Image: Samer Chleiwit at the JA Emerge Alumni Summit in Porto, Portugal, August 2014 ©

“Interacting with alumni from different continents reinforced my commitment to my ideas and my country. It’s not just about Lebanon; it’s about being part of a global movement of changemakers.”   - Samer Chleiwit, INJAZ Lebanon Alumni

In August 2024, INJAZ Lebanon was proudly represented at the JA Global Alumni Summit in Porto, Portugal. The event marked 20 years of JA Alumni Europe, which fueled participants’ enthusiasm for networking, learning new leadership principles and securing potential collaborations. This unique gathering brought together 300 alumni from over 70 countries to promote cultural exchange, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. Representing INJAZ Lebanon, Samer Chleiwit attended in person, while Aya Yousef participated virtually. Both shared their experiences, providing valuable insights into the summit’s impact on their professional growth and community contributions.

Samer’s Journey: Embracing Global Leadership

For Samer, stepping into the JA Global Alumni Summit was a thrilling experience. He felt honored to represent INJAZ Lebanon and was driven by a desire to break stereotypes about Lebanon and the Middle East. "It was more than just a conference," he shared, "it felt like an international family, with everyone eager to connect, share, and learn."

One of the most transformative aspects for Samer was engaging with alumni from diverse cultures. These conversations broadened his understanding of leadership, highlighting the importance of empathy and adaptability within a global perspective. "Even leadership can have not only a cultural connotation but also a personal one," he noted. "Talking with people from diverse backgrounds showed me that leadership styles can vary widely, even within the same community."

Samer was particularly inspired by a keynote from Cameron Sinclair (founder of the Worldchanging Institute, and a workshop powered by Cortico and the MIT Center for Constructive Communication), who emphasized the power of humanitarian entrepreneurship. This concept resonated deeply with Samer, as he realized the potential of applying entrepreneurial principles to address humanitarian and social challenges sustainably. The discussions around community-led development struck a chord, reinforcing his belief that communities should co-create their own solutions.

Aya’s Virtual Experience: Building Connections and Reinforcing MENA Alumni’s Role

Though attending virtually, Aya found the summit to be an engaging and immersive experience. As an Alumni Community Officer, she reconnected with focal points from INJAZ MENA countries, using the opportunity to launch the INJAZ MENA Alumni Club, which aims to unite alumni across the region. “Even though I wasn’t there in person, the virtual sessions were a great opportunity to reconnect with alumni and focal points from across the MENA region,” Aya shared.

One of Aya’s key takeaways was the power of listening to better understand diverse perspectives. “Listening, and listening carefully was the most perspective-changing aspect. It’s incredible to see how different contexts shape our ideas and input.” Despite the virtual format, The event reinforced her commitment to bringing alumni together across the MENA region and highlighted the untapped potential of young leaders.

Aya’s experience also inspired her to think about the future. As a leader within the INJAZ MENA Club, she’s already planning the next steps to strengthen alumni connections across the region.

“The summit pushed the boundaries for what we can achieve together. It’s set the bar high for future summits and what we can accomplish for the MENA region.”

Key Takeaways: Leadership, Empathy, and Global Collaboration

Both Samer and Aya left the JA Global Alumni Summit with renewed perspectives on leadership, advocacy, and community development. For Samer, the summit reinforced the importance of cultural collaboration and the need for innovative leadership approaches that balance empathy and action. For Aya, the summit highlighted the potential of the INJAZ MENA community to drive positive change through shared experiences and a collective vision for the future.

Samer’s Advice to Future Attendees: “Wherever you are in the world, benefit from this program. It’s a lifetime experience. Be sociable, build your network, and listen carefully to the experiences of others—they’re valuable lessons. Prepare a story that reflects your unique perspective, and stay connected after the summit. These connections are priceless.”

Aya’s Advice to Future Virtual Attendees: “Don’t think twice about attending big events as such. It’s a chance to reflect on your work and connect the dots in your career. Always take a bird’s-eye view of your achievements, and value your efforts to make the most of future opportunities.”

Looking Ahead: Fostering a Stronger Alumni Community

Both Samer and Aya are excited about the future of the INJAZ Alumni community. Samer is already planning collaborations with alumni from Bahrain and Jordan to strengthen the Arab region’s alumni network. Aya, on the other hand, is focused on building the INJAZ Alumni MENA Club and encouraging future leaders across the region. 

The JA Global Alumni Summit has provided both alumni with the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to lead meaningful change within their communities. As they continue their journeys, they remain committed to promoting entrepreneurship, leaders.