On February 3, ten YES alumnae attended the Workshop on Advancing Women’s Professional and Leadership Skills at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. The Deputy Cultural Attaché, Ann Mangold hosted the workshop and gave opening remarks. The Executive Director of International Smart Advancing Women (iSAW), Nancy Speidel, was the main presenter at this workshop, which was mainly about how women can build their confidence in a professional setting.

Two of the YES alumnae who attended the workshop, Leen Albraik and Layan Albraik shared their thoughts as participants. Both Leen and Layan expressed a desire to attend this workshop, as they wanted to learn more about women’s empowerment. Layan shared, “I’m passionate about women’s empowerment which made me want to know and learn more…during this workshop I learned to never give up seeking for knowledge about different aspects of women’s empowerment.” Leen found the workshop valuable because, “because it informs both genders about women’s empowerment, and it teaches equality and equity.”

Adwaa AlAbdulkarim (YES 2016 - 2017, Saudi Arabia, hosted by CIEE in Schuylerville, NY) 

Alanoud AlBawardi (YES 2017 - 2018, Saudi Arabia, hosted by AFS in Seattle, WA)

Farah Rajab (YES 2015 - 2016, Saudi Arabia, hosted by AYUSA in Canyon Lake, TX)

Layan Albraik (YES 2018 – 2019, Saudi Arabia, hosted by World Link in Des Moines, IA)

Leen Albraik (YES 2018 – 2019, Saudi Arabia, hosted by AFS in Pennsylvania)