Rabat – The Bouregreg Congress Palace played host today to the inaugural Alumni Summit organized by the United States Embassy in Morocco, bringing together over 400 Moroccan alumni who have participated in various exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
The day-long event was marked by insightful presentations on social and entrepreneurial initiatives, networking sessions, and panel discussions covering a wide array of topics such as climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIA).
In his opening speech, US Ambassador Puneet Talwar expressed his delight at the unprecedented attendance and the rich diversity on site.
“Morocco is America’s oldest friend, and it is a friendship that we cherish. You embody that friendship in several ways,” Ambassador Talwar remarked, emphasizing the alumni’s role as citizen diplomats.
US ambassador to Morocco with US Alumnis
He highlighted their significant contributions in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding between nations.
In an interview with Morocco World News on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Talwar reiterated his pride in hosting the first-ever gathering of alumni throughout Morocco.
He commended the 400 enthusiastic individuals for serving as mentors, ambassadors, and diplomats in their own right. “They are helping to mentor young people, and they’re also helping to build the bonds of friendship between the United States and Morocco,” Ambassador Talwar emphasized.
He praised the alumni for representing Morocco exceptionally well during their exchange programs in the United States and for their subsequent impactful endeavors back home.
Diverse experiences
The lobby of the Congress Palace featured a vibrant display of initiatives championed by the alumni, showcasing the breadth and depth of their experiences. From disability rights to women’s rights and STEM, the exhibits offered a testament to the multifaceted contributions of the alumni to Moroccan society.
Lamiae Benmaklouf, CEO of Teknopark Morocco
One standout initiative was Tibu Africa, founded by Mohammed Amin Ziada, which leverages sports to provide educational and leadership opportunities in disadvantaged areas across Morocco and Africa.
Recognized with a prestigious 2024 Social Innovation award at the World Economic Forum, Tibu Africa exemplifies the impactful work emerging from the alumni community.
US Alumni at US Alumni Summit
Ambassador Talwar also commended the alumni’s commitment to Morocco’s socio economic prosperity, citing their rapid response to the El Haus earthquake. Alumni played crucial roles in rescue efforts, aid coordination, and fundraising, demonstrating their dedication to community well-being.
Marissa Scott, General consul of US in Casablanca Morocco, emphasized the significance of the event in connecting people and fostering networks. “There’s something to be said about the energy and the synergy that happens when people share a space and they share a common goal,” she remarked, adding that today’s event provided a platform for alumni to excel, achieve their goals, and collaborate on shared objectives.
US Alumni Summit
Tech women alumni’s transformative journey
Following the keynote address, Lamiae Benmaklouf, CEO of Teknopark Morocco and a Tech Women alumna, shared her transformative journey. Benmaklouf expressed gratitude for the impactful experiences gained during the Tech Women program, noting its role in reshaping her life vision.
Reflecting on her Silicon Valley experience in 2016, Benmaklouf highlighted that the program not only celebrated cultural exchange but also provided valuable insights into management and leadership best practices.
US ambassador visiting exhibition at US Alumni Summit
Workshops, inspiring talks, and visits to technology giants played a pivotal role in fostering a mindset shift toward impactful actions.
“Tech Woman program helped me a lot in learning about empowering women in STEM and also learn from american mentors in Silicon Valley how they manage and they lead american tech companies,” she said
US Alumni Summit
The Teknopark Morocco CEO stressed the importance of focusing on impact, a key lesson learned during the program’s selection process. Projects and individuals making a difference were invariably impact-driven, she recalled, concluding that this prompted her to adopt a thoughtful approach to her endeavors.
