About Syeda
A Lifelong Commitment to Peace and Childhood Development
All children deserve to live in a world where they are seen, heard, and treasured. A world where empathy, compassion, and peace reign, and where individuals work together toward unity and acceptance. Syeda Mleeha Shah is on a mission to make this vision a reality, one child, one community at a time.
Born in Pakistan and arriving in the United States in 2001, Syeda brought with her a dream—to foster peace education among children. She knew that helping young children thrive was more than just a goal; it was her life's work. With a deep understanding of the critical developmental stage from birth to age five, Syeda set out to make a lasting impact. These formative years are key to a child’s academic, emotional, and social success. With this knowledge, Syeda established White Oak Early Childhood Center in 2002, a pivotal step in her mission to strengthen communities by nurturing the next generation.
Syeda believes that early childhood development centers are not just places for children to be cared for while their parents work. They are essential spaces where children’s minds are nourished, and their potential is cultivated. When Syeda opened her center, she became a true partner in the community—working with families to offer children opportunities to learn and grow in every aspect of life. For the past two decades, Syeda has stayed committed to ensuring that every child’s growth encompasses not only cognitive development but emotional and social learning as well.
As the world around us changes, Syeda recognized that children must learn the power of peace, especially in a world where disunity and discord are often highlighted. She firmly believes that the strength of our communities lies in our ability to accept and embrace differences. This belief is the foundation of her curriculum, which encourages children to see diversity as a source of strength, not division. Through her teachings, Syeda empowers children to understand that acceptance is the first step toward building peaceful, harmonious relationships.
Peace education, a key focus of Syeda’s work, offers children strategies for solving problems, developing self-regulation, practicing gratitude, and navigating conflict with compassion. By teaching young minds these valuable skills, Syeda provides them with the tools they need to create peaceful communities for themselves and those around them.
In June 2010, Syeda took her commitment to peace education one step further with the publication of her picture book, Peace in My World. Designed to introduce the concept of world peace to young children, the book uses simple language and vibrant illustrations by Jason Hutton to help children understand that peace is something they can embody from "head to toe." With its message of hope and unity, Syeda's book is dedicated to displaced children living in refugee camps around the world—those for whom peace is not yet a reality.
Syeda’s call for peace is at the heart of everything she does. In 2021, she expanded her mission with the creation of the Peace Art Collection, a line of ethnic artwork for both children and adults. The collection is displayed and sold through her global market, JAG Home & Decor, where she continues to help foster emotional peace through art. Her work connects young children with nature, offering them opportunities to develop a sense of inner calm and emotional resilience.
While Syeda is known as an artist, photographer, and early childhood professional, the label that most deeply defines her is Peacemaker. Her life's work is an unwavering dedication to peace, and her efforts to build a more compassionate world continue to inspire all those she reaches.
Syeda Mleeha Shah is not just shaping children’s futures—she is shaping a world of peace, one child at a time.
All children deserve to live in a world where they are seen, heard, and treasured. A world where empathy, compassion, and peace reign, and where individuals work together toward unity and acceptance. Syeda Mleeha Shah is on a mission to make this vision a reality, one child, one community at a time.
Born in Pakistan and arriving in the United States in 2001, Syeda brought with her a dream—to foster peace education among children. She knew that helping young children thrive was more than just a goal; it was her life's work. With a deep understanding of the critical developmental stage from birth to age five, Syeda set out to make a lasting impact. These formative years are key to a child’s academic, emotional, and social success. With this knowledge, Syeda established White Oak Early Childhood Center in 2002, a pivotal step in her mission to strengthen communities by nurturing the next generation.
Syeda believes that early childhood development centers are not just places for children to be cared for while their parents work. They are essential spaces where children’s minds are nourished, and their potential is cultivated. When Syeda opened her center, she became a true partner in the community—working with families to offer children opportunities to learn and grow in every aspect of life. For the past two decades, Syeda has stayed committed to ensuring that every child’s growth encompasses not only cognitive development but emotional and social learning as well.
As the world around us changes, Syeda recognized that children must learn the power of peace, especially in a world where disunity and discord are often highlighted. She firmly believes that the strength of our communities lies in our ability to accept and embrace differences. This belief is the foundation of her curriculum, which encourages children to see diversity as a source of strength, not division. Through her teachings, Syeda empowers children to understand that acceptance is the first step toward building peaceful, harmonious relationships.
Peace education, a key focus of Syeda’s work, offers children strategies for solving problems, developing self-regulation, practicing gratitude, and navigating conflict with compassion. By teaching young minds these valuable skills, Syeda provides them with the tools they need to create peaceful communities for themselves and those around them.
In June 2010, Syeda took her commitment to peace education one step further with the publication of her picture book, Peace in My World. Designed to introduce the concept of world peace to young children, the book uses simple language and vibrant illustrations by Jason Hutton to help children understand that peace is something they can embody from "head to toe." With its message of hope and unity, Syeda's book is dedicated to displaced children living in refugee camps around the world—those for whom peace is not yet a reality.
Syeda’s call for peace is at the heart of everything she does. In 2021, she expanded her mission with the creation of the Peace Art Collection, a line of ethnic artwork for both children and adults. The collection is displayed and sold through her global market, JAG Home & Decor, where she continues to help foster emotional peace through art. Her work connects young children with nature, offering them opportunities to develop a sense of inner calm and emotional resilience.
While Syeda is known as an artist, photographer, and early childhood professional, the label that most deeply defines her is Peacemaker. Her life's work is an unwavering dedication to peace, and her efforts to build a more compassionate world continue to inspire all those she reaches.
Syeda Mleeha Shah is not just shaping children’s futures—she is shaping a world of peace, one child at a time.