Aspire Institute’s CEO, Meena Sonea, recently spent time with the Pakistan Foundry team meeting alumni and organizations empowering first-generation university students. These gatherings strengthened connections among alumni and others doing inspiring work. The Pakistan Foundry hopes to continue to collaborate with impactful organizations and offer opportunities for networking and growth.
Aspire Leaders Program Alumni Network in Lahore
At a special event in Lahore, 36 accomplished individuals from the Aspire Leaders Program (ALP) gathered at The Observatory. The event provided a platform for alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and celebrate their achievements.
One of the highlights of the reunion included the inspiring story of Kinza Tahreem, a 2024 Aspire Leaders Program alum. Despite traveling over three hours from Gujranwala in the pouring rain, Kinza was determined to attend the reunion. Her unwavering commitment to Aspire and the program’s impact on her life was evident in her enthusiasm and passion.
Kinza shared how the ALP equipped her with essential skills and connected her with organizations aligned with her interests. Her journey as a kickboxer and self-defense trainer is a testament to the transformative power of the program.
The reunion also provided a valuable opportunity for alumni to interact with the Pakistan Foundry team, including Nishat Maryam, the Communications and Outreach Representative, and Adnan Ali, the Alumni Engagement Representative. Meena Sonea, Aspire Institute’s CEO, also joined, adding to the uniqueness of this event – as she is typically based in Cambridge, MA.
These interactions allowed alumni to gain insights into the organization’s current initiatives and future plans.The reunion served as a reminder of the strong community that Aspire Institute has fostered.
As Aspire Institute continues to empower young leaders, alumni reunions like these play a vital role in maintaining a strong and supportive network We look forward to many more such gatherings as well as other opportunities in the future.
In addition to these gatherings, Aspire Institute partners with organizations and universities across Pakistan to inspire more young people to reach their full potential.
Creating a Supportive Ecosystem for First-Gen University Students
Meena Sonea and the Pakistan Foundry team had the opportunity to bring together alumni again with community members from EO Women, a prominent organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
This gathering provided a platform for four Aspire Institute alumnae to share their inspiring stories and connect with influential leaders.
EO Women, a chapter of the global Entrepreneurs’ Organization, offers a supportive community for women entrepreneurs. The meeting provided a unique opportunity for Aspire alumnae to engage with experienced businesswomen, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations.
Attendees engaged in lively discussions on women’s empowerment, intersectionality, and the importance of providing opportunities for women first-generation university students. The alumnae shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the impact of the Aspire Leaders Program on their professional growth.
Meena Sonea and Dr. Mariam Chughtai, Aspire Institute Regional Strategy Advisor for the Pakistan Foundry, joined the meeting, further strengthening the relationship between the two organizations – opening the door for future collaboration.
These events serve as a testament to the power of networking and the positive impact that Aspire Institute’s alumni have on their communities. By connecting with organizations like EO Women, Aspire Institute showcases a commitment to creating pathways for first-generation university students to succeed.
