above: TechWomen hosts its first Alumnae Summit Dec. 4 to 6 in Casablanca, uniting global changemakers to reimagine the future with STEM.
Casablanca, Morocco, November 27, 2024 — TechWomen, the U.S. Department of State’s premier international exchange program for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is proud to announce its first-ever Global Alumnae Summit, taking place in Casablanca, Morocco, from December 4 to 6. Organized by the program’s administrator, the Institute of International Education (IIE), the summit will bring together 154 alumnae from TechWomen’s 21 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia, and 45 U.S. mentors from across the program’s history to advance its mission of driving transformative impact worldwide.
The Alumnae Summit, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the 2022 TechWomen@10 anniversary event in Sunnyvale, California, marks a significant milestone in the program’s evolution. Over three days, attendees will participate in dynamic events, including networking sessions, mentor and alumnae-led workshops, and the first-ever seed grant competition for alumnae. Tech leaders from the local area will join the summit as speakers and special guests, reinforcing the event’s role as a platform for cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.
The summit will feature a series of engaging workshops and sessions led by alumnae and mentors. Scheduled topics span the gamut of program policy issues, such as, “Women Leaders in STEM & the A.I. Revolution,” “Sustainable Practices and Climate Resilience,” and “Empowering the Next Generation: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM.” These sessions will provide a platform for sharing expertise, sparking dialogue, and fostering actionable solutions in STEM.
Another highlight will be the TechWomen Pitch Competition, where select alumnae and mentors will present three-minute proposals for groundbreaking business ideas or community initiatives before a panel of judges. From “Smart Irrigation Systems” to “Women Voices Amplified,” these projects reflect the ingenuity and commitment of TechWomen alumnae to address global challenges. Winners will be selected on the final day of the summit.
The TechWomen Alumnae Summit embodies the program’s enduring mission to connect, empower, and inspire a global network of women leaders. It is not just a celebration of the program’s impact over the last decade but also a testament to the collective vision of its participants, mentors, and supporters who continue to drive innovation and equity in STEM across the globe.
“Once we’re TechWomen, we are always TechWomen,” expressed Egyptian Fellow Nermin Salah from the program’s 2013 cohort. She is slated to co-present a pitch titled “Skills gap for graduates in the MENA region” with her countrywoman and teammate Reham Nasser. Nasser shared that she always wished for an opportunity to connect and reconnect with fellows and mentors.
“This will be the right time and right network to exchange new ideas and collaborate to multiply [our] impact.”
About the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) leads the United States’ global efforts to engage individuals through academic, cultural, professional, sports, film, music, and youth exchanges, thereby promoting peace and increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other nations. Through these people-to-people exchanges and programs, the Bureau supports broader U.S. foreign policy goals, including access to education, economic opportunity and equity, and societal inclusion.
About the Institute of International Education (IIE)
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. We work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, we also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide opportunities to underserved populations. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 16 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners.
For more information about the TechWomen program, please visit www.techwomen.org.
Public Affairs Contacts:
ECA: ECA-Press@state.gov
IIE: below