Leading innovation in a time of crisis

Farzana Ashraf, Chief Product & Technology Officer, leads on Pearson VUE’s global product & technology strategy, managing teams around the world. With responsibility for developing innovative products and services, building high-performing teams, and driving transformational change, she is passionate about supporting women in technology fields. Farzana was recently awarded Silver for ‘Leading Innovation in a Time of Crisis’ in ‘The Technology for the Next Decade, Today’ category at The American Business Awards^® or ‘Stevies’ as they are more commonly known. This award category recognizes individuals for ‘leadership, customer experience, and redefining the workplace.’

Farzana was honored for implementing multi-sourcing strategies for R&D and AI/machine learning based solutions. She has ensured that Pearson VUE’s technology products and organizational structure are able to deliver the best-in-class delivery that clients expect, even during the pandemic crisis.

Pearson VUE’s exam delivery changed rapidly last year around the global pandemic. Test center closures and social distancing requirements (as mandated by local governments) created limited appointment availability. Over the last 15 months, Farzana has focused on enabling the company’s primary Licensing and Certification segments to sustain the ongoing disruption around COVID-19.

For many companies around the world, the pandemic has prompted technologists to find new ways of doing things and has accelerated innovation. I’m so proud of what our business and teams have been able to achieve during a crisis and delighted to have received this Stevie award on behalf of Pearson.

—Farzana Ashraf, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Pearson VUE

With global lockdowns in play, candidates have increasingly turned to OnVUE, Pearson VUE’s online proctored solution, to continue their pursuit of certifications/credentials. In 2020, online test delivery increased by more than 300%, under Farzana’s leadership. OnVUE has become a critical solution for Pearson VUE’s customers around the globe in addition to physical test centers. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Pearson VUE continues to deliver millions of exams, and is investing in the latest technologies to maintain its position as the global leader in computer-based certification and licensure testing.

Farzana Ashraf, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Pearson VUE said “For many companies around the world, the pandemic has prompted technologists to find new ways of doing things and has accelerated innovation. I’m so proud of what our business and teams have been able to achieve during a crisis and delighted to have received this Stevie award on behalf of Pearson.”

Farzana is an advisor to the Women in Technology (WIT) group for Pearson. As part of this diversity and inclusion initiative, she is creating a comprehensive program strategy to recruit more women in technology roles across the company.  

In addition, she serves as an adviser and mentor to technology start-ups across the twin cities (Minneapolis–Saint Paul) area. She is also an active member of the local community helping women technologists access mentoring and sponsorship opportunities.