to be held by a woman in Saudi Arabia. Her appointment was truly a groundbreaking event and a significant indicator of the broadening role for women in politics and education in Saudi Arabia. Alfaiz was among the individuals named as “The TIME 100: The World’s Most Influential: for 2009.” Because of her courage and commitment to educational access for all women in Saudi Arabia, Alfaiz serves as a powerful role model to other women aspiring to careers in education.