Moroccan Alumni of US Universities Share Success Stories

Casablanca — Over 50 Moroccan alumni of US universities convened today at Dar America, the cultural center of the US Consulate General in Casablanca, to share and exchange insights on educational partnerships between the two countries.

Dar America organized the networking event under the theme of “Alumni in Action: Moroccan Voices, American Degrees.”

Speaking to Morocco World News on the sidelines of yesterday’s networking day for Moroccan alumni of US universities, Rose Custis, Director of DAR America Rose Custis said the event marks a milestone as the first “first ever EducationUSA alumni networking event” at their location.

Custis shared that the event brought “an illustrious guest list of Moroccans who studied in the US,” including “CEOs, directors, a former minister, delegates, entrepreneurs, and consultants.”

The event was a platform for Moroccan alumni of US universities to tell their personal success journeys and how “American universities played a huge part in that.”

The event’s opening panel, “Stories of Growth — Alumni Testimonials,” featured three prominent Moroccan leaders who leveraged their American education to build successful careers across diverse sectors in Morocco.

Ghita Mezzour, founder of DecisiveAI and former minister in charge of digital transition and administration reform, headlined the panel alongside Ismail Douiri, Deputy CEO of Attijariwafa Bank, and Samir Benmakhlouf, founder of the London Academy.

The Managing Director of Terroirs du Haouz Omar Laafoura moderated the insightful discussion.

Diverse paths to success in Morocco

The testimonial panel aimed at showing how American higher education opportunities that Moroccan alumni benefited from have shaped their career trajectories, having gone on to lead in government, finance, technology, and education sectors.

A prominent example is Mezzour’s journey from student to tech entrepreneur and government minister, which exemplifies the diverse paths available to Moroccan graduates of US institutions. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, she brought extensive knowledge that she invested in her country.

Her work in digital transformation during her ministerial tenure and her current role founding an AI company demonstrate the application of American educational principles in Morocco’s evolving technological landscape.

Mezour said that she went to the US determined to come back stronger and with more skills. She described the program as a starting point for her journey in learning how computer science could serve society.

“Yes, I can” was Mezzour’s theme during her PhD studies in the US. She said that despite the fears, the struggle, she kept going, believing that one day her work would pay off.

Meanwhile, Douiri’s position at one of Morocco’s largest banking institutions, Attijariwafa Bank, reflects how US business education translates to leadership roles in the country’s financial sector.

Adapting American experience to the Moroccan market

He built up on his studies at Harvard Business School to foster his experience in Morocco’s banking ecosystem.

Attijariwafa Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer offered insights into how American business methodologies can be adapted to the Moroccan market.

In a statement to Morocco World News (MWN), Douiri hailed the initiative as a launchpad for further collaboration among Moroccan alumni of US universities.

Speaking during the panel, Diouri said that going to learning demands that you be modest and always seek new knowledge.

Benmakhlouf’s establishment of the London Academy reflects the entrepreneurial spirit often fostered in American educational institutions, showing how alumni can create educational opportunities that bridge international standards with local needs.

He told a story about his first days in the US, describing it as a fearless journey that led him to where he is now.

The gathering represents part of a broader initiative to strengthen educational and professional ties between Morocco and the United States.

The event laid the groundwork for a future alumni leadership platform designed to foster mentoring, collaboration, and continued exchange between the two countries.

EducationUSA advising services at Dar America provide comprehensive, free support to Moroccan students and professionals seeking higher education opportunities in the US.

Its team offers expert guidance on selecting universities, preparing strong applications, navigating standardized tests, and identifying scholarship opportunities.

The networking event’s panels and discussions throughout the day brought together alumni, current students, and education professionals to strengthen the Morocco-US educational partnership.