Public Affairs

In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (WEW) and the College of Business and Economics’ (CBE) commitment to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), AUK hosted a creative and reflective event titled “Who Am I Becoming?”—a collage workshop designed as a journey of creative self-discovery. The workshop was organized by Dr. Salime Smadi and Dr. Shaihana Al Mutairi, bringing together students for an engaging exploration of identity, empowerment, and well-being through art.
 
Every year, the College of Business and Economics collaborates with Montclair State University (USA) to commemorate Women’s Entrepreneurship Week and to emphasize the role of women entrepreneurs and the importance of female empowerment. The annual event also underscores the university’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly Goal No. 5—Gender Equality. This year’s workshop further expanded its focus to include UNSDG No. 3—Good Health and Well-being, recognizing the vital link between creativity, emotional wellness, and self-awareness.
 
Dr. Smadi and Dr. Al Mutairi welcomed attendees and introduced the workshop facilitator, Ms. Fatima Al Loghani, a distinguished collage artist, marketing director, and entrepreneur. Ms. Al Loghani is also the founder of Coco Collage, a platform that promotes self-expression and mental well-being through the art of collage. Under her guidance, students were encouraged to engage in an introspective and therapeutic creative process that allowed them to reflect on their personal growth, emotions, and aspirations.
 
The session resonated deeply with participants, many of whom described it as a transformative and restorative experience. One student reflected that the workshop was “a therapeutic way to reflect on who I am and who I am becoming,” describing it as “a feeling engraved in me forever rather than just an enjoyable experience.” Another participant shared that it was “a relaxing and creative experience” that helped them connect more deeply with their personality through art. A third participant noted that “the workshop was more than just creating art, it was a gentle space for healing, a way to process emotions and find comfort through creativity.”
 
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with Ms. Al Loghani, allowing for meaningful dialogue and personalized reflection. The collage workshop proved to be a valuable exercise in self-care and mental health awareness, offering participants a unique and creative outlet for self-expression. Students left the session feeling inspired, grounded, and more connected with their sense of self.
 
As part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Week celebrations, AUK also welcomed Matcha Bar, a local startup founded by two AUK students, Ms. Jenna Al Fahad and Ms. Dhai Al Saho. The event served as an inspiring reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit within AUK’s community and the university’s ongoing support for student-led business ventures.
 
Through initiatives such as these, the College of Business and Economics continues to promote creativity, empowerment, and responsible leadership among its students. The college remains committed to fostering an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, values that lie at the heart of both PRME and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Week mission.
  
  

Images from the event