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“There's a book for that.”
– Dr. Janan Sarwar
ABOUT
Inspiration, Connection, and Defying Expectations
Janan Sarwar, PharmD, is a Louisville-based publishing expert, pharmacist, and CEO of Global Bookshelves International, an independent publishing house dedicated to fostering empathy through diverse stories. A TEDxOcala 2023 speaker, Janan shared insights on the transformative power of books, and she served as the 2023 COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence for the Louisville Free Public Library. With over a decade in publishing since 2014, she has collaborated on 50+ titles and partnered with 200+ authors across traditional and independent publishing.
Judging Your Book Covers: What Your Bookshelves Reveal About You | Dr. Janan Sarwar | TEDxOcala
In a divided world shaped by conflict and social media echo chambers, Dr. Janan Sarwar, PharmD, explores the transformative power of literature to bridge gaps and foster connection. Reflecting on her Bengali-American upbringing in Clarksville, Tennessee, Dr. Sarwar shares how a lack of diverse, relatable characters in children’s books shaped her perspective. Highlighting Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's "Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors" concept, she emphasizes how books can reflect identities, offer new perspectives, and open doors to understanding. A must-watch TEDx talk on diversity, representation, and the power of storytelling.
Janan Sarwar, PharmD, is an experienced public speaker, event host, and Toastmaster who delivers engaging insights and inspiration to diverse audiences. As a TEDxOcala speaker, her powerful talk showcases her ability to connect and inspire. Book Janan for your next event to create an unforgettable experience that educates, motivates, and resonates.
SPEAKING
Inspiring Audiences



PUBLISHING
Navigating the World of Publishing
Janan Sarwar, PharmD, is the CEO of Global Bookshelves International and co-founder of Publishing in Doses, with a proven track record of helping over 200 authors share their stories. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or seeking expert self-publishing solutions, Janan’s consulting services can turn your publishing dreams into reality.
Partner with an industry leader to bring your book to life.
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
– Edith Wharton
NONPROFIT
Exploring Diverse Children's Stories
Join Janan Sarwar, co-founder of Salaam Storytime, a podcast celebrating diverse children's stories from around the world. Featuring captivating tales read aloud by Janan’s daughters and special guest readers, this podcast brings global stories to life. Perfect for families, educators, and anyone passionate about diversity in children’s literature. Tune in and inspire young minds!


COACHING
Elevate Your Pharmacy Career
With a unique pharmacy journey, Janan Sarwar blends her pharmacy expertise, a decade of experience in healthcare publishing, and medical writing skills to help pharmacists unlock their hidden potential. Through her innovative approach, Janan provides valuable insights and tools for pharmacists looking to expand their careers and impact the healthcare industry.

TESTIMONIAL
Rick Holtmeier, DTM
"I very much enjoy speakers that can convey to me experiences beyond my own. Janan is expert in this. Her life path is so different from my own that I learn something new every time she speaks. This short description of her below is indicative of what makes her unique and interesting.
She was born in Tennessee of parents that were immigrants from Bangladesh. Her parents speak Bengali around the house. She wears a hijab by her own choice. She graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in pharmacy. While there, she met the man who would become her husband, whose family immigrated from Pakistan. Janan and her husband have three young daughters that participate with her in Tae Kown Do, book reading, podcasting, public speaking and more. She is now CEO and founder of Global Bookshelves International, an independent publishing house focused on creating a more empathetic world.
Perhaps even more important than her background is that she can convey her feeling and experiences in a way that allows you to come with her on her journeys. I very much enjoy those journeys."
Inspirational, Magnetizing, Purposeful
FEATURED POSTCASTS AND VIDEOS