Amideast/Jordan has teamed up with Boeing, the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers to launch the Disabled Soldiers Empowering Tourism program in Jordan. The program aims to empower 50 Jordanian veterans through access to training to help them succeed in careers in tourism and aviation.

Seven YES alumni volunteered at the launch event at the Fairmont Hotel in Amman. Corina Nalshik ‘19 and Liyan Zahran ‘20 managed the registration and attendance table. Ahmad Okour ‘20 and Omar Subiehat ‘24 helped attendees using wheelchairs, and the other three alumni helped by ushering, managing foot traffic, and capturing photo and video of the event.

Many prominent figures attended the launch event as well, including his Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Raed, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Hashemite Commission of Disabled Soldiers, Dr. Emad Hijazeen from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, James Grabowski, Vice President for Field Operations at Amideast, Moran Turk, General Manager of the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, and Asia Yaghi, a trainer for the program and member of the Jordanian Senate.

At the event, alumni networked with people from diverse backgrounds and sectors. They also got to meet the program participants and learn about their daily lives.

Ahmad Okour ’20 said, "Working as an usher at the event was a remarkable experience, allowing me to witness firsthand the impact of inclusive tourism programs for disabled soldiers. Meeting influential leaders like Prince Mired of Jordan and the regional manager for Asia and the Middle East from Boeing was inspiring, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in creating accessible opportunities for all.”

Corina Nalshik (YES 2018-2019, Jordan, placed by AYA in Houston, TX)

Liyan Zahran (YES 2019-2020, Jordan, placed by AFS-USA in Mason, OH)

Ahmad Okour (YES 2019-2020, Jordan, placed by BFF in Lenox, MA)

Omar Subiehat (YES 2023-2024, Jordan, placed by IRIS in Davenport, IA)