In a riveting Women in Leadership panel at Cairo American College, three distinguished leaders—Azza El Shennawy, Marwa Abbas, and Malak Al Baba—shared insights that transcend their professional journeys, offering a glimpse into the empowering stories of women navigating male-dominated fields.
The panel's discussion began with narratives of personal empowerment. Azza El Shennawy, leading Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Egypt, reminisced about her conservative father's unwavering support, enabling her to pursue studies and Ph.D abroad. Malak Al Baba, Head of Marketing at VISA, recounted how her father wished to be known as "The father of Malak," illustrating the impact of supportive families.
Marwa Abbas, General Manager of IBM Egypt, highlighted the significance of tapping into the surrounding ecosystem for success, advocating the application of knowledge gained in school or university across diverse real-life scenarios. CAC is unwaveringly committed to providing its students with a rich ecosystem, a fertile ground from which they can draw abundant resources to fuel their success. The vision of Future Learning Systems 2050 and DIT represents a strategic response to the future's zeitgeist. Our transformative courses in finance, disruptive technologies, and engineering and design act as guiding beacons, navigating students through the rapid pace of technological advancement. Whether it's the spiraling survey sequences in middle school or the focused high school courses, CAC ensures that students are not just prepared but empowered for the challenges that lie ahead.
The speakers shared anecdotes about the challenges they faced in their careers dominated by men. Malak Al Baba highlighted how, as a woman in a leadership role, she initially faced skepticism and the need to prove herself. She also discussed the need to overcome gender biases, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and learning from failures.
As they delved into their journeys, the speakers emphasized the pivotal role of education and self-confidence. The influence of teachers and parents on a child's self-assurance is immeasurable. Throughout the discussion, empowerment emerged as a journey, often fueled by individual determination and the support of mentors. The speakers' stories resonated with the broader narrative of women breaking barriers and thriving in traditionally male-dominated fields. A poignant piece of advice that echoed was Marwa's perspective on self-confidence, asserting that it "starts in your head." Embracing one's uniqueness and enjoying every phase of life without overthinking became a guiding principle. The empowerment journey, both personal and professional, became a testament to the transformative impact of self-empowerment and community support.
As the panelists delved into their roles in AWS, IBM, and VISA, it was their empowering journeys that left a lasting impression. The commitment of CAC to nurture and empower students aligns seamlessly with these experiences. In a world where empowerment catalyzes transformation, CAC stands as a beacon, empowering students to confidently chart their paths.
The Women in Leadership panel not only highlighted the successes of these remarkable leaders but underscored the importance of empowerment, education, and community support in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
