Alyazia and the Athena Program

In 2003, I was asked to participate as a mentor in the Athena Foundation’s International Mentoring program, in association with Zayed University at Dubai,  United Arab Emirates. I was one of 46 businesswomen in the United States to act as a mentor to one of a group of chosen female students.

The Athena program at Zayed University is an Honors program, the first of its kind outside of the United States, and mentoring was accomplished by email. My desire to reach out in peace and communication with a young Arab woman was fulfilled in my relationship with Alyazia, a media studies student.

In November 2004, Marci became a recipient of the prestigious Athena Award in Canandaigua, for professional achievement and leadership. The Athena Award is given in communities throughout the United States and five other countries by Athena International, and its corporate sponsors.

The Athena Award is given to women who have achieved the highest professional success in their field, who have made significant contributions to their community, and who have demonstrated support and leadership for other women.

During 2003-2004, the participants in the Athena program at Zayed and in the USA were given prompts for discussion each month, based on the Athena Leadership model:

The Authentic Self · Relationships · Giving Back · Collaboration · Courageous Acts· Learning · Fierce Advocacy · Celebration and Joy

But it didn’t take long for Alyazia and I to form a bond, and develop a true relationship based on affection and respect. Alyazia graduated from Zayed in June 2005, and we continue our relationship now, beyond the formal program, and look forward to a long, growing friendship. We hope to meet face to face some day.

Alyazia is a brilliantly talented artist and photographer. Seeing her work has given me a new vision of her country, her life and her spirit. Her stunning work can be viewed at:
www.usefilm.com/photographer/34708.html

I joined the program out of a desire to reach out in peace and hope to a region of the world without a positive impression of Americans. Despite our cultural differences and geographical distance, we had an instant bonding of hearts. I want her to know that creativity, imagination and talent know no boundaries.  As her mentor, I am her safe harbor as she sails the ocean of her future. She is her country’s leadership investment in this world.

She calls me her "American Mum".