Two Egyptian Female Entrepreneurs Were Among The Selected Candidates

Cairo, 14 June 2010 - The Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego, selected a number of talented entrepreneurs and leaders from growth-oriented businesses and media organizations in the Middle-East and North Africa (MENA) region to participate in the Middle-East Entrepreneur Training (MEET) program.  The program was held in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 16-26, 2010 and was conducted by the Rady School of Management, on behalf of the Middle-East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) at the U.S. Department of State.

The MEET seminar hosted 20 entrepreneurs from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. From Egypt, Ms. Fatma Ahmed, MD of MEAComS for Public Relations and Marketing and Ms. Reham Essam, a Style and Fashion Editor, were the two Egyptian female entrepreneurs selected, brining more than 7 years experience in media field.

The program targets entrepreneurs, senior executives, younger managers and especially women in growth companies from 16 Middle-Eastern and North African countries and territories to participate in advanced business training and networking activities. MEET has provided professional training, networking and alumni support systems to increase the managerial and entrepreneurial skills of Middle-Eastern and North African business.   

"At  the MEET program, some of the MENA region's most talented, high-potential business and media executives have not only met and shared experiences and contacts, but are now also building their enterprises, starting new companies, creating jobs and implementing advocacy activities for positive change." says Dr. Rob Fuller, Director, Entrepreneur Development Program, Rady School of Management.

"Through the MEET program, I have gained some important insights that will literally help in changing the way I am looking at and managing my business." says Ms. Fatma Ahmed, Managing Director of MEAComS for Public Relations and Marketing agency in Egypt. "Although it was not easy for me to take time away from my company, but the MEET program proved to be very valuable.  Each session gave me a new insight, and I now know how to translate my enthusiasm to all areas of management." added Ms. Ahmed.

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), located within the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, is a unique program designed to engage directly with and invest in the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).  MEPI works to create vibrant partnerships with citizens to foster the development of pluralistic, participatory, and prosperous societies throughout the MENA region.  MEPI partners with local, regional and international non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and governments. More information about MEPI can be found at: www.mepi.state.gov. 

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© Press Release 2010