Info Sessions are online presentations providing an introduction to virtual exchange, the Stevens Initiative, and basic steps for getting involved in a program or starting a new one. This session, open to anyone but designed with MENA region audience members in mind, will address key virtual exchange elements, ways to engage, and opportunities and resources for support. This session is intended for someone with little to no knowledge about the Stevens Initiative and/or virtual exchange, and gives a broad overview of both.

Alanoud Alown is a Regional Program Manager based in the United Arab Emirates. Alanoud has extensive experience working in various research and analysis capacities. She held the role of Lead Consultant at Analyseize Research, a leading research firm specializing in social and economic research projects across the MENA region. At Analyseize, Alanoud worked on the first comprehensive study on Corporate Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship which included seven countries across the region. The study aimed at creating a movement of companies dedicated to responsible management as a way forward towards ensuring sustainable societies. Previously, Alanoud worked at the Political Affairs Department at the office of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. In her capacity as Senior Policy Researcher, she conducted research and analysis on regional and international developments and was actively involved in preparing various studies on the ramifications of global and regional developments on Jordan, among other responsibilities. Alanoud holds a Bachelor’s degree in French with a minor in Spanish from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics.

Manal Elattir is a Regional Program Manager based in Morocco. She has been an advocate for women and youth empowerment and leadership in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is the founder of ASILA, a social enterprise that empowers grassroots women entrepreneurs through business capacity building, mentoring and networking and through the creation of an ethical fashion brand Asilashop connecting them to the global market. Manal co-founded the first mentoring network for women in Morocco and trained more than 1500 youth across MENA region on entrepreneurship and career guidance. She was also the director of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Alumni Network in Morocco. Manal has been recognized at the international level for her work and has been selected in some of the most prestigious programs including FORTUNE Most Powerful Women program, UNESCO Human Rights International Fellow, and the Women Leaders of the World by the Global Women Leadership Network. Manal has been the recipient of the Architects of the Future Award, the Australia Middle East Media Women’s Award and the World of Difference Award by the International Alliance of Women. She is a motivational speaker and an international public speaker on issues ranging from entrepreneurship, youth employment, women’s rights and intercultural dialogue. Manal is based in Rabat, Morocco.