Mishal Rahaman-Ali is a 13-year-old creative and young author from Trinidad and Tobago who began publishing books at the age of 11. She is the author of three books, including a folklore title inspired by Caribbean storytelling and culture. Her books are available internationally and have been purchased by readers from different parts of the world.

Mishal has participated in national and regional literary events such as NGC Bocas Lit Fest and the Caribbean Literature Conference, and in 2024 she received the National Youth Award for Entrepreneurship.

Mishal has been homeschooled since the COVID-19 pandemic, a learning path that became a positive fit for her family environment and her natural curiosity. As she has grown, Mishal’s interests have continued to evolve. Today, she is drawn to developing ideas, learning new tools, and executing creative projects. Her current interests include music creation (working with digital tools such as MIDI controllers) visual art, anime, fashion, and online creative culture.

For Mishal, homeschooling has offered freedom — but also the responsibility to use that freedom well. Rather than being prepared for a fixed career path, she is developing adaptable skills, creative confidence, and the ability to learn independently in a world where the future is not rigid or predictable. Her journey reflects a belief shared by her family: that education is not about following a predefined track, but about building the capacity to think, create, and respond thoughtfully to whatever comes next.