Out of 120 accepted applicants called for the interview, I was the only one that didn’t receive the link to be interviewed. With sadness and fear of being dropped off for no reason, I contacted the organizers and realized it was just an error and once again, my interview was the last one on the last day. At this moment, I was already having a mixed feeling about it all but never lost hope and confidence in myself. After all the rollercoaster, I was one of the 60 finalists selected and it all became a story with a beautiful ending. It was an end but it was also the beginning of something more inspiring. At first, I only applied based on recommendation but upon the beginning, I began to grow more motivated, ready to take on the new challenge and inspired to change lives.

The Leadership Lab program was a program organized by the US Embassy in partnership with AFCD Foundation.

Throughout this one-year program, I acquired several new skills that helped me grow as a leader and ready to conquer whatever challenge I encounter. It transformed my life into another level; I became much more confident in myself and abilities, while working harder and much motivated towards being a true change-maker. The journey wasn’t just about the trainings we had only but also the different personalities and inspiring individuals I encountered and the conversations that we engaged in were also main keys to stay motivated. Moreover, the exchange of information and experiences among all the participants helped us grow together and take each other long throughout the whole year, which at the end helped build a strong networking circle with different opportunities.

The journey wasn’t easy as expected; but with the help of our mentors and trainers, we were able to overcome every challenge. Their guidance and different insights throughout the program helped produce series of amazing life-changing projects. Regardless of the projects that won the seed-funding, every project was ready to be implemented as they have been well-tailored.

Looking back to all the years of learning and participating in different youth activities and trainings, I can proudly point out this Leadership Lab as that significant turning point as I step into the leadership world, ready to inspire lives and help other people in my community. Over the years, I’ve always been a follower, accumulating knowledge and experiences, but now, I am leading a whole team with a project that will change my community to a better one.

Ahmad Saddauna Alli

I was initially interested in the Leadership Lab because I wanted to develop my leadership abilities in the context of entrepreneurship. Throughout this program, I’ve had the honor of working on 3WINATI, a project that is really meaningful to me personally.

The mission of my project, 3WINATI, is to improve the quality of life for visually impaired Moroccans through an accessible refreshable braille display as its main component.

We are devoted to removing these barriers because we are acutely aware of the difficulties that the visually impaired encounter in obtaining information in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. Our objective is to support a Moroccan digitalization movement that is inclusive and ensures that no one is left behind in the digital era.

I have had the chance to work with outstanding people who share my enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and social impact because of the Leadership Lab. Thanks to the program’s great resources, coaching, and advice, we were able to transform 3WINATI from an abstract concept into a functional prototype.

I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as I look to the future. My career and personal pursuits will surely continue to be shaped by the knowledge and experiences I obtained from the Leadership Lab program. I’m more driven than ever to oversee initiatives that have a beneficial influence on society, and I have no doubt that the knowledge and connections I’ve made here will be crucial to attaining those objectives.

In closing, I wholeheartedly endorse the Leadership Lab program to anyone looking to strengthen their leadership skills, grow personally, or have the chance to have a significant effect on their community or industry. This program has exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly appreciative of the opportunity, support, and direction it has given me. It goes beyond a program. I sincerely thank Nouh, Mouad, Ali, Kamal, and all the members of the AFCD team, who not only lead but inspire those who cross paths with them to join the change movement here in the heart of Morocco, The US Embassy for this life-changing experience, and all the mentors who made a special effort to help the participants. It has empowered me to become a more effective leader and change-maker.

Lina Hammouni

When I read the email I received from the AFCD Foundation, I was pleased to participate in such a massive program as Leadership Lab.

During those 4 days, I had the chance to get to know 60 young leaders and entrepreneurs from different backgrounds and cultures in Morocco.

I was chosen to be a participant in a leadership cohort with 30 people. Our trainer, Asmaa, taught us in groups how to work as teams. We learned how to present ourselves without mentioning our background, age, or work. We can be ourselves, and we can tell the world who we are using only our values, our vision, and the purpose behind every step we take. We explain why we do it and for which mission.

I liked how professionally the AFCD Foundation’s team worked, and they put in a lot of effort to keep us comfortable and safe. For the next in-person activity, I recommend organizing it in the center of a city so that we can discover the region in groups and connect outside. Also, I think it would be better to develop game activities that will help us get to know each other better and enhance our skills, especially in teamwork and communication. This should include evening activities.

To sum up what we learned in those 4 days, we should ask deep questions at every step and try to find a way to understand our “why” and “what” in life.

My quota for our first activity, the “Morocco American Leadership Forum,” is that it’s part of a long process to achieve our challenge of empowering our community.

Oumaima ben Lamqadem

What began as a logical decision to join The Leadership Lab for networking
and expert learning evolved into something considerably more significant. My
emotional bonds with my fellow participants were unexpected gems. Beyond the
webinars, workshops, and seminars, it was the late-night talks, personal growth
stories, and shared dreams that bonded us. We learned that, in addition to
professional goals, we had similar personal anxieties and goals. We recognized
that genuine human interactions were the true diamonds of this program during
these moments of vulnerability and genuineness. These friendships survived the
virtual realm and became lifetime pals, changing strangers into lifelong friends.

The mentors and experts in The Leadership Lab program made a strong
impression on me. They did not just have impressive qualifications; they were
willing to share their personal stories, talking about the challenges and doubts they
faced. This made success feel more real and achievable. They showed us what
true leadership and entrepreneurship looked like through their humble and
genuine approach, and their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
Their guidance provided us with important skills and a sense of purpose,
motivating us to embrace challenges and strive for meaningful change. I will
always carry their wisdom with me as I move forward in life.

Throughout the program, I experienced a significant personal
transformation. The workshops, seminars, and encounters with my peers
compelled me to address my own limitations and uncertainties. During this period,
I realized that leadership was more than just a set of skills, it was a mindset, an
outlook that relied on being self-aware and loyal to one’s own personality. The
program was essential in overcoming my self-doubt and embracing the conviction
that I could make a positive difference in my community. It became a selfimprovement journey, a process of identifying the leader within me and having
the confidence and courage to take on new and unexpected positions.

As my time in The Leadership Lab program came to an end, I came to the
realization that it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership
and entrepreneurship. The meaningful connections I formed, both personally and
professionally, during this transformative experience have provided me with the
necessary tools and deepened my passion to continue fostering connections and
making a positive impact. I am motivated to contribute to the betterment of my
local community and the world at large, recognizing that this responsibility
extends beyond my own personal growth. The program not only equipped me
with valuable skills but also instilled in me a sense of duty to inspire change and
uplift those around me. The journey I embarked on throughout the program has
left an enduring impression on my life, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities
that lie ahead as I leverage these newfound connections and skills.

Houda El Arroud

TIMGHARIN is not just a business idea; it’s a mission close to my heart. Our project centres around a digital e-shop platform that promotes the incredible handcrafted and artisanal products made primarily by talented female artisans in Morocco, particularly those in rural areas. The rich Moroccan heritage in arts and crafts is something I wanted to showcase to the world.

Winning the subgrant for TIMGHARIN was a surreal moment for me. The competition was fierce, filled with brilliant ideas and passionate individuals. I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family and friends, who never doubted my abilities. Their belief in me was my rock, especially during moments of self-doubt.

The journey was filled with ups and downs, but it was my determination and belief in the project that kept me going. I knew the potential impact TIMGHARIN could have on the lives of countless artisans. With this digital platform, we aimed to bridge the gap between these talented artisans and a global audience, providing them with the recognition and financial support they rightly deserve.

Today, TIMGHARIN is more than just an idea; it’s in the implementation phase, thanks to the invaluable support of the AFCD Foundation team and the US Embassy in Morocco. We’re slowly but surely turning this dream into a reality, empowering female artisans and preserving Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.

My journey with TIMGHARIN is a testament to the power of determination, unwavering support, and the belief that even a single idea can make a profound impact. I may be just starting my career, but TIMGHARIN has already become a turning point that I’ll forever cherish. The path ahead is promising, and I can’t wait to see how TIMGHARIN will change the lives of these artisans and contribute to our cultural heritage. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me.

Oumaima Nouali

In the realm of leadership and entrepreneurship, every step counts, and every opportunity seized can be a turning point in one’s journey. In this blog, I am thrilled to share my incredible journey as the grant winner of the Leadership Lab program—a pivotal chapter in my path to success.

It all began with a burning passion for design, personal branding, business, and a relentless pursuit of my dreams. I embarked on this journey back in December 2022 when I leaped to follow my heart and embrace design not just as a profession but as a way of life. Little did I know that this decision would lead to a series of transformative experiences.

One of the most significant milestones on this journey was being selected for the Leadership Lab program, a remarkable initiative by the AFCD Foundation and the US Embassy in Morocco. This program allowed me to collaborate with like-minded individuals and exceptional mentors who shared my enthusiasm for entrepreneurship.

Our journey within the Leadership Lab was marked by dedication, innovation, and unwavering determination. Together with my talented teammates, we not only honed our skills but also emerged as the grant winners of the program. This achievement was a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and sheer hard work. But that was just the beginning. As a grant winner and the project manager of our startup, which began with the name Chaghaf but has now changed to Brandmark, this role allowed me to contribute to something larger than myself, shaping the future of personal branding in the sports industry in Morocco.

Throughout this journey, I’ve strived to be transparent and authentic, sharing the ups and downs, the victories, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s been a thrilling adventure, one filled with inspiration, mentorship, and countless moments of growth.

As I stand at this juncture, I’m more motivated than ever to continue sharing my experiences and insights. My commitment to design, entrepreneurship, and self-development remains unwavering.

In conclusion, my journey as the grant winner of the Leadership Lab program has been nothing short of remarkable. It’s a testament to the fact that with passion, perseverance, and the right opportunities, you can achieve your dreams.

Bader El Fellah