From October 24 - 30, the 2013 Women's Initiative Fellows and their American mentors spent a week together in Amman, Jordan for training...
From October 24 – 30, the 2013 Women's Initiative Fellows and their American mentors spent a week together in Amman, Jordan for training sessions and one-on-one mentoring time. Our Women’s Initiative team excitedly welcomed the Fellows and Mentors as they arrived at the hotel for the sessions. Our happy reunion brought a flood of memories from the five weeks we spent with the Fellows in the United States earlier this year.
Witnessing the personal and professional growth of the Fellows is thrilling. The courage, determination, and desire of these women inspired all of the American women. The continued training and individualized mentoring are crucial to the success of the Fellows.
The last six months have proven extremely challenging for our Egyptian Fellows. They have faced disruption in their daily life with curfews imposed on them as a result of the ongoing protests and unrest. Due to the constant interruptions, the Fellows have struggled to maintain momentum on their action plans. But, the week in Jordan provided renewed hope and resolve as each woman considers how to recalibrate her action plan.
During the sessions, we reviewed the practical tools and skills the Fellows have at their fingertips as a result of what they have learned so far through the Fellowship. The Fellows have learned to deftly network, build a personal brand, effectively communicate, clarify their purpose and vision, and develop a personal action plan. The sessions fostered some of the most important lessons and introduced the Fellows to new skills
The various backgrounds and vast experience of the American mentors proved an invaluable resource to all the Fellows. The mentors generously provided sound counsel, relaying lessons from their own lives, which enhanced each session.
Most of the American mentors had never met each other before arriving in Jordan. It was fantastic to watch relationships develop between the mentors – and the Fellows – and to facilitate the expansion of this network of powerful, dynamic women. Fellows and mentors discussed their action plans – and the mentors worked with Fellows that they are not necessarily assigned to but with which they found a connection. The desire to advance each Fellow’s vision became a passion for all of us. We are all invested, and we are eager to provide resources to help each woman achieve her goals.
As the week came to a close, the Fellows, Mentors and the Women’s Initiative team tearfully said goodbye – but we all left with a greater sense of passion and a renewed purpose and determination. We are enthusiastic about the future of the Fellows and feel fortunate to be a part of their lives and their journey.
