Shamsiyya (Shams) Mustafayeva is a senior expert with over 20 years of professional management experience in international development and leadership education. Currently serving as Principal Gender Specialist at the World Bank and faculty member of ADA University's Executive Education Program, Shams brings extensive practical experience in strategic planning, talent development, and organizational transformation. She is recognized as a leading expert, particularly in gender equality, inclusive leadership, and women's empowerment across various sectors.

Throughout her professional career, Shams has held significant leadership positions, including Partnership and Development Finance Officer at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Azerbaijan, the first local Training Director for the US Peace Corps, Deputy Vice-Rector at ADA University, and Advisor to the Rector at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sports. She has successfully led diverse projects ranging from developing and implementing large-scale training programs for American volunteers to strategically coordinating UN country teams.

Shams holds master’s degrees in Public Administration and International Relations (Syracuse University, USA), specialized training in Advanced Management from Harvard University and American University, and certified leadership coach credentials. She has conducted hundreds of training sessions for government and private sector leaders, co-authored nationally significant initiatives such as "Code for Future" and "Women and Future in Azerbaijan," and received the "Woman Creating a Better World for All" award from the Women's Economic Forum for her work in gender equality.

Shams is a co-author of the World Bank and EBRD's online course, "Occupational Safety and Health, and Violence and Harassment in the Workplace: A Gender Perspective," as well as the World Bank's report, "Barriers to Women's Employment in Azerbaijan."