Impact Stories from Professional Development Policy Area
Fellow(s): Adetoun Akitoye
Country: Nigeria
Cohort: 2022
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Development
Fellow hosts chemistry educators event at UNILAG
Adetoun was commended on her food insecurity research at the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
Fellow Adetoun Akitoye (Nigeria, 2022), a lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), recently hosted the Women Chemistry Educators Network event, “Shaping the Future: Teaching and Mentorship for Women Chemistry Educators,” supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The gathering brought together leaders in academia to explore the transformative role of mentorship and continuous learning in the sciences.
Adetoun, who mentors undergraduates and champions innovation and food security research at the university, led the event with a focus on community, growth, and collaboration. During a presentation of her work at the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, she was commended by U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. for her efforts to combat food insecurity in her country.
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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): 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): 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
Mentor(s): Sandy Chen
Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Development
Mentor Recognized with the Brooke Eby Impact Award
Mentor Sandy Chen, Solution Engineering Senior Manager at Salesforce, was recently honored with the inaugural Brooke Eby Impact Award during her company’s annual kickoff event. The award recognizes her dedication to empowering women in STEM, particularly through her volunteer work as a mentor with TechWomen.
“The work I do through Techwomen allows me to ‘fill my cup’ so to speak, by seeing direct impact” Sandy shares. “My engagement with these very inspiring women encourages me to be a better leader in my every day job.”
As part of the award, Salesforce is making a $10,000 donation to ALS ONE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and care ALS, a condition Brooke Eby was diagnosed with in 2022.
Report Date...: 02/24/2025
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(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
Mentor(s): Melissa Zlatow
Policy Area(s): Professional Development, Public Health
Mentor joins Hippo Roller as head of strategy & innovation
Mentor Melissa Zlatow has recently been welcomed into the role of Head of Strategy and Innovation at Hippo Roller, a social enterprise dedicated to improving water access in water-stressed communities.
With a career rooted in behavioral science, design, and user experience research, Melissa previously spent seven years as a Principal UX Researcher and Strategist at Facebook. Now, she brings her expertise in data-driven strategy and innovation to Hippo Roller. The organization’s flagship product—a durable, rolling water container—has reached over 650,000 people across 56 countries, easing the burden of water collection in rural areas.
Reflecting on this transition, Melissa shared, “Special thanks to my friends at TechWomen who inspired my new endeavor, as I was fortunate enough to mentor the incredible entrepreneurs who came to Chicago, and found that I was the one who was truly inspired by their personal stories of resilience.”
Report Date...: 02/10/2025
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
