AUK Supports Women's Entrepreneurship Week 2023 with Montclair University

AUK recently hosted Women's Entrepreneurship Week 2023 in collaboration with Montclair State University's Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This event aimed to spotlight the remarkable achievements and potential of women in entrepreneurship and leadership, reflecting AUK's strong commitment to empowering women in the field.  

The central theme of the event revolved around "Women in Male Dominated Industries," a topic of profound importance for advancing gender equality. This theme also aligns with UN Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) and supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG), which is focused on achieving gender equality. 

Dr. Salime Smadi, professor of organizational behavior, extended a warm welcome to the audience, after which, Dr. Sarah Al Shamali, assistant professor of marketing, initiated the discussion. The panelists included Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Duaij, co-founder and managing partner of HD Consulting; Ms. Taiba Al-Humaidhi, founder of Lei Wa Lakom and Ethos Studios; Ms. Sarah AlSayegh, an architect and entrepreneur who currently holds a position in Dar AlSayegh Engineering Consultancy; and Ms. Haya AlBassam, assistant general manager at Commercial Bank of Kuwait and co-founder and managing partner of Peak Fitness.  
 
Throughout the discussion, each panelist delivered insightful perspectives and shared their industry expertise. A range of pivotal subjects were explored, including the definition of male-dominated industries, the formidable challenges faced by women, the invaluable contributions of diverse teams, and the imperative societal shifts required to foster inclusivity.  

Of equal importance, successful initiatives and strategies aimed at promoting gender diversity were deliberated, along with the indispensable roles played by educational institutions and the corporate sector in supporting women's careers within traditionally male-dominated fields. 
The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, allowing students to engage in meaningful discussions with the panelists.   

 These events not only align profoundly with AUK's core principles but also stand as a testament to the University's unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and nurturing the ambitions of women in the field of entrepreneurship. 

Group photo of speakers with CBE dean and faculty