Founder - Anna Sifford
In the spring of 2023, a delegation of educators from across the United States visited the UAE as part of a study tour supported by the UAE Embassy and the World Affairs Council of Dallas Fort Worth. Their mission: explore, learn, forge connections, and bring that knowledge back to their classrooms. The group met with senior government officials, surveyed important religious and cultural sites like the Abrahamic Family House and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and observed classrooms in action at various UAE schools. Hear three teachers that were recognized for their outstanding contributions while in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from three states, share what they experienced and what inspired them while in the UAE. Action Allies United looks forward to working with the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC again on a future project - an example of public diplomacy for students.
Anna Marie is entering her seventeenth year in education and is a proud Dallas ISD graduate from Booker T. Washington HSPVA, class of ‘93. Her son, Zakariya, will be entering fourth grade at Kramer Elementary. Ms. Sifford received the International Educator of the Year award in 2012 from the World Affairs Council of DFW and was a Marshall Memorial Fellow in 2013 resulting in eight weeks of meetings and events with European heads of state. She is both a distinguished teacher in DISD and a recognized teacher in the state of Texas. Anna Marie received her BA in Journalism and Political Science from SMU, her first master’s in diplomacy and international relations from Seton Hall University and her second from Gettysburg College in American History. After working for Dow Jones Newswires, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, Ms. Sifford transitioned to teaching and is further honored to be the sponsor of Hillcrest High School’s Junior World Affairs Council. This award-winning campus organization participates in global competency simulations like Model Arab League and hosts events, speakers, and initiatives, inspired by public diplomacy, to provide both the student body and the surrounding community with information and to encourage their participation in world affairs. Anna Marie teaches IB History, AP US History, and is the team lead for all US History curriculum on her campus. During Covid, Ms. Sifford secured the highest AP US History scores in the district. In March, Ms. Sifford was part of a 12-person national cohort that represented the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Meetings with Emirati ministers included deeply committed conversations about education, COP 28, extractive industries, and religious tolerance. Her students benefit from Ms. Sifford’s extensive travel to over thirty countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, and Morocco.
Learn about Anna Sifford’s diplomatic distinction as one of the the UAE Embassy’s 50 Years/50 Faces contributors…
Here are some of the 30 countries that Anna Sifford has been to:
My metamorphic journeys across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bharain, the Balkans, Europe, and the Caribbean, have collectively ignited a profound passion for cultural exchange and global unity through public diplomacy. As an educator, being named a Marshall Fellow and being chosen for several teacher outreach programs around the world has opened my eyes to the immense power of fostering connections between diverse communities. Inspired by the rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives exchanged during my time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in March 2023, I became determined to replicate this experience for my students.
The purpose is clear — to cultivate understanding and harmony through educational exchange. Much like scholars share ideas globally, educators too can contribute to incremental change. In the midst of the ongoing crisis in the Near East, the urgency to bridge divides and cultivate mutual understanding has never been more palpable. I believe that through these international trips, we can precipitate positive change and encourage a generation of students to become global citizens. It's an endeavor rooted in the belief that small steps can lead to erudite transformations. As we confront the challenges of the world, I am driven to empower students with the tools of empathy, cultural understanding, and a shared commitment to building a more connected and harmonious world. This journey is not just about education; it's about building bridges that transcend borders, fostering unity in a world that so desperately needs it.
