Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane

Alumni Achievements

2023

Congratulations to our alumnus Ghassane El Machrafi on his appointment as General Director of the Moroccan Agency for Logistics Development.
Al Akhawayn University Graduate Zineb Salma Bahri Awarded Prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University
A research paper, co-authored by AUI alumnus and professors, awarded the Third Best Research Paper Prize in the 13th Global Islamic Marketing Conference

Congratulations to Alumnus Anasse Bari on winning the Golden Dozen Award of New York University

05.20.2022

Al Akhawayn Alumni Association Elects a New Board of Executives

04.10.2022

Al Akhawayn Alumni Association (AAA) has recently announced its newly elected members of the Board of Executives (BoE). Since its launch in 1995, over 6,500 alumni have graduated from Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), creating a strong community based in Morocco and outside the Kingdom. Thereafter, the Al Akhawayn Alumni Association (AAA) was founded in March 2003 on the initiative of AUI and its graduates. It now counts more than 6,500 members spread across the world. The recent elections took place in March 2022, whereby a new board, elected by AUI alumni, took office on April 2nd, 2022.

The new members of the AAA Board of Executives are:

President: Hamza El Meray
Vice-President in charge of Communications: Oum Keltoum Nejmi
Vice-President in charge of External Relations: Salma Daoudi
General Secretary: Soukaina Ouarab
Treasurer: Imad Goulhiane
Community Happiness Coordinator: Oualid Zazou
Chapters Coordinator: Iman Bermaki
Clubs Coordinator: MaftahaBenchlikha
Communication and Digital Coordinator: Taha Benazoun

The newly elected board has appointed alumnus Samir Lebbar, President and General Manager at P&G North Africa, as their advisor and mentor to support and guide them with their mission.

“We are thankful for the community’s trust and support, and we look forward to building an even stronger community and network through a clear action plan, which is first and foremost based on the cohort’s needs and expectations,” said Hamza El Meray, President of the Al Akhawayn Alumni Association.

“Al Akhawayn's Alumni are an integral part of Al Akhawayn's community and of our pride. The many cross-fertilizations between our alumni and AUI are a testament to the strong bond between the alumni community and its alma matter,” said Dr. Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. “Our alumni community's organizing through a structured association is a precious asset. We certainly look forward to working with the newly elected AAA Board of Executives and to supporting them in their mission.”

The AAA’s main objectives include, but are not limited to:

Regrouping AUI alumni from different schools, disciplines, and backgrounds;
Developing a strong professional network and growing an environment of collaboration;
Establishing multiple partnerships, serving existing alumni and the community overall;
Providing a mentorship platform for students and fresh graduates and supporting them in integrating the job market.

Alumnus Chaouki Head of Finance and Economic Development Committee

10.14.2021

SBA Alumnus Mohamed Chaouki ('98) (from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party) was elected Chairman of the Finance and Economic Development Committee in the Moroccan chamber of representatives.

Alumnus Qualifies for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

07.27.2021

Alumnus and Moroccan athlete Ali Al Ahrach (’11) will be competing on the world’s largest athletic stage - the Olympic games in Tokyo. Ali is representing Morocco in equestrian - the jumping division. Ali won the Gold medal in the 2019 Rabat Continental/Regional Games.

This is the first time in the history of Moroccan show jumping that a team has qualified for the Olympic Games. The Olympic equestrian events will be held July 25-29 for dressage and August 4-8 for show jumping at Setagaya Equestrian Park.

Paper Co-Authored by Alumnus Othman Namli Wins an Award

07.20.2021

SBA Alumnus Othman Namli, and Professor Gwyneth Edwards won the Best Student Paper Award in the International Business Division at the latest Administrative Science Association of Canada (ASAC) Conference. The paper, Internationalization Speed: Strategies in the Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) Industry, was based on Othman Namli’s thesis, directed by Professor Edwards and submitted in August 2020.

The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors that allow a company to expand to the international market more rapidly. The model that emerged from Namli’s work could help guide airlines looking to pursue international opportunities without overstretching their capabilities. This award salutes the quality of Professor Edwards’ and Mr. Namli’s research, which had already been recognized with a research scholarship from the Boucaro Foundation. (https://www.hec.ca/en/news/2021/best-student-paper-award-othman-namli-gwyneth-edwards.html)

Alumnus Aomar Boum, New Holder of the Maurice Amado Chair in Sephardic Studies at UCLA

07.12.2021

As of July 1, 2021, Alumnus and UCLA anthropology professor Aomar Boum, is the new holder of the Maurice Amado Endowed Chair in Sephardic Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA).

Housed in the UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies, the Maurice Amado Program in Sephardic Studies offers students at the undergraduate and graduate level the rare opportunity to focus intensively on the study of Sephardic history and culture. It also hosts lectures, workshops and symposia open to the academic and wider Los Angeles community that cultivate and stimulate this field and situate UCLA as one of its principle hubs. It has supported international scholarship, building on the solid research and teaching program erected over the course of a decade and a half of Maurice Amado Lectures and more recently by the Maurice Amado Chair. (https://levecenter.ucla.edu/)

Anasse Bari ('07) designs an artificial intelligence tool to understand the evolution of COVID-19

04.14.2020

Under Anasse Bari’s lead, a team in NYU deployed this decision support tool primarily based on predictive analytics.

In practical terms, this solution will make it possible to report the clinical seriousness of cases contaminated by the pandemic and will help doctors to determine which patients really need beds and which ones can go home, given the hospital resources being limited. A partnership is currently under discussion between AUI and NYU, through M. BARI, for the use of advanced technologies in favor of tracking the spread of COVID-19 in Morocco, but also for the precise determination of its impacts on economic and health plans.

Anasse graduated from AUI with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 2007. Two years later, Anasse pursued his Doctorate studies at the University of George Washington in Computer Science and worked then in many prestigious companies like World Bank. Anasse is also the author of the book “Predictive Analytics For Dummies” and of many articles about Artificial intelligence in CNBC, Forbes, and France 24.

Yassir Touhami (’99): appointed COO at AUI

Graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Science and Engineering with a bachelor's degree in general engineering. In addition to many professional certifications, Yassir has completed a master’s degree from the London School of Business. Before coming back to AUI in early 2020, Yassir held the position of Head of Strategy & Business Development - Middle East & Africa at Thomson Reuters in UAE.

Reda Dalil (’01): Appointed Chief Editor of Telquel

Graduated from AUI in 2001. Since his graduation, he has been working in the Media sector. In September 2014, Reda Dalil received the fifth annual “La Mamounia” Literary Award for his first novel, “Le Job.” Out of eight novels, his work was quickly chosen as the jury’s favorite, designating it the best Moroccan Francophone literary work for the time period between June 2013 and May 2014. Reda Dalil worked as the chief editor of Le Temps Magazine, and of Economie Entreprise before joining Telquel as their Chief Editor in 2018.

Tahar Harakat (’16) Publishes Paper in the Munich Personal RePEc Archive

01.29.2020

AUI alumnus Tahar Harkat published in January 2020 a paper in the Munich Personal RePEc Archive (MPRA) that assesses the link between energy consumption and economic development, particularly as it appears in the Moroccan economy. Tahar (’16) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Finance and Logistics.

His paper can be found at the following link: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/98313/.

Souhaila Zaidoune ('18) Publishes Article on Palestinian Organizational Culture

01.14.2020

We are proud to recognize AUI alumna Souhaila Zaidoune ('18) for her recent publication in the Emerald Journal. She published her study, “Organizational culture, innovation, and performance: a study from a non-western context,” alongside professors Mohammed Aboramadan, Belal Albashiti, and Hatem Alharazin. The article examines connections between organizational culture, innovation, and banks’ performance in Palestine.

Read the full article here: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JMD-06-2019-0253/full/html

Samia Badidi (’19) Earns Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

06.17.2019

Al Akhawayn Alumna Samia Badidi (’19) (Engineering and Management Science) has been awarded a full-degree scholarship through an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD). EMJMD awarded EU-funded scholarships to the best 13 student candidates.

EMJMD is a prestigious, integrated, international study program, jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions. The successful completion of the study program will lead to the award of either a joint degree (i.e. one single degree certificate issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions of the EMJMD consortium) or multiple degrees (i.e. at least two-degree certificates issued by two higher education institutions of the consortium).

Asmae Berrada, (MS ’14) won first prize for the Talent Award for Research and Innovation given Masen

10.22.2018

AUI Alumni continue to represent the University well. Last week Asmae Berrada, an SSE Alumna, won first prize for the Talent Award for Research and Innovation given by Masen, a Moroccan Energy organization based in Rabat that focuses on renewable energy. Asmae was awarded the prize for her Ph.D. thesis which was co-supervised by Professor Loudiyi and Professor Zorkani.

Zineb Lahbabi (‘13) Selected for Obama Foundation’s 2018 Africa Program

05.07.2018

Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) alumna Zineb Lahbabi—International Studies major, Class of 2013 - has recently been selected to be a participant of the Obama Foundation’s “2018 Africa Program”, which will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, between July 14^th and 18^th.

The “Africa Program” is a prestigious, yearlong initiative whose aim is to prepare young African leaders for various roles in the government, civil service, and private sector. Participants in attendance of this July’s program will have the chance to meet with prominent members of the Obama administration, and, at the end of the program, will have the chance to attend a town-hall-style meeting headed by former American President Barrack Obama himself.

Zineb is one of 200 participants, chosen from an applicant pool of nearly 10,000 candidates. AUI is very proud of Zineb and can’t wait to see what she’ll do next!

Cast Your Votes: Ijlal Loufti (BS ‘09/ MS’11) Advances to a Research Contest’s Final Round

04.24.2018

Idéprisen—a Norwegian scientific research contest—recently announced that Al Akhawayn SSE alumna Ijlal Loufti has advanced to the contest’s final round.

Ms. Loufti, who graduated from Al Akhawayn School of Science and Engineering, obtained a doctorate in Information Security. She gained acclaim in 2008 when—still a student in Oslo—she and two colleagues discovered three asteroids on a collision course with the Earth, a feat that merited her a research prize from the American space agency NASA’s ominously named “Killer Asteroid” project.

From 0 to 60 in 3.5: Oussama Berrada Gouzi (’04) named new CM of Hyundai

04.18.2018

AUI Alumnus Oussama Berrada Gouzi—SBA, Class of 2004—was recently named Country Manager of Hyundai. A business student during his time at AUI, Mr. Berrada Gouzi graduated with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Finance and went on to work at Bugshan Maroc Group in 2010. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to earn his recent promotion.

Shifting up the Ladder: AUI Alumna Nadia Tazi (’98) Named Renault Director

04.18.2018

AUI alumna Nadia Tazi—SSE Class of 1998 —has recently been named the Director of Renault’s Systems and Information in Africa, the Middle-East, and India, with direct oversight of Moroccan operations. Ms. Tazi graduated from AUI with a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and joined Renault in 2010 as Technical Director. Since then, she has climbed the ladder, becoming the Director of Systems and Information in Morocco.

M'hamed Chraibi (‘03) Country Manger of Dachser in Morocco

04.16.2018

AUI Alumnus, M'hamed Chraibi, has recently been appointed Country Manager of Dachser in Morocco. Dr. Chraibi graduated from AUI with a BS in General Engineering in 2003 and went on to get a Master's Degree Management of Information Systems from Toulouse Business School. Dr. Chraibi joined Dachser in October 2011 and was the General Manager of the south area of Dachser Morocco for three years.

Salma Moukbil (’05) General Manager of Toyota Maroc

02.23.2018

After many years, Salma Moukbil—SBA alumna and graduate of the class of 2005—has been named the new General Manager of Toyota Maroc. Prior to this, Salma worked as both the Customer Relationship Manager (July 2009–August 2014) and the Marketing Director (August 2014–February 2018) for Toyota Maroc.

Mohamed El Gharrass (’99) Secretary of State Responsible for Professional Training

01.24.2018

AUI alumnus Mohamed El Gharrass (BBA, Class of 1999) was appointed by His Majesty King Mohamed VI on Monday, January 22nd as a Secretary of State in charge of Professional Training. El Gharrass was the first president of the Student Government Association (SGA). He also worked as a director of the Development and Communication Department at AUI.

Read articles on:

http://fr.le360.ma/politique/voici-le-nouveau-secretaire-detat-charge-de-la-formation-professionnelle-152585
http://dfp.gov.ma/
http://www.mapexpress.ma/actualite/societe-et-regions/biographie-de-mohamed-el-gharass-secretaire-detat-charge-de-la-formation-professionnelle/
http://www.2m.ma/fr/news/mohamed-el-gherrass-nomme-secretaire-detat-charge-de-la-formation-professionnelle-20180122/

Alumnus Taoufik Rabbaa (’00) Head of Citibank Maghreb

09.21.2017

The ladder of ambition is laden with innumerable rungs—but having an Al Akhawayn University education helps you climb to the top. Taoufik Rabba graduated from AUI in 2000 with an MS in Computer Science, and again in 2002 with an Executives MBA. Newly graduated, Taoufik sought to enter the world of finance in order to make a name for himself. After fifteen years, Taoufik’s hard work has resulted in his promotion as Head of Citibank Maghreb along with managing the Treasury and Trade Solutions for North Africa.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Citibank Maghreb as it gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year,” said Rabbaa. “We will continue to provide the highest standards of products and services to our clients while fulfilling our role as an active member of the Moroccan banking community.”

Soumaya Grain (’13) and Imru'u Al-Kays Talha Jebriel (’14) won the Future Leaders Connect

06.01.2017

Al Akhawayn University alumni Soumaya Grain (’13) and Imru'u Al-Kays Talha Jebriel (’14) won the Future Leaders Connect Program. The program is organized by the British Council, a prestigious international organization based in the UK that works on developing cultural relations and educational opportunities. Soumaya and Imru'u Al-Kays will have the opportunity to discuss some of the biggest global policy issues in the Houses of Parliament in London, develop their leadership skills, learn from inspirational policy leaders and make positive policy change in their country.

Mandine Zaynab (’15) Develops MailQuantum Application

05.19.2017

Mandine Zaynab, graduate of AUI’s Class of 2015, has recently developed a user-friendly email marketing application, MailQuantum, with the ITS company, Markanel. The app was launched on May 11^th, 2017 and allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to create emails and monitor campaigns in real time. MailQuantum was designed to operate in a “software as service” model, thereby being accessible from all electronic devices.

To test the MailQuantum application for free and evaluate its features, please click on the following link: https://mailquantum.com/inscription/

Sarah Kerroumi (‘03) Ranked One of the 50 Most Influential Businesswomen in Africa

03.23.2017

Al Akhawayn University alumna Sarah Kerroumi ('03) was ranked 16^th in the Jeune Afrique standing of the continent's 50 most influential business women for her work as Secretary General of Ynna Holding of the Chaabi Group.

Sarah Kerroumi is a 2003 graduate of the School of Business Administration at Al Akhawayn University. Upon graduation, she briefly worked for the Veolia Group in Rabat before pursuing a master’s degree in Business and Global Affairs from Johnson & Wales University in the United States.

Starting in 2009, Kerroumi directed the Audit and Control Department for the Al Karama subsidiary of the Chaabi Group and was subsequently appointed to the position of Secretary General of Ynna Holding in December 2013.

To read more about Sarah Kerroumi’s achievement please click on the following link: http://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/409264/economie/classement-jeune-afrique-50-femmes-daffaires-plus-influentes-continent/

Samia Haimoura (‘16) Startup “Securella” Selected to Compete in Global Mobile Challenge

01.23.2017

SBA Alumna, Samia Haimoura, leads one of four Arab startups selected to compete in Barcelona’s Global Mobile Challenge in February. Haimoura’s mobile application, Securella, strives to fight sexual harassment through connecting women in danger to a network of security agents that can provide immediate intervention.

“We aim to become a preventive measure against insecurity, and ensure that women are confident walking down the streets unleashing their full potential and embracing their freedom,” Haimoura stated. In its early stages, the app will require a commission for women that utilize its service, but when enough money is raised to scale and expand, the app will become available to all women, not just those with the purchasing power to afford the safety it provides.

To read more about Haimoura’s participation in the Mobile Challenge, please click on the following link: http://www.cairoscene.com/BusinessAndPolitics/4-Arab-Entrepreneurs-Are-Heading-Off-to-Compete-at-Barcelona-s-World-Mobile-Challenge-2017?M=True

Lamiae Benmakhlouf (’11) Appointed GM of Technopark

11.02.2016

AUI Alumna, Lamiae Benmakhlouf (Class of 2011, Executive MBA), has been promoted to General Manager of Technopark. Technopark develops businesses in the Information and Communications Technologies and Green Technologies sectors. Since it's inauguration in 2000, Technopark has worked to build about 1,000 innovative companies. Benmakhlouf was previously the Deputy General Manager since 2002.

http://www.challenge.ma/lamiae-benmakhlouf-nouvelle-dg-du-technopark-72910/

Mohammed Bakr Sikal (‘16) Develops a Snap-Cab App: Catch a Cab Without Hailing!

10.18.2016

AUI alumnus Mohammed Bakr Sikal from class of 2016, developed a mobile application to improve the taxi catching experience in Morocco. Along with his colleague, Ali Hammouda, they created this app to partake in the Ford Code for Taxicabs Mobility Challenge.

What ChedliTaxi does:
The application comes in a passenger version and a taxi driver one. The typical Chedli Taxi workflow is as follows:
The application sets the departure point to the current location of the client
The client records a Voice Message about the destination and chooses the number of seats needed (1 to 3)
The application's algorithm takes care of broadcasting the request to only cabs who are in the same street as the client, or those who are at most 300 meters away
The drivers receive the request, see the client position on the map and the number of seats, listen to the voice message, judge the route (as if they were stopped, but without wasting time) then either Accept or Decline the request
The client can track drivers on the map
The client can choose to send a new request, in which case, the previous request expires

http://devpost.com/software/chedli-taxi

Alia Al Kasimi (’03) Brings Moroccan Cuisine to International Stage

10.17.2016

Aujourd'hui Le Maroc has recently featured AUI Alumna, Alia Al Kasimi (Class of 2003) for bringing Moroccan cuisine to an international stage. She is acting as a Moroccan cultural ambassador in South Korea and the US via traditional Moroccan cuisine. Through her social media accounts, she has been able to share her passion for her country and garner a passion on two continents. She has over 51 million views on her YouTube channel and 326,000 likes on Facebook alone.

After receiving her B. Sc. in General Engineering, Al Kasimi received her MBA in the US. She currently splits her time between living in Seoul, South Korea and the US and most of her followers are coming from these two countries. Due to these successes, she will be hosting a workshop in a culinary school here in Morocco as well as launching an Arabic and English online book.

Website: http://cookingwithalia.com/

Mohammed Benouarrek ('98) receives ESSEC International Prize for Change for PROMAMEC

09.28.2016

AUI SHSS alumnus Mohammed Benouarrek ('98) won with his company, PROMAMEC, the International Prize for Change in 2016. Awarded by the Chair of ESSEC (one of the largest business schools in France and internationally), this award is designated for companies that have successfully deployed impactful change projects.

For more information regarding this prestigious award, please follow the link:

http://www.promamec.com/prix-promamec-2016/

Alumnus Mounir Bouzoubaa (‘98) appointed interim CGM of Microsoft Maroc

05.10.2016

Al Akhawayn alumnus Mounir Bouzoubaa (‘98) has been appointed as Microsoft Maroc's Interim Country General Manager (CGM), where he will remain in function until a new CGM is nominated. Bouzoubaa was the previous Big Accounts and Partners Regional Director for the MENA, Levant and Pakistan regions, based in Dubai. Bouzoubaa was among the first cohort of graduates to earn a Bachelor’s in General Engineering.

Khadija Janati (’04) Represents Morocco at the World Economic Forum

03.17.2016

Al Akhawayn alumna Khadija Idrissi Janati, was the only Moroccan to be nominated as a Young Global Leaders 2016 by the World Economic Forum. The young entrepreneur is the fourth to make it to the list, after Mbarka Bouaida, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Douiri, Co-chairman of Attijariwafa Bank and Abdelmalek Alaoui, CEO of “Guepard Conseil” and shareholder of Huffpost Morocco.

As stated by the World Economic Forum, Janati is a business leader heading one of the Arabia 500 fastest growing companies with stakes in media, communication, and public relations. She is also member of an association of Moroccan women entrepreneurs, the only Moroccan female director of a sports publication.

This year’s class of Young Global Leaders gives hope that they are ready to tackle the world’s most complex and pressing challenges. They are invited to join a community and a five-year leadership journey that will help them break down silos, bridge cultures and use their collective skills to get things done for positive impact across private, public and civil society organizations.

Hind Essayegh (’08) Inspires the New Moroccan Generation in the USA

03.11.2016

According to the online newspaper, Ahdath-Info, Al Akhawayn alumna Hind Essayegh, is part of the new generation of successful Moroccan women in the USA.

Ahdath-Info gave the example of three successful Moroccan women who rely on their independence, ambition, determination, and competence to maintain the best Moroccan image abroad. Essayegh, who holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from Al Akhawayn University, taught Arabic language for 8 years in Montgomery College, Maryland.

Also, she plays an important role in representing Moroccan Muslim women within her society. Her passion about social justice and the representation of Moroccan women, led her to play an active role in the non-profit organization “Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights” (www.karamah.org) which works to promote Islamic principles of justice and gender equity and advocates for civil rights and religious freedom.

Read article on: http://www.mapexpress.ma/actualite/opinions-et-debats/les-marocaines-damerique-nouvelle-generation-ambitieuse-accomplie/

Zineb Benalla (’08) Activist Nominated for 2016 International Women of Courage Award

03.09.2016

Alumna Zineb Benalla was nominated by the U.S. Embassy Rabat’s International Women of Courage Award, due to her exemplary career as a female advocate who is deeply committed to combating violent extremism and advancing social progress in North Africa.

U.S. Ambassador Bush recently met with the co-founder and director of the Transnational Initiative Countering Violent Extremism to discuss her efforts in fighting pro-violence ideologies and build peace throughout the Sahel and Maghreb regions. Benalla has spent the last two and a half years working on capacity-building programs and civil society projects in Northern Mali.

She was invited to speak about her work at The White House Summit on Countering ‪ Violent Extremism in February 2015 and her work was highlighted by U.S. Representative to United Nations, Samantha Powerr, UN Security Council Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.

Lamia Bazir (’12) Youngest of the Women Leaders of Morocco

03.08.2016

According to the Moroccan magazine Challenge, Al Akhawayn alumna, Lamia Bazir, is on the list of top 60 Women Leaders of Morocco. At the age of 26 only, Bazir is the youngest to be listed among women who stood out through their achievements and who inspire other women in Morocco.

Through these 60 profiles, the magazine aims to highlight the key role of women’s leadership in the kingdom. The goal of this initiative is to celebrate women’s outstanding contributions in various fields including politics, business, medicine, development, sports and sciences. This unique edition has recognized 60 women who have gained credibility through their work, highlighting the achievements of their Highnesses, Princesses Lalla Salma, Lalla Meryem, Lalla Hasnaa, and Lalla Asmaa; social activist Aicha Ech-chenna; business leader Mrs. Miriem Bensalah; political leader Nabila Mounib, and many other women.

Siham Kharbouche (’06 & ’08) defends her doctoral dissertation: Siham Kharbouche graduated in 2006 from Al Akhawayn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and in 2008 with an MBA. She has recently defended her doctoral dissertation at Ibn Tofail University, Kénitra. The title of her dissertation is "Responsabilité Sociale des Entreprises et Performance Financière: Cas des Banques Marocaines cotées en bourse". Kharbouche currently holds the position of MEA Area Sales Manager at Microsoft, where she has been evolving since her entry date in 2007.

Mohamed Erguigue (’98) Heads Organizational Development at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation in Dubai graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Humanities with a bachelor's degree in international studies. In 2001, Erguigue got his master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Westminster University – UK. He then joined the London Office of Government Commerce as HR Corporate Development Advisor. From 2003 to 2006, Erguigue held different positions in the UK governing administration. In 2006, he moved to Dubai where he worked in Dubai government Administration previously as the Senior HR Consultant at the Executive Council, Dubai Government and currently as Head of Organizational Development at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation – a Government Agency.

Aomar Boum (’98): An excellent researcher and faculty member of the University of California launches the SHSS Scholarship Fund graduated from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1998 and joined the University of Arizona to pursue his Ph.D. studies, where he also held his first teaching position. Boum is currently an assistant professor at University of California LA. He launched the SHSS Scholarship Fund with his first donation of $1,000 to Al Akhawayn School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The SHSS Scholarship Fund aims at providing financial assistance to strong candidates whose economic and financial situation would not otherwise allow them to attend Al Akhawayn. President Driss Ouaouicha committed the University to match all incoming donations, and SHSS Dean encourages all alumni to contribute to this fund.

Ezzoubeir Errhaimini (’98): CEO of CTM, the leading and oldest transport company in Morocco graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Business and Administration with a bachelor degree in finance. Errhaimini completed an EXMBA from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. He was appointed in early February 2012 CEO of “Compagnie de Transport au Maroc” (CTM), the leading and oldest transport company in Morocco. Previously General Director of Locasom Group, a subsidiary specialized in long-term vehicle rentals; Ezzoubeir then became Director of Investment of Finance Com group before joining CTM as CEO of its package delivery subsidiary in 2010.

Fadel Abdellaoui (’99): A successful Entrepreneur Socially Engaged AUI alumnus Fadel Abdellaoui graduated from the School of Business Administration in 1999. He launched his own business Efficient Technology (the leader in Morocco in geo-location and remote fleet management solutions), Abdellaoui recently set off “100 DH Pour Aider” (100DH To Help) operation on Twitter to provide physical and practical support to victims of the floods that raged south of Agadir last fall 2014. The campaign aimed to raise 100,000 MAD. In five days, the goal was reached in less than 24 hours, resulting in the sum of 712,000 MAD. The operation ended on December 7, 2014, at midnight, scoring a total of 1048 contributors.

Ghizlane Ezziani (’00): Nominated “Top Under Forty” of Airport Business Magazine graduated from Al Akhawayn University Business School with a major in finance. She has achieved a master’s degree with an emphasis in marketing at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. She has completed several other professional certifications in addition to her formal education. She is currently holding the position of Consultant Senior with the Business Assurance Division at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). She was recently named to the “Top 40 Under Forty,” of Airport Business magazine.

Kaoutar EL Maghraoui (’00) and (‘01): A successful Research Scientist at IBM, NY - USA graduated from Al Akhawayn University with a Bachelor in Computer Science in 2000 and Master in Computer Science in 2001. She then joined Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in NY where she earned her PhD degree in 2007. She currently holds the position of Research Scientist at IBM Research.

Houda Chakiri (’03): Receives the WISTEM 2015 Award for Best Middle-Level STEM Executive in Dubai, UAE graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Science and Engineering with a master's degree in computer networks. Houda Chakiri created her own start-up “Enhanced Technologies” in 2005. It was first incubated at Al Akhawayn University and now is currently in the phase of business development working on projects with public administrations in many cities in Morocco such as Casablanca, El Jadida, Safi, and others. The enterprise offers developing web applications for governmental offices and different types of software that manage their human resources, financial status, and other services as well. Chakiri received the WISTEM 2015 Award for Best Middle-Level STEM Executive in Dubai, UAE this past January 2015.

Jalila Morsli ('03 and '06): Elected a member of the Moroccan Parliament is the first Al Akhawayn University graduate to be elected to the Moroccan parliament. She received her bachelor's degree in business administration at Al Akhawayn University in 2003, and a master’s degree in International Studies and Diplomacy in 2006. She was actively involved in student-run clubs, in particular, the Diplomacy Club, of which she was president in fall 2004 and spring 2005, and the Future Entrepreneurs club in 2002. Morsli is one of 60 women who nationally won a seat in the Moroccan elections of November 25, 2011, among a total of 395 contested seats.

Tayeb Sbihi (’03): A passionate entrepreneur who innovates After earning a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering (’03), a Master of Science in Computer Networks (’05) at Al Akhawayn University and an Executive MBA at ENPC Paris Tayeb founded his first company, B2N Consulting. The company offers a wide range of telecom services and solutions to its customers in Morocco and Africa. He is a member of CEED (Center of Entrepreneurial and Executive development) and co-founder of itaxi.ma; an application that won a Microsoft 4Africa Innovation Grant Award. Itaxi.ma is a mobile app that uses geo-location technology, allowing users to send their location and transport details to available taxi drivers in the area and track their progress.

With his experience and technical mastery of the telecom market in Morocco and Africa after nearly 10 years of professional experience in various multinational companies specialized in ICT, Tayeb is very passionate about bringing universal and quality internet access to Africa.

Khadija Idrissi Janati (’04) represents Morocco in the “Obama Initiative Standing with Civil Society” was part of a delegation of 11 representatives from several countries who took part in the “Obama Initiative Standing with Civil Society”. Janati, the only Moroccan, along with other delegates, were received by President Obama and attended a session of the Security Council at the United Nations Headquarters. Janati graduated from the Business School of Al Akhawayn University in 2004. After considerable professional experience, she launched her own company in the media and advertising sector. As a student, she was very active in community work, and as a woman entrepreneur, she continues to be involved in many associations and organizations dedicated to women development and societal work.

Houssam Haitof (‘05) A brilliant researcher at the Technical University of Munich graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Science and Engineering with a combined bachelor and master’s degree of Science, Computer Networks. In January 2012, Haitof successfully completed his PhD degree from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is currently holding the position of Researcher at the Technical University of Munich.

Wadia Ait Hamza (’05): Senior Manager & Global Leadership Fellow at World Economic Forum graduated from Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane with a Bachelor degree in international Studies. Currently, he is the Public Affairs Manager at the Rabat School of Governance & Economics. He holds a master degree in Euro- Mediterranean Affairs (Università degli Studi di Perugia in Terni, Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Université Hassan II in Casablanca & Universidad de Granada), and. He worked in Toyota Morocco as Training & Human Resources Development coordinator, as well as in the European Institute for the Mediterranean in Barcelona. He is a former member of the Youth Consultative Committee of the League of Arab States Youth. He served as well as a Youth Trainer with the Council of Europe & the League of Arab States during many events (Euro-Arab Youth Coordination Meeting, League of Arab States Youth Forum, Euro-Arab Youth Conference and so on...). As a former member of the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Parliament, Wadia launched, with his peers, different projects such the Meda Youth Parliament & Euro-Med Academy for Young Journalists which became a successful project. Nowadays, he is launching, as part of the World Economic Forum initiative, the Rabat hub of the Global Shapers. Wadia is also the Vice President of the Mediterranean Forum for Youth (FOMEJE). Wadia Ait Hamza is a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Fellow for 2012. He is currently holding the position of Senior Manager & Global Leadership Fellow at World Economic Forum.

Bassam Najjar (‘07): Awarded the 2014 Golden Microphone was awarded the "Golden Microphone" for the best sports coverage (Medi1TV) - at the 5th Festival of Moroccan Sports Journalists, held by the Moroccan Association of Sports Press (AMPS) on Jan. 27th at Mohammed V Theater in Rabat. Najjar holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and is currently a journalist at Medi1TV.

http://goo.gl/poUACa

Siham Lekchiri ('08): A brilliant graduate student and PhD candidate at Indiana State University graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Business Administration with a bachelor degree in management. Lekchiri was honored on April 20, 2012 as the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year 2011-2012 at the Department of Human Resource Development and Performance Technologies at Indiana State University, U.S., where she is currently pursuing her graduate studies.

Sonia Terrab ('08) publishes her second novel graduated from the school of Humanities and Social Sciences of Al Akhawayn University in 2008. She has recently published her second novel "La Révolution n'a pas eu lieu" four years after the publication of her first novel « Shamablanca ». The novel is themed around the idea of revolution, following the life of Ylias, a young political sciences student based in Paris who finds pride in his origins after the start of the Arab Spring. Despite the story being set during the time of the revolution, both in Morocco and the Arab world on a whole, it is more about personal revolutions, and getting to know and change oneself.

Hamza Essakhi (’09): Minister in charge of Moroccans Living Abroad in the Moroccan Youth Government graduated from Al Akhawayn University School of Business Administration with a bachelor degree in finance. Essakhi holds the position of Procurement Operations Excellence Manager North Africa at Unilever and was selected on June 2, 2012 to serve in the Moroccan Youth Government. In addition to 25 other young Moroccan citizens, each holding a 'minister' position equivalent to real one in the Moroccan government, Hamza will be playing the role of Minister in charge of Moroccans Living Abroad.

Mohammed El Harrak (‘09): earns his Master’s degree from University of Cambridge Al Akhawayn alumnus Mohammed El Harrak got his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2009. Immediately after, he joined the International Monetary Fund in Washington where he is currently holding the position of Research Analyst. In 2013 El Harrak earned a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), Energy and Environment from the University of Cambridge.

Mariam Dahbi (’11): prepares her Master’s degree of Education, Language and Literacy at Harvard Al Akhawayn alumna Mariam Dahbi got her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in 2011. After 3 years of professional experience, Mariam joined the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where she is currently preparing for her Master’s degree of Education, Language and Literacy.

Lamia Bazir (’12) wins the UN Volunteering Award was the Moroccan winner of the UN Volunteering Award, awarded to her by the United Nations Volunteer Program joined hands with MBC Hope Doing Good Competition in Dubai, UAE on 18 January, 2015. This award came in recognition for her role in supporting projects that deal with women’s empowerment and the development of their role in society.

Among 4 other participants, Bazir received her award from Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, the United Nations Secretary- General’s Special Envoy on Youth, at the MBC Hope award ceremony hosted by United Nations Volunteer Program (UNV) and MBC Group in Dubai.

Alia Lahlou (’13) Community Manager for Action Without Borders graduated from Al Akhawayn University with a Master in International Relations. She has worked with Seeds of Peace, an NGO devoted to conflict resolution and leadership, as a UN-certified dialogue facilitator and the social empowerment-focused NGO YES!.

She was recently appointed as community manager for Action Without Borders (Idealist). Lahlou will work with Action Without Borders to connect people around the world with work, volunteering and social action positions.

View her video introducing the association on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLM8gqA9tqY

Rita Lahlou (’08): A Harvard Business School Fulbright Scholar graduated with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration in 2008. Then, she went to the Harvard Business School as a Fulbright Scholar to earn her MBA degree in General Management. She is currently working as Senior Marketplace Manager at Amazon, UK.

Maha laziri (‘13): Outstanding Role in Promoting Access to Quality Education in Morocco was honored with the 17th spot on the list, published on March 3, 2014, by Arabian Business. The magazine cites Laziri’s role as the founder and leader of Teach4Morocco as her reason for inclusion. Founded in 2011, Teach4Morocco is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) with the goal of improving access to quality educational opportunities in Morocco. Objectives of the organization include performing maintenance projects on dilapidated schools, financing the building of new schools from scratch, supplying volunteers to provide guidance and assistance to schools, and more.

Al Akhawayn Alumni by Class