Inaugural edition was themed ‘Girls Are Makers of Change’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (March 26, 2016): AMSI Voices – a networking platform introduced by Academia Management Solutions International (AMSI) to empower the graduating students for life after school through connecting with the schools’ alumni – successfully held their first conference themed ‘Girls Are Makers of Change’ in Dubai. The event attracted distinguished female AMSI Alumni personalities from diverse fields.

In each edition, AMSI Voices will introduce a new theme to discuss and explore through panel discussions and mini-workshop sessions. The one-day event is designed to provide the schools’ emerging youth with a robust platform to voice their opinions and concerns about various career paths and educational decisions.

During the conference, H.E. Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy – UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Dubai Expo 2020, and herself an AMSI alumnus from Class of 1995, inspired the audience with her keynote address: “Dare to dream, believe in your power and discover its cornerstones in you. Most importantly, never stop learning.” She further added, “Never underestimate the significance of the family in your life. Not only the family you were born into but also your larger family. I am very proud that I call Al Mawakeb School my family. It touched my life and showed me how to respect the cultures of the world and the importance of being part of a multicultural family. Today, I share with you the same message that the school instilled in me: respect your family and friends and this will reflect on your surroundings and your country.”

Addressing women’s participation in the corporate world and the larger society, the event comprised of four engaging panel discussions and one workshop.
The first panel titled ‘Challenges in the Work Place’ aimed to recognize the rising tide of women employment in the country and region, and reflect on ways to enhance participation and contribution to the economy. Mania Merikhi, AMSI Alumnus Class of 2000, and Head of Communications at Economic Zones World, JAFZA, moderated the event with her concluding words: “This initiative is particularly special to me as an alumnus of AMSI, and looking at the enthusiasm of our esteemed panelists, guests, and audience members, I am confident of AMSI Voices touching further heights in the future.”

‘Balancing Work and Family’, the second panel, was driven towards encouraging a harmonious lifestyle that helps women benefit from the best of both worlds – family and business. Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, AMSI Alumnus Class of 2001, and Chief Marketing Officer of Seddiqi Holding who moderated the discussion, said: “I am proud to be a member of AMSI Voices initiative. I called Al Mawakeb home for 14 years and am delighted that my children are calling ISAS their home today. As an AMSI alumnus and AMSI mother, I will ensure that I inspire AMSI girls to become Makers of Change.”

In the workshop titled ‘Exploring your options’, Mariam Al Afridi, AMSI Alumnus Class of 2000, and Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Dubai Media Inc., interacted with the students and their mothers: “Believing in our youth’s competencies, supporting their dream and enhancing their abilities is the core of this initiative. We will do our best to support and guide the promising innovators and empower them to further develop our society.”

The concluding panel – ‘Committing to A Dream’ – was held to foster confidence amongst young girl students to recognize their talents and passion for good work and success. Alissar Nasr Soubra, AMSI Alumnus Class of 1984, and Chief Academic Officer at AMSI moderated this panel: “I am pleased to witness the highly engaging, focused, and inspiring conversations at the inaugural edition of AMSI Voices. It is important to motivate students at an early stage and propel them on the path towards discovering their strengths and overcoming challenges.”

The day wrapped up with the launch of the AMSI Mentorship Program and the commitment to meet again in October 2016 for the second conference of AMSI Voices.

AMSI Voices is steered by a prominent 5-member committee: Alissar Nasr (AMSI CAO – AMSI Alumnus Class of 1984); Hind Seddiqi (Chief Marketing Officer of Seddiqi Holding – AMSI Alumnus Class of 2001); Mariam Al Afridi (Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Dubai Media Inc. – AMSI Alumnus Class of 2000); Mania Merrikhi (Head of Communications at Economic Zones World, Jafza – AMSI Alumnus Class of 2000); and Mahra Al Khaja (Senior Project Leader at Emirates Global Aluminum /Make-Up Artist – AMSI Alumnus Class of 2005).