Namrita Balani is a dynamic leader in science, technology, and education, serving as the Director of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) in Belize. Born in India and raised in Belize from the age of two, she grew up with her twin sister and two younger sisters in a family that instilled the belief that gender should never limit ambition—a value that continues to shape her career in a traditionally male-dominated field.
With a passion for mathematics and technology, Namrita has dedicated her career to advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) in national development. She is currently leading the formulation of Belize’s first National Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy, set to go before Cabinet in 2026. She is also the driving force behind the #LeadLikeAGirl campaign, which encourages and empowers girls to pursue ICT careers, and co-leads transformative programmes such as Code Caribbean, the 501Academy, and USpace, which provide access to digital skills, innovation, and creative opportunities for young people across Belize. Through the ConnectED initiative, she is expanding WiFi access across campuses, already reaching 78% of schools nationwide, ensuring greater equity in digital learning.
Namrita has also represented Belize on the global stage at the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), contributing to international discussions on the role of science and technology in sustainable development.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Information Systems and Applications from National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and earned CERT – Level 1 Cybersecurity certification through an OAS Cybersecurity Bootcamp in Spain. Her work and dedication have been recognised nationally with the COVID-19 National Hero in Education Award from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Looking ahead, Namrita hopes to contribute her expertise as part of the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship, where she aspires to amplify Belize’s digital transformation in education, share lessons from small-state innovation, and explore scalable approaches that ensure equity and access for learners across diverse contexts.
Believing that technology can transform lives, Namrita continues to champion opportunities for young people—especially women—to embrace STEAM fields, ensuring that today’s investments in knowledge and innovation build the foundation for tomorrow’s progress.