Impact Stories from Education Diplomacy/Mentoring Policy Area
Fellow co-facilitates African Girls Can Code Initiative bootcamp
Fellow(s): Emma Mphahlele
Country: South Africa
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Youth Engagement
Fellow Emma Mphahlele (South Africa, 2022) recently co-facilitated the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) bootcamp, launched on July 4 in Johannesburg. The 10-day event brought together girls from South Africa’s townships and rural areas for hands-on training in app and game development, engineering fundamentals, design thinking and digital entrepreneurship. It was organized by UN Women South Africa in collaboration with the African Union, Siemens and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Department of Basic Education.
As founder of Kids Innovate Africa and African Youth Ignited 4IR, Emma guided participants through project-based learning that emphasized confidence-building, technical skills and future-focused thinking. “They leave the bootcamp excited about their future, eager to uncover their potential in STEM,” she said.
She also connected the participants virtually with TechWomen mentor Lori Kahn, who riveted the girls with insights into her career working with satellites as a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin.
Report Date...: 07/07/2025
Fellow Strengthens Food Safety Expertise through EU-Funded Training in Germany
Fellow(s): Manal Ben Mahjoub
Country: Morocco
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Youth Engagement
Fellow Manal Ben Mahjoub (Morocco, 2022) was recently selected to participate in the EU-funded Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) course on “Sampling and Analysis of Residues of Plant Protection Products,” held in Stuttgart, Germany. Implemented by NSF under the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), the program convened global experts focused on strengthening food safety systems.
Through technical sessions and practical fieldwork, Manal gained expertise in pesticide residue analysis using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, method validation, and EU-aligned food control protocols. She also conducted real-time sampling with German inspectors and visited the Ritter Sport EL CACAO project as a case study in sustainable agriculture and pesticide management.
Learning directly from Dr. Michelangelo Anastassiades, developer of the QuEChERS method, and other experts at CVUA Stuttgart, she deepened her understanding of the intersection between science and policy. Manal now aims to apply this knowledge to support Morocco’s alignment with EU and Codex Alimentarius food safety standards.
Report Date...: 07/07/2025
Fellow(s): 21 TechWomen mentors and fellows organize impact trip to Lebanon to implement international collaboration in STEM
Country: Lebanon, United States
Cohort: 2014, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development
TechWomen mentors and fellows organize impact trip to Lebanon to implement international collaboration in STEM
From May 31 to April 8, 2025, TechWomen mentors from Silicon Valley journeyed to Beirut for a powerful week of knowledge exchange, mentorship, and community building led by Lebanese TechWomen fellows who co-organized a series of high-impact events. U.S. mentors Jill Finlayson, Kathy Giori, Rekha Pai, and Terri Khonsari joined Lebanese fellows Aseel Honein (2013), Christelle Bou Harb (2024), Claudette El Hajj (2022), Diala Al Samarani (2022), Ghiwa Haddad (2022), Hala Awkar (2024), Lara Chikhani (2017), Lara El Khoury (2014), Nisrine Bou Ghannam (2024), Noura Al Merhabi (2024), Rola El Hafi (2022), Sabine El Kahi (2014), Sawsan AlJamal (2023), Sawsan Sleiman (2024), Talar Kichian (2023), Zahraa Sweidan (2024) and Zeina Farah (2022) in orchestrating this impactful series of events that brought together a variety of institutions, students, entrepreneurs and local changemakers in an inspiring journey to advance international and local innovation, mentorship and STEM excellence.
Highlights included a high-level AI and Entrepreneurship forum at the American University of Beirut, featuring guests from the U.S. Embassy of Lebanon and speakers from the National Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NCEI). Another standout event was hosted at Lebanese American University (LAU) in partnership with the LAU Innovation Center, where mentors met with computer science students and faculty to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, startups, and global collaboration. Additionally, a panel titled “AI Tools: Accessibility, Ethical Use, and Impact was organized in collaboration with LAU Libraries, Arab Union for Specialized Women, and others. At Beirut Digital District, the event “Connect & Elevate: Lebanese Women” welcomed leaders in STEM from across the country for an evening of community networking and mentorship with the visiting U.S. STEM pioneers. These mentors also met with entrepreneurs at the Chamber of Commerce in Tripoli (Lebanon) and delivered sessions at Lebanese University Roumieh, supported by partners such as IEEE Lebanon Joint Chapter, EdTech Syndicate in Lebanon, and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Mentors also brought their STEM expertise and leadership to youth, delivering inspiration and hands-on physical computing workshops to students at the American High School in Lebanon, girl scouts from the AGBU – AYA Antranik Antelias Scouts, and more.
“Let’s keep bridging global wisdom with local talent,” reflected fellow Zahraa Sweidan on the powerful week of events.
Read More »Report Date...: 04/07/2025
Fellow(s): Elena Selezneva and Saida Yusupova
Country: Uzbekistan
Cohort: 2016
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Development
Fellow-founded NGO launches 2025 Technovation Girls
On February 18, Tech4Impact, founded and led by fellows Elena Selezneva and Saida Yusupova, (Uzbekistan, 2016) launched Technovation Girls Uzbekistan 2025 in partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and Yandex Uzbekistan. Now in its ninth season, the program continues to equip young girls with the skills to create tech-driven solutions and thrive in the digital economy.
The launch took place in Tashkent, with simultaneous gatherings in Andijan, Namangan, Nukus, Urgench, and Fergana, bringing together 1,500 girls and mentors from across the country. The program will match girls aged 8 to 18 with mentors from IT and business industries.
Fellow Samira Latipova (Uzbekistan, 2023) was among the event speakers, later sharing that “seeing so many ambitious minds eager to innovate was truly inspiring!”
Report Date...: 03/03/2025
Fellow(s): Aisuluu Kozhomkulova
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Cohort: 2023
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Professional Development
Fellow facilitates MOU on digital innovation between StrategEast and the University of Central Asia
The University of Central Asia (UCA) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with StrategEast, where fellow Aisuluu Kozhomkulova (Kyrgyzstan, 2023) serves as regional director for Central Asia. StrategEast is an independent institution focused on advancing Eurasia’s digital economy. This collaboration will enhance computer science education, mentorship, faculty development and student integration into the IT industry. UCA and StrategEast will work together to build a digital innovation ecosystem, support emerging tech initiatives and share expertise, reinforcing UCA’s commitment to future-ready skills and academic excellence.
Through this partnership, UCA and StrategEast will work together to build a digital innovation ecosystem, support emerging tech initiatives, and share expertise, reinforcing UCA’s commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills.
In addition to leading regional initiatives, Kozhomkulova moderated a panel discussion on behalf of StrategEast at the Tech Synergies: Collaboration for a Digital Tomorrow conference on February 17 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Report Date...: 02/17/2025
Mentor(s): Aliya Janjua and Eileen Brewer
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Professional Development
Mentors collaborate on SS&C Technologies event
Longtime mentors Aliya Janjua and Eileen Brewer came together for a special event with SS&C Technologies on January 17 in celebration of National Mentoring Month. Aliya, Senior Director of Client Services at SS&C, invited Eileen, an angel investor and public speaker, to share her insights on the power of mentorship as part of the company’s global mentoring program.
Eileen’s straightforward insights reinforced the value of mentorship in professional growth in the talk titled, “Cultivating your Network through Mentoring.”
“I met Eileen Brewer through the TechWomen program over a decade ago,” Janjua shared, noting Eileen’s talent for giving “actionable advice” on strategy, reciprocity and adaptability when working with investors. “She is an information powerhouse who has decades of mentoring experience.”
Report Date...: 02/17/2025
Fellow Featured in CGTN Video on Use of VR in Classroom
Fellow(s): Linah Anyango
Country: Kenya
Cohort: 2019
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Professional Development, Youth Engagement
Fellow Featured in CGTN Video on Use of VR in Classroom
Fellow Linah Anyango (Kenya, 2019), principal of Nexa International School, was featured in a CGTN segment highlighting how the school is using Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance learning.
Under Linah’s leadership, Nexa has integrated VR technology to create immersive, interactive experiences—allowing students to explore space, conduct virtual science experiments, and visit historical sites without leaving the classroom.
Through a collaboration with Ukwenza VR, Nexa is making advanced learning tools more accessible, bridging educational gaps, and expanding opportunities for students. “This is the future of learning, and I’m proud to be part of this transformation,” Linah said.
Report Date...: 02/17/2025
Fellow(s): Noura Merhabi
Country: Lebanon
Cohort: 2024
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development
Fellow helps Lead EdTech Syndicate Lebanon to New Heights with Autodesk Partnership
Fellow Noura Merhabi (Lebanon, 2024), a board member and the Vice President of International Partnerships at EdTech Syndicate in Lebanon, has been instrumental in the organization’s recent recognition by KnowledgePoint Limited, the entity responsible for International Partnerships at Autodesk. This acknowledgment highlights the Syndicate’s efforts in equipping students, professionals, and educators with digital skills and engineering innovation through Autodesk Tinkercad and Fusion.
One of the key highlights of the Syndicate’s program is the Make:able Challenge, which invites students to apply their creativity in solving real-world problems by making accessible, sustainable, and innovative designs. Autodesk’s tools, especially Tinkercad and Fusion 360, have been pivotal in providing students with practical, hands-on experiences that foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, by helping students visualize and prototype their ideas.
Through its programs, EdTech Syndicate Lebanon has engaged over 500 students and professionals in STEAM++ Innovation, empowered learners to transform ideas into real-world solutions, trained participants for Global Robotics Competitions and the Make:able Challenge, and promoted sustainable design and environmental governance with Autodesk tools.
“A huge thank you to the TechWomen exchange program for providing the platform to connect with Bobbie Casey, who leads Autodesk Foundation,” Noura shared in a recent post.
Report Date...: 01/27/2025
Fellow(s): (Fellows) Fatima-Zahra Benyaaquob and Karima Bahmane, and (mentors) Kathy Giori and Rekha Pai
Country: Morocco, United States
Cohort: 2022, 2023
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Professional Development, Youth Engagement
Fellow leads inaugural Forum of Education 4.0 in Casablanca with alumna and mentor support
Fellow Fatima-Zahra Benyaaquob (Morocco, 2022), founder and director of ed-tech focused La Parenthèse Enchantée school, recently enlisted mentors Kathy Giori and Rekha Pai, and fellow Karima Bahmane (Morocco, 2023), to host the inaugural Forum de l’Éducation STEM (Forum of Education 4.0) on December 7 in Casablanca, Morocco. Organized and led by Fatima, the forum featured workshops and sessions that inspired educators, students, and STEM advocates alike.
Kathy Giori, CEO of TryCyrcle Corp. and global ambassador of Microblocks.fun, spearheaded hands-on workshops on physical computing. Rekha Pai, an investor-in-residence at Capria Ventures, delivered sessions on entrepreneurial skills, emphasizing how technical creativity can translate into real-world impact. Karima, an electrical engineer earning a PhD in AI at Université Ibn Zohr, also spoke at the event and offered essential port.
“What inspires me the most about TechWomen,” Fatima shared in a recent post, “is how this community extends beyond borders to create real, meaningful change—empowering women, shaping young minds, and redefining the future of education.”
“It was an exceptional opportunity to see Morocco’s strong emphasis on STEM education,” Kathy also shared, underscoring the transformative power of collaboration.
Report Date...: 12/30/2024
Fellow(s): Busayo Durojaiye, Dorothée Danedjo Fouba, and Faten Khalfallah Hamouda
Country: Cameroon, Nigeria, Tunisia
Cohort: 2014, 2015
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Development
Three fellows tapped for inaugural cohort of IIE’s GCWL
Fellows Busayo Durojaiye (Nigeria, 2014), Dorothée Danedjo Fouba (Cameroon, 2015), and Faten Khalfallah Hamouda (Tunisia, 2014) have been named inaugural members of the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Global Community for Women’s Leadership (GCWL).
This groundbreaking initiative connects alumnae from over 200 IIE-administered exchange programs to empower and equip women worldwide with the resources, mentorship, and skills they need to advance and thrive in leadership roles. Launched in response to global challenges in gender parity, GCWL serves as a critical step toward closing the leadership gap.
Representing 30 countries and a wide range of professional fields, GCWL members will participate in leadership development tailored to their career paths while building connections through networking and mentorship activities.
Report Date...: 11/25/2024
