Impact Stories from Entrepreneurship 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): Assala Dob, Elghers Nesrine, Gasmi Rim, Imen Lezzam, and Nassima Farhi

Country: Algeria

Cohort: 2024

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development, Public Health

Team Algeria 2024 Seed Grant Winners Advance to Product Distribution with “Camel Bright Solutions”

Fellows Assala Dob, Elghers Nesrine, Gasmi Rim, Imen Lezzam, and Nassima Farhi of Team Algeria 2024 have just surpassed the testing phase and are now on the path to product distribution for their TechWomen seed grant-winning impact project, Camel Bright Solutions.
Addressing the urgent issue of the approximately 500 devastating road accidents that occur in Southern Algeria each year, primarily at night and often involving camel collisions , the team developed Camel Bright Solutions. This product line of fluorescent, reflective, and adjustable collars for camels are designed to make the animals visible from up to 1,500 feet away by drivers. These lightweight, comfortable collars will not only enhance road safety but also help camel owners track their livestock more effectively.
Since receiving $3,000 in seed grant funding, the team has successfully moved from concept to implementation. They have completed the design phase, ensuring the collars are adjustable for camels of all sizes, and developed a prototype with a local supplier. Field testing at a camel farm confirmed that the collars fit securely and did not cause discomfort.
With promising results from testing, the team is now working on the next critical step: distribution. They have initiated discussions with Algeria’s Ministry of Agriculture to define a large-scale deployment strategy, aiming to make Camel Bright Solutions widely accessible. By improving visibility on roads, their innovation has the potential to significantly reduce accidents, save lives, and protect the livelihoods of families who depend on camels.

Report Date...: 03/03/2025

Fellow(s): Asna Javed and Qurat Ul Ain Quraishi

Country: Pakistan

Cohort: 2019, 2024

Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development

Fellows join forces on Women of Pakistan in STEM video

The Women of Pakistan (WOP) platform, co-founded by fellow Qurat Ul Ain Quraishi (Pakistan, 2024), recently featured fellow Asna Javed (Pakistan, 2019) in its WOP in STEM (Season II) video series. Asna, a Data & AI Technical Sales Specialist at IBM Pakistan, shared her journey of resilience, innovation, and success in the technology sector.
Born without arms, Asna adapted by learning to use her feet for daily tasks, later developing a passion for coding, problem-solving, and new technologies. Encouraged by her father to explore computers, she pursued a career in STEM, overcoming societal misconceptions about women’s technical abilities.
In the interview, Asna spoke about IBM’s supportive work environment and the broader opportunities for women in STEM, emphasizing their growing presence and impact in the field. “A lot of pioneers in STEM are women. The exposure in IT is unparalleled—every few months, something new emerges,” she shared. The video features photos from Asna’s service as a delegate on TechWomen’s 2023 trip to Cameroon, depicting her brainstorming sustainability ideas and mentoring youth in digital engagement.
This collaboration between TechWomen fellows highlights the program’s ongoing impact in fostering professional connections and amplifying the voices of pioneers in STEM.

Report Date...: 02/24/2025

Fellow(s): Jeannice Fairrer Samani, Ines Nasri, and Ichraf Jarray

Country: Tunisia, United States

Cohort: 2014, 2022

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development

Mentor with fellow collaborators undertakes 14-day journey through Tunisia for Business Boost program

Mentor Jeannice Fairrer Samani, recently visited Tunisia as a special guest of the Business Boost for Tunisia Program, engaging with fellows and entrepreneurs, conducting market discovery interviews, and exploring opportunities for sustainable innovation. With expertise in AI, digital transformation, and workforce development, she brought insights from her experience at Stanford and UC Berkeley to support Tunisia’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Jeannice’s 14-day journey resulted from an invitation from fellow Ines Nasri (Tunisia, 2014), the CEO of WebPower and a Business Mentor for SelectUSA. During this time, Jeannice visited Sousse, Monastir, Tunis and Hergla. She met with founders and innovators across multiple sectors, her engagements highlighting key advancements, such as biomedical innovation and metaverse tourism in Sousse, sustainability-focused textiles in Monastir, and the intersection of heritage and modernity in Hergla. She also explored developments in Tunisia’s automotive and technology sectors, connecting with local entrepreneurs driving change.
A key moment of her visit was speaking at a Hive 12 event, hosted by fellow Ichraf Jarray (Tunisia, 2022). Addressing an audience of founders, Jeannice shared insights from her upcoming book on Transformative Leaders™, focusing on resilient leadership, the FAVCS Model (feasibility, adaptability, viability, cultural Awareness, and sustainability), and strategies for scaling businesses globally while preserving cultural identity.
Jeannice’s visit also marked a milestone for the expansion of sustainable innovation in Tunisia, as she announced four new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen collaboration and ecosystem development. Reflecting on her experience, she shared: “Together, we’re shaping a new standard of entrepreneurial excellence. Let’s scale dreams into realities!”

Report Date...: 02/03/2025

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): Ayesha Zaman Hammad

Country: Pakistan

Cohort: 2022

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development

Fellow to Lead Coworking Initiative at NASTP

Fellow Ayesha Zaman Hammad (Pakistan, 2022) has been appointed General Manager of Co-Work @NASTP a coworking space initiative at the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), a key national institution advancing science and technology in Pakistan.
In this role, Ayesha will lead the development, operations, and expansion of a coworking ecosystem designed to support startups, SMEs and tech innovators.
With a vision to foster collaboration and drive innovation, she aims to position NASTP as a leading hub for Pakistan’s entrepreneurial and tech communities. Ayesha brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having founded SkillsTodo and Women Leaders of Pakistan, initiatives focused on skills development, job placement and career growth in STEM.

Report Date...: 01/27/2025

Fellow(s): (mentor) Cora Lam and (fellows) Aigerim Kurmanbekova, Aisuluu Kozhomkulova, Mira Zholdoshalieva, Tatayana Plotnikova, Bermet Dosmambetova, and Elmira Obry

Country: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, United States

Cohort: 2022, 2023, 2024

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development

Mentor Speaks at Inaugural Central Eurasia @ Silicon Valley Conference attended by Fellows and Mentors

Mentor Cora Lam recently spoke on a distinguished panel at the first-ever Central Eurasia @ Silicon Valley (CESV) Conference, held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on October 25, 2024. Hosted by the Silkroad Innovation Hub, this landmark event brought together over 1,200 participants, including 150 venture capitalists, 100 exhibiting startups, and 300 founders, to celebrate the role of Central Eurasia in the future of global innovation.
On the panel, titled “Women Shaping the Future of Tech,” Cora joined Nazira Nurbayeva, Consul-General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, alongside several other experts and advisers in entrepreneurship. Together, they discussed the power of mentorship, government policy, and venture capital in driving opportunities for women in technology, offering insights into policy and funding landscapes shaping growth opportunities in tech for Central Eurasian women and highlighting mentorship’s critical role in this development.
The event drew several Central Asian Fellows to Silicon Valley, including Aigerim Kurmanbekova (Kyrgyzstan, 2023), Aisuluu Kozhomkulova (Kyrgyzstan, 2023), Mira Zholdoshalieva (Kyrgyzstan, 2024), Tatayana Plotnikova (Kazakhstan, 2019), Bermet Dosmambetova (Kyrgyzstan, 2022), and Elmira Obry (Kazakhstan, 2022), the latter two of whom are scheduled to present a session at the TechWomen Alumnae Summit in Morocco this December. Mentors Kathy Giori and Meg Gordon also joined the event, underscoring the TechWomen community’s ongoing commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration.

Report Date...: 10/28/2024

Fellow(s): (fellows) Aliaa Ahmed, Ainura Sagyn, Binta Moustapha, Ouafa Belgacem, Sabina Nforba, and Tofara Chekera, and (mentors) Katie Penn and Queen Denchukwu

Country: Cameroon, Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Tunisia, United States, Zimbabwe

Cohort: 2014, 2017, 2020-2021, 2022, 2023

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development

Fellows & Mentors play key roles in opening weeks of 79th UN General Assembly

Fellows Aliaa Ahmed (Egypt, 2022), Ainura Sagyn (Kyrgyzstan, 2017), Binta Moustapha (Nigeria, 2014), Ouafa Belgacem (Tunisia, 2023), Sabina Nforba (Cameroon, 2020-2021) and Tofara Chekera (Zimbabwe, 2022), and Mentors Katie Penn and Queen Denchukwu reportedly participated in various capacities at the opening weeks of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York this September.
Several Fellows took on leadership and speaking roles. At the UN Summit of the Future, Tofara, Founder of Tofara Online Trust, took the stage to deliver a speech on “how embracing the digital world unlocks a future filled with endless opportunities.” Similarly, Aliaa, Director of Foreign Relations and Policy Affairs at the Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), participated in an open dialogue on transforming global governance and promoting the implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development at the Summit of the Future. There, she underscored the EFB’s efforts to empower youth through development initiatives aimed at tackling food security challenges. Binta, Founder of youth training initiative Cabinet Hub Zinder and STEM education program Elmira Schools, was invited to speak at the Intergenerational Partnerships for Just Climate Transition and Digital Futures workshop, a part of the UN Summit of the Future organized by UN University-IIGH at Columbia University.
Meanwhile, Sabina hosted and launched a groundbreaking policy brief on Artificial Intelligence for Youth Sustainable Development in Africa, which she called her “legacy as the Digital Innovation Lead at the African Union.” This brief, developed by the Office of the AU Chairperson’s Youth Envoy in collaboration with the UN Global Compact & African Export-Import Bank, shares lessons Sabina learned through the Make Africa Digital initiative which she coordinated and led for the past two years.

Report Date...: 09/30/2024

Fellow(s): Olamide Ayeni

Country: Nigeria

Cohort: 2017

Policy Area(s): Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development

Fellow selected for Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

Fellow Olamide Ayeni (Nigeria, 2017), Chief People Officer of waste transformation organization HOPCYKU, has been named a 2025 finalist of the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. In this role, she will contribute her expertise to critical marine, coastal and Great Lakes policy issues for the U.S. Executive Branch.
“I’m especially glad that the work I do through HOPCYKU, bringing life to discarded waste products that would have otherwise ended up in our oceans and lakes, serves as the bedrock of my passion for sustainable solutions,” shared Olamide, who is pursuing a Master of Engineering and Industrial Management at Michigan Tech University.
The Knauss Fellowship offers graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing and implementing national policy. Finalists are selected by panels of national experts in marine science, policy and education.

Report Date...: 09/30/2024

Fellow(s): Reshma Singh

Country:

Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development

Mentor Leads Cradle to Commerce 2024 Summit at LBNL

Mentor Reshma Singh, Program Director of Cradle to Commerce (C2C), recently led the C2C 2024 Summit at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).
C2C is a partnership of four national labs and three private incubators. Reshma delivered opening addresses and closing remarks for this invite-only two-day event that convened experts and thought leaders in the fields of nuclear energy, renewables, grid modernization and energy storage. Spotlighting C2C’s startups, National Lab experts, and industry partners, the summit amplified pioneering solutions in climate technology through key note addresses, panel discussions, live pitches, a startup showcase, tours of LBNL facilities and meaningful networking opportunities.

Report Date...: 09/30/2024

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