Egypt

Abdelrahman Aly is a technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Mezatech, a circular economy startup focused on extending the lifecycle of tech through refurbishment, repair, and resale. His work centers on building scalable systems that make premium technology more affordable and accessible across emerging markets.

Driven by the belief that access to technology should be a foundation for opportunity, not a privilege, Abdelrahman is committed to enabling youth, startups, and communities to participate in the global digital economy. Through Mezatech, he advocates for a future where emerging markets don’t merely consume technology, but grow through it by creating stronger economies, more skilled workforces, and more sustainable innovation. 

Abdulrahman K. Ahmed is a PGY2 Emergency Medicine resident physician at Assiut University Hospitals in Egypt, with a strong interest in public health and infectious disease epidemiology, particularly in African and Middle Eastern settings. He has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed international publications, with a focus on translating research into real-world impact.

His Global UGRAD experience was transformative, shaping his perspective on leadership, civic engagement, and the power of cross-cultural collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Growing up and training in Upper Egypt, Abdulrahman developed a deep commitment to serving communities with limited resources. He actively mentors medical students and junior doctors in research and career development and leads community-based health education initiatives aimed at improving health awareness and access.

Through his work, he seeks to bridge clinical medicine, research, and community engagement - advancing equitable, evidence-based public health solutions while empowering others to pursue impactful careers in medicine and beyond.

Arwa Ali is a youth development practitioner from Upper Egypt, dedicated to expanding access to opportunities for communities with limited resources. She graduated from Assiut University, Faculty of Arts, Translation Department, ranking second in her cohort.

Following her exchange experience, she founded I-Support, a youth-led initiative that bridges opportunity gaps by connecting young people to scholarships, internships, and career resources. She led the initiative from concept to implementation, designing outreach strategies and delivering online and in-person workshops focused on mentorship, career readiness, and personal development. Through I-Support, she has supported over 50 students in securing opportunities and reached more than 1,500 youth across Upper Egypt through a six-month journey.

Arwa currently serves as General and Projects Manager at Empower Hub, a youth-led social enterprise focused on development and SDG-driven impact. She leads the design and implementation of programs in partnership with national and international organizations. In addition, Arwa is a member of the U.S. Embassy Alumni Council in Egypt, contributing to digital development and alumni engagement. She continues to champion youth empowerment, community-driven innovation, and sustainable social impact.

Mahmoud Magdy is an aspiring ASIC engineer focused on AI hardware. He has worked in business development and monitoring and evaluation roles with community initiatives, startups, and SMEs. He founded BeniChips, a student-led initiative that aims to democratize semiconductor design and help undergraduate students gain chip-tapeout experience. He is also the founder of EdPurposes, a project expanding access to international education and exchange opportunities for high school students in communities with limited resources. Through his work, Mahmoud explores how technology and education can contribute to economic empowerment by helping communities develop technical skills and innovation capacity.

Omar Awwad is a seasoned communications and outreach specialist with over a decade of experience driving impactful narratives for international organizations across the Middle East and North Africa. He currently serves as an Outreach and Networking Specialist for the Regional Office in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Cairo, where he manages the communication strategy and digital presence for the Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI).

Throughout his career, Omar has held key roles at USAID, UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), consistently bridging the gap between complex developmental programs and public engagement.

Omar is an avid explorer of both nature and culture, often finding balance through swimming and hiking. He also enjoys discovering new cuisines and experiencing different food cultures wherever he goes.

Tasneem is a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, where she majored in Graphic Design. Following her exchange experience, her passion shifted toward the power of language and education. She currently channels this interest into teaching English as a second language to young students, finding immense joy in helping young learners develop new skills.

​In addition to her work with children, she is an SDGs certified trainer. She strives to merge her international experience with local volunteering opportunities to champion Quality Education, one of the most vital Sustainable Development Goals.

​Tasneem is a firm believer that "trusting the process" is the ultimate key to growth and continuity. She looks forward to connecting with this community and continuing her mission of empowering the next generation through language and leadership.