Impact Stories from Education Diplomacy/Mentoring Policy Area

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.

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

Fellow(s): Basma Ibrahim

Country: Egypt

Cohort: 2023

Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development

Fellow-founded startup, Trace Education, participates in 3-day bootcamp by Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship

Fellow Basma Ibrahim (Egypt, 2023), CEO and Founder of Trace Education, recently participated in a 3-day bootcamp in Alexandria organized as part of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in partnership with EdVentures. The event followed a competitive selection process that began in April, drawing applications from 210 startups aiming for a spot in the mentorship program, with 12 finalists ultimately chosen to compete for significant funding. While Trace Education was not among the top 12, it was selected alongside 19 other startups for the bootcamp.
“The mentorship we received during this boot camp was a game-changer, providing us with tools and knowledge that are now integral to our growth and success. We left Alexandria more motivated and better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead,” Basma shared in a recent post.
Trace Education focuses on providing interactive education programs for students aged six to 18, aimed at equipping them with essential skills for today’s job market. The bootcamp offered intensive mentorship and resources that Basma described as pivotal for Trace Education’s development. The experience represents a significant step for Trace Education as it continues to develop solutions that prepare young learners for future challenges in the rapidly changing job landscape.

Report Date...: 08/26/2024

Fellow-mentored Technovation Girls Kenya team is spotlighted in WEF Global Shapers video for app that battles FGM

Fellow(s): Dorcas Owinoh, Asha Panyako (2022, 2023)

Country: Kenya

Cohort: 2022, 2023

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Entrepreneurship

Technovation Girls Team Almasi from Samburu, Kenya, mentored by Fellow Dorcas Owinoh (Kenya, 2023), have recently been spotlighted by the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Global Shapers for the development of their mobile application, End Cut, which simultaneously educates girls on the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM) while also providing them a global platform for economic empowerment through artisanal sales. App co-creator Rosilla shares her story of being rescued from child marriage at age nine by a doctor from the Samburu Girls Foundation who enrolled her in school. This journey led her to Technovation Girls Team Almasi and the creation of End Cut. This application teaches Samburu girls the health dangers of FGM, which is practiced in part to increase the dowry price of a bride at the negotiation of marriage. The app also provides a global marketplace for the sale of the Samburu’s highly-skilled bead work jewelry, which offers an opportunity to supplement the potential household income losses incurred when sending a girl to school instead of marriage. Dorcas is an eight-year mentor and a regional ambassador for Technovation Girls, a global network of chapters and clubs that unite girls with mentors and ambassadors to solve community problems through technology. Fellow Asha Panyako (Kenya, 2022) also serves as a Technovation Girls mentor and has been key in the development of the Technovation Girls presence in Kenya and Samburu, leveraging funding and support from Global Shapers as a member and past curator of its Nairobi Hub. Global Shapers is a constituent community of the WEF composed of globally-funded networks of young people driving community change through over 500 local hubs worldwide. TechWomen Mentor and Strategic Partnerships Advisor Anar Simpson is Technovation Girls Global Ambassador.

Report Date...: 08/05/2024

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