Meet INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA’s New Alumni Leaders
April 1, 2025
In November 2024, the INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA network launched the search process for the Alumni Leaders Academy MENA, a bold new initiative designed to strengthen alumni communities and empower a new generation of leadership across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Based on previous editions in Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, the Alumni Leaders Academy MENA received more than 120 applications from alumni in 13 countries, reflecting the growing energy and ambition of young leaders in the JA/INJAZ network.
Following a competitive application and interview process, INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA selected 28 alumni leaders to serve in key roles—including presidents, vice presidents, community managers, and board members—representing 12 MENA countries.
Why the Alumni Leaders Academy?
INJAZ alumni across the region are seeking ways to stay engaged, connected, and impactful. Many face shared challenges: the transition from education to employment, fragmented networks, and limited access to mentorship and opportunities. The Academy is a direct response to those challenges, designed to amplify alumni voices and give them the tools to build stronger communities locally and regionally.
The Selection Process
Applicants were evaluated across two phases. In the first, candidates submitted written responses and selfie videos that highlighted their leadership potential, community involvement, and commitment to INJAZ values. In the second, interviews assessed their communication skills, vision for alumni engagement, and ability to commit to a voluntary leadership role over the next year.
Selection criteria included:
Leadership experience
Community engagement
Communication skills
Strategic vision
Problem-solving orientation
Alignment with JA/INJAZ mission
The First Cohort of Leaders
The Academy’s inaugural cohort represents Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the UAE. These leaders come from diverse professional and academic backgrounds—many are entrepreneurs, mentors, engineers, educators, and student leaders—but they’re united by a shared commitment to giving back to their communities through the INJAZ alumni network.
Their goals vary by country but share common themes: building structured alumni platforms, offering mentorship programs, organizing skills workshops and networking events, and connecting young alumni to employment opportunities. Several leaders also outlined plans to develop digital platforms for community engagement and to elevate alumni visibility through storytelling, collaboration, and shared success.
What’s Next?
Over the next year, this group of passionate leaders will drive alumni engagement in their countries, organize local events and initiatives, and link INJAZ offices and the broader alumni community. They’ll also collaborate with each other, sharing best practices and co-creating opportunities across borders.
The Alumni Leaders Academy MENA is more than a program, it’s a movement. This first cohort is laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected alumni network that reflects the bold, innovative spirit of JA/INJAZ youth across the region.
Meet the New Alumni Leaders
We’re thrilled to announce the leaders of 10 new INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA national alumni networks—Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Tunisia, and UAE—who will join the two previously established INJAZ alumni networks in Bahrain and Palestine.
“I have been actively involved with INJAZ and its alumni community for more than 4 years engaging in diverse programs and initiatives that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
“The biggest challenge faced by INJAZ alumni in my country is employability. Many alumni struggle to transition from education to the workforce, either due to a lack of relevant skills or opportunities. As vice president, I would focus on empowering alumni by providing tailored support to help them develop the skills they need to either launch their own businesses or secure fulfilling jobs.”
“My biggest win is being able to see first-hand our alumni network work hand in hand to build a brighter future for Bahrain!”
“Being part of the INJAZ Bahrain Alumni has been an incredible journey. As Vice President, I’ve had the honor of connecting with inspiring alumni, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for us to grow together.”
“Through my involvement with INJAZ, I have cultivated a passion for empowering young people and inspiring them to embrace educational opportunities. I am eager to further contribute as a global representative, sharing my experiences and insights to drive positive change within the INJAZ alumni community.”
“Many alumni in Egypt struggle to stay connected with one another or with INJAZ due to a lack of structured opportunities for collaboration. This creates a gap in building a cohesive, vibrant community. As an alumni leader, my primary focus will be to establish a structured, inclusive, and engaging platform for alumni interaction.”
“INJAZ has allowed me to cultivate my leadership skills and ignite my passion for creativity, collaboration, and empowerment. It’s been a transformative experience, and I aim to use what I’ve learned to inspire others in the alumni community and beyond.”
“By addressing challenges and implementing initiatives, I will work towards creating a strong, engaged, and impactful INJAZ alumni community that can navigate adversity and make meaningful contributions to the organization’s mission.”
“I've been involved in the INJAZ community since October 2023. In the Envision program, I was introduced to many entrepreneurship mentors in Lebanon, assigned a mentor from Germany, Felix, to converse with me about my interest in B2G and how to approach it in an environment of instabilities such as Lebanon.”
“I want to harness the power of social media to create a dynamic digital hub, where alumni can share insights, celebrate successes, and collaborate on exciting ventures. By weaving together our diverse experiences and talents, we can transform the alumni landscape into a thriving tapestry of support, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we’ll turn the post-graduation void into a vibrant community that uplifts and empowers every member.”
“After finishing the two INJAZ programs, I started created the first INJAZ Morocco Alumni Marrakech chapter in my city with my fellow local alumni.”
“I grew up with INJAZ, and I was fortunate that both my middle and high schools were among the few selected to benefit from these programs. From an early age, I developed an entrepreneurial mindset through various INJAZ initiatives.”
“One of the significant challenges INJAZ Oman alumni face is difficulty establishing effective communication among ourselves and leveraging the collective expertise of those who have participated in INJAZ programs. As president, I aim to address this issue by creating a structured and accessible communication network within the INJAZ alumni community.”
“I aim to build a vibrant and engaged alumni community that empowers its members to thrive, lead, and create lasting impact in Oman and beyond.”
“My journey with INJAZ has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing my contributions by fostering innovation, mentorship, and leadership among aspiring young professionals in my community.”
“I am motivated by the opportunity to empower fellow alumni, bridge the gap between education and the workforce, and create a supportive network that helps others unlock their potential and achieve success.”
“What started as a small step has evolved into a journey filled with experiences that have honed my skills, broadened my vision, and connected me with a network of leaders passionate about making a real change.”
“After the JA Company Program, I volunteered in schools with INJAZ, where I helped students develop their skills in creative thinking and entrepreneurship. Currently, I work as the Head of Research and Development at the Association, where I contribute to creating unique activities aimed at empowering youth and developing their skills.”
“I've been actively involved with INJAZ since 2021, participating in programs that fueled my passion for entrepreneurship and technology.”
“The INJAZ community is among the best people I have ever met. I aim to further increase the feeling of community between us and help connect us with other INJAZ alumni.”
“My approach as president will focus on creating a dynamic, supportive ecosystem that goes beyond simple networking. I plan to implement a multifaceted engagement program designed to reconnect and empower our alumni.”
“To build a vibrant community, I will encourage alumni to take leadership roles in organizing local events and supporting new participants in INJAZ programs. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, I aim to create a dynamic alumni network that continues to inspire and empower its members.”
“My INJAZ experiences have allowed me to mentor others, foster creativity, and contribute to developing future entrepreneurs through INJAZ’s inspiring platform.”
“My engagement with INJAZ did not stop when I completed my learning experiences. I currently serve as a volunteer in both the entrepreneurship masterclass and the innovation camp programs, where I provide training sessions for student and youth across Tunisia.”
Meet MENA’s Newest Alumni Leaders
“My goal is to turn the alumni network into a supportive ecosystem where members feel valued and motivated to contribute, ensuring the spirit of INJAZ thrives well beyond the programs. Together, we can create a lasting impact in Tunisia and beyond.”
“INJAZ has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional development, enabling me to inspire others while continuing to grow as a leader and entrepreneur.”
“Looking back, I can say that I made a great decision in joining INJAZ because it has transformed my life since 2024. As a participant and a leader, I have integrated myself into the active INJAZ alumni network in my area.”
“INJAZ UAE alumni often struggle to participate in events due to time restrictions. We'll aim to solve this problem by creating a unified system managed by senior alumni in coordination with INJAZ staff across MENA countries who will organize flexible schedules in which other alumni can participate in as many events as possible.”