Baku, Azerbaijan – 2021 – Dilara Rustamzada has made history as the first Azerbaijani woman to be honored as Tech Woman of Azerbaijan 2021 for her groundbreaking contributions to digital transformation in education. Her leadership in launching the Virtual School Project during the COVID-19 pandemic played a critical role in ensuring nationwide access to education, reshaping the country’s approach to digital learning.

As the pandemic disrupted education globally, Azerbaijan faced the urgent challenge of maintaining learning continuity. Dilara took the initiative to develop, implement, and scale the Virtual School Project, a fully integrated digital learning platform that provided uninterrupted education to over 1.2 million students and 100,000 teachers. She led the project from its inception, overseeing its strategy, technical development, and nationwide deployment. The platform introduced a new era of digital education, equipping teachers with online teaching tools, enabling real-time student-teacher interaction, and ensuring accessibility for students across all regions, including those in remote areas.

The decision to honor Dilara with the Tech Woman of Azerbaijan 2021 award was made by a selection committee consisting of government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and digital transformation experts. The committee recognized her visionary leadership, problem-solving abilities, and ability to execute a large-scale digital project that directly impacted millions of students and educators. Her swift action during a national crisis and implementation of a technology-driven solution set a new standard for digital education in Azerbaijan.

Beyond her technical expertise, Dilara was also acknowledged for her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. She ensured that the Virtual School was designed to bridge the digital divide, making online learning equally available to all students, regardless of socioeconomic background. Her efforts in providing digital training for teachers and administrators further demonstrated her dedication to long-term educational transformation.

The award also recognized Dilara’s role as a pioneer for women in technology. As the first Azerbaijani woman to receive this honor, she broke barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in tech and digital innovation. Her contributions continue to influence national education policies and set the foundation for future advancements in EdTech.

Her recognition as Tech Woman of Azerbaijan 2021 is a testament to her exceptional leadership, technological innovation, and commitment to empowering communities through digital transformation. Her work during the COVID-19 crisis has not only safeguarded education in Azerbaijan but has also established a sustainable digital learning model that will continue to benefit future generations. Her historic achievement serves as an inspiration for women in tech, entrepreneurs, and leaders worldwide, proving that vision, resilience, and innovation can drive meaningful change.