INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA Alumni Leaders Unite in Amman
May 20, 2025
INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA and JA Worldwide held the inaugural Alumni Leaders Academy Bootcamp in the MENA region last week. The gathering in Amman, Jordan, brought together ten newly onboarded and two experienced alumni leaders alongside office focal points representing 12 INJAZ member locations to empower alumni to lead across the region.
“We have officially launched the INJAZ Alumni network, a vibrant, regional group of changemakers who once sat in our classrooms and are now stepping up to lead. I truly believe that this isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action.”
–Akef Aqrabawi, President and CEO, INJAZ Al-Arab
Over four transformative days, participants engaged in high-impact sessions designed to equip them with the tools, mindset, and network to spark change at both the national and regional levels. Organized by INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA and JA Worldwide, the bootcamp marked a major milestone in alumni engagement across the region.
The agenda blended leadership development, project management, resilience training, and vision alignment. Guest speakers included Rashad Bibars from DAI, Noura Dowani and Mary Petro from Ethraa, Nadia Borshek of Project Management Institute (PMI) Jordan, and Issa Shahine of Leoden MENA, each bringing depth and expertise to the experience.
The bootcamp wasn’t just about skills, it was about relationships. Day 1 and Day 4 were designed for connection and reflection, grounding participants in shared purpose. Days 2 and 3 focused on action, with sessions around emotional intelligence, impact measurement, and strategy pitching.
After the week, the region found itself with a unified alumni leadership team spanning 12 countries, custom workplans aligned to each country’s needs, and stronger connections between alumni and focal points, setting the stage for long-term collaboration
This powerful gathering was made possible by the support of the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF), which continues to champion youth-led leadership worldwide.
With hearts full and plans in motion, the Alumni Leaders Academy MENA Bootcamp marked not an end, but a beginning—a launchpad for alumni across the region to rise, lead, and drive impact in their communities and beyond.