Impact Stories from Professional Development Policy Area
Fellow(s): Ichraf Jarray
Country: Tunisia
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development
Fellow Joins Blackbox Elevate Experience in Brussels
Fellow Ichraf Jarray (Tunisia, 2022), founder of Hive 12 incubator, recently participated in the Blackbox Elevate program in Brussels, Belgium. Held this September, the event convened 20 MENA region directors and more than 15 speakers for a series of discussions centered around collaboration, innovation, and ecosystem growth.
Established in Palo Alto, California in 2011, Blackbox is a platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs globally. The Blackbox Elevate initiative, funded by the European Commission with collaboration from nongovernmental organization SPARK, is an exclusive, invitation-only program for leaders of startup organizations. This year’s program welcomed participants from accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces, and universities in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Tunisia, providing access to expert knowledge and insight from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry specialists.
“The energy and relationships formed during these four days will have a long-lasting effect on our work moving forward,” Ichraf reflected.
Report Date...: 09/23/2024
Fellow(s): Tolulope Erinosho
Country: Nigeria
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development
Fellow Hosts APWEN at Federal University Solar Plant
Fellow Tolulope Erinosho (Nigeria, 2022) recently welcomed the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) to the ongoing 3.0 MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant project site located at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where she works as a lecturer and researcher. This initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s Energizing Education Program (EEP) and the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), aimed at enhancing renewable electricity access for off-grid communities and establishing training centers for renewable energy across beneficiary universities. The advanced infrastructure features 16,300 units of 545W solar panels and a design focused on reliability.
“[The women’s] enthusiasm was a testament to the project’s impact, not just in providing energy solutions but also in inspiring the next generation of engineers,” Tolulope shared. “Together, we can unlock the future.”
Report Date...: 09/23/2024
Fellow(s): Aisuluu Khozhomkulova
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Cohort: 2023
Policy Area(s): Professional Development
Fellow addresses AI responsibility at ICT week in Tashkent
Fellow Aisuluu Khozhomkulova (Kyrgyzstan, 2023) recently spoke at ICT Week in Tashkent, Uzbekistan addressing the rising significance of responsible AI in Central Asia. With the region making strides in AI policy and e-government systems, Aisuluu’s presentation focused on both the potential and the risks that come with AI’s rapid advancement.
During her speech, Aisuluu highlighted the AI Readiness Index 2023, noting Kazakhstan’s leading position in the region at 72nd globally, followed by Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. While Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have made progress, she emphasized the need for Central Asia to enhance infrastructure, improve data quality, and invest in education to fully capitalize on AI’s potential.
Aisuluu also addressed key challenges AI presents, such as misinformation’s threat to democracies, job displacement, and concerns around cybersecurity, surveillance and biased algorithms. “These issues raise serious ethical and security concerns,” Aisuluu noted.
She concluded with recommendations for Central Asia’s governments, advocating for AI education, improved data infrastructure, cloud computing investments, collaborative partnerships, and the adoption of ethical AI guidelines.
Report Date...: 09/16/2024
Fellow(s): Imane Berchane
Country: Morocco
Cohort: 2020-2021
Policy Area(s): Entrepreneurship, Professional Development
Fellow selected as 2024-25 Obama Foundation Scholar
Fellow Imane Berchane (Morocco, 2020-2021), co-founder of Robots & More and LOOP for Science & Technology, was recently named a 2024-25 Obama Foundation Scholar at Columbia University.
A tech social entrepreneur and passionate advocate for STEM education, Imane has dedicated her career to promoting gender and social equality across Africa. Through her organizations, Imane has equipped underserved students with future-proof skills by increasing access to STEM education. Her efforts have included partnerships with Morocco’s Ministry of Education and international sponsors, which have helped introduce STEM programs to more than 180 schools, train 500 teachers, and increase girls’ participation in these programs to over 50%. To date, her initiatives have impacted over 21,000 people.
“As the first Moroccan person to be selected for the program, I hope to pave the way for many more and inspire future generations to dare make a change,” Imane shared in a recent post.
Report Date...: 09/16/2024
Fellow(s): Asha Panyako
Country: Kenya
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Professional Development
Fellow attends yearly Meeting of New Champions in China
Fellow Asha Panyako (Kenya, 2022), a digital literacy advocate and aspiring leader in the tech industry, recently attended the Annual Meeting of New Champions, also known as “Summer Davos,” in Dalian, China.
Selected as a representative of the Global Shapers Community, Asha joined over 1,600 top government officials, experts, innovators and business leaders to engage in high-level discussions under the theme of “Next Frontiers for Growth.”
The event, convened by the World Economic Forum, provided Asha a platform for dialogue on emerging technologies, including the integration of artificial intelligence, upskilling initiatives and high-tech education systems.
“It was a remarkable experience to witness innovation in action and be part of these forward-thinking conversations,” Asha shared in a recent post.
Report Date...: 09/16/2024
Fellow(s): (fellow) Houa Seghouani & (mentor) Joyce E. Coffee
Country: Algeria, United States
Cohort: 2023
Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development
Fellow launches Impact Podcast with Mentor as 1st guest
Fellow Houa Seghouani (Algeria, 2023) recently hosted mentor Joyce E. Coffee, on her newly launched Impact Podcast, to capture the stories of women changemakers in STEM.
In this episode, Houa captures the inspiring story and insights behind Joyce’s founding of Climate Resilience Consulting. With a bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in urban planning from M.I.T., Joyce seeks to “create resilience for all rather than just avoid risk for some.”
Joyce has spent more than 25 years leading green technology projects, with experience not only in the U.S., but also in the Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan.
Houa is an experienced electrical engineer and the founder of the Net3alem initiative, an online platform for STEM and language training. She is a fellow of both the TechGirls and TechWomen programs. Bringing her journey full circle, she recently served as a 2024 Local Engagement Coordinator for the Algerian TechGirls, supporting participants and preparing them for their journeys to the U.S.
Report Date...: 09/09/2024
Fellow(s): Tofara Lindsay Chokera
Country: Zimbabwe
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development
Fellow appointed to board for COMESA women in business
Fellow Tofara Lindsay Chokera (Zimbabwe, 2022), CEO and Founder of Tofara Online Trust, has been appointed a board member for the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Zimbabwe Chapter.
Tofara’s role involves supporting women entrepreneurs and SMEs in adopting digital marketing and tech-driven solutions for business growth. In her capacity as a board member, Tofara aims to encourage the use of technology to unlock new opportunities and drive business efficiency.
COMFWB acts as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences among women entrepreneurs across the COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) region.
“Let’s continue to empower, inspire, and transform the business landscape for women in Zimbabwe,” Tofara shared in a recent post.
Report Date...: 09/09/2024
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(s): Roshaan Sheikh
Country: Pakistan
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Development
Fellow featured for tech gender advocacy by HerDomain
Fellow Roshaan Sheikh (Pakistan, 2022), co-founder of online artists’ marketplace Stipple and head of digital transformation at Confidential, was recently featured in a spotlight post by HerDomain, a non-profit organization working in South Asia and the Middle East to increase women’s entry and advancement in the digital economy.
The feature showcases her journey as a Pakistani woman navigating the tech industry, highlighting both the challenges she faced and her resilience in overcoming them. Roshaan shares her career journey, actively combatting gender bias by seeking mentorship and community support, connecting with professionals who recognized her potential, and engaging in initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality and fostering inclusive environments. Her efforts transformed personal challenges into broader opportunities for advocacy while also advancing her career.
“Be the change, never put others down, and become your own hero. Embrace resilience, focus on your goals, and lift others as you rise,” Roshaan advises.
Report Date...: 08/26/2024
Fellow(s): Sanera Maharaj
Country: South Africa
Cohort: 2023
Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Development
Fellow gives talk for #SheOwnsHerSuccess workshop series produced by Momentum financial services company
“Sometimes we are so caught up in aiming for the next goal [that] we are burning out on the journey to get there,” advised fellow Sanera Maharaj (South Africa, 2023), who recently delivered a talk on balancing self-reliance and well-being for the #SheOwnsHerSuccess multi-day August workshop series sponsored by Momentum.
Sanera, an industrial engineer, public speaker and STEM community leader, serves as Head of Operations at MAHLE Aftermarket, one of the top global suppliers and partners in the automotive industry. Her experience and specialties include business development, market analysis, sales and customer journeys. She and her team were one of two winners of the MAHLE Global incubator in 2021.
Sanera also supports Science2Go and the Next Einstein Forum. She has previously served as a SuperScientists spokesperson and was recognized among the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2022.
#SheOwnsHerSuccess is an initiative of Momentum’s “Womentum” empowerment project. It seeks to foster spaces that launch women forward and amplify their voices so that they may empower other women with their wisdom and success stories.
Report Date...: 08/19/2024
