Welcoming TechWomen: Stories of Silicon Valley Leaders from Africa, MENA, Central Asia
NEWSFLASH: We have an unexpected change in venue with limited seating. So you may need to stand during the panel discussion. Please cancel your RSVP if you no longer want to participate.
About the TechWomen Culural Exchange Program
TechWomen is a prestigious US State Department initiative, founded in 2011 by Hillary Clinton. It empowers, connects, and supports the next generation of women leaders in STEM from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.
By providing these women with unparalleled access and opportunities, the program helps them advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their home country and communities.
Every year, over 4,000 women from 21 countries compete for the 100 coveted "Emerging Leader" positions. Those selected come to Silicon Valley and Chicago for a month to work in top tech companies, gain skills, and expand their networks.
With over 1,000 alumnae to date, these women return home as even more powerful changemakers, prepared to elevate their local communities.
TechWomen Volunteer Cultural Mentor Ruby, an AI startup & venture advisor, first encountered the TechWomen program in 2013 at a women's networking event and was immediately inspired by the brilliance and drive of these future leaders. Moved by their stories, she became a supporter and is now in her 10th year as a proud volunteer cultural mentor.
Ruby and Volunteer Mentor Sandra, a global supply chain expert, created this special gathering to bring together local tech women community and visiting TechWomen leaders, to foster global connections and shared inspiration.
The Power of Global Female Leadership in STEM
This gathering is a celebration of what can happen when women from all parts of the world come together. When women leaders—particularly those in STEM—share their stories, they not only inspire each other but also open doors for future collaboration. Together, we have the power to challenge the status quo, break through societal and cultural limitations, and build a better, more equitable world.
In STEM, the journey is often filled with unique challenges, both for women in the US and for those from regions where opportunities are fewer and cultural barriers are more prevalent. By exchanging stories and insights, we create a space where ideas flourish, and new possibilities take root. The ripple effect of these conversations can be felt far beyond this room, across borders and communities, into a future where women leaders transform industries and lives.
Our featured panelists, three inspiring women from Africa, MENA, and Central Asia, will share their unique journeys of becoming successful leaders in the US tech industry. They will reflect on their leadership experiences and highlight how the skills, knowledge, and approaches they've gained in the US can also be adapted to create meaningful impact by female leaders in their home countries or anywhere around the world.
Meet Our Panelists
Mariane Bekker (Lebanon) – Founder of Women's Founder Bay, Investor, CTO
Ashley Njoroge (Kenya) – Founder of Silicon Xchange
Aizada Marat (Kyrgyzstan) – CEO of Alma, a $5M VC-funded immigration solution
Interactive Program
The evening will begin with interactive exchanges where community guests, panelists, TechWomen "Emerging Leaders' and volunteer mentors will have the opportunity to get to know one another in a fun and engaging way. Through these conversations, we aim to build deeper connections and set the tone for a meaningful evening of shared learning.
Event Agenda
6:00 - 6:30 PM: Registration and refreshments
6:30 - 7:00 PM: Fun exchanges for meeting and connecting (you won’t want to miss this!)
7:00 - 8:00 PM: Panel discussion & Q&A
8:00 - 9:00 PM: More connections & close
Host Sponsor
Our venue and refreshments are generously sponsored by the Silk Road Innovations Hub, right by the Stanford Campus. The Silk Road Innovations Hub supports startups and entrepreneurs from Central Eurasia in discovering avenues to establish or expand their ventures in Silicon Valley and the US market.