Tunisia

Azza Djemel works in innovation and entrepreneurship and has experience in program management, innovation consulting, and ecosystem building across more than 10 countries, working with startup support organizations, development agencies, and corporates to empower founders building ventures that create meaningful impact.

Currently a Project Manager at Flouci, a Tunisian fintech startup, Azza is gaining firsthand experience as an operator adding a new dimension to her work.

Azza's experience in the United States deepened her belief in the power of cultural exchange and civic engagement as drivers of positive change, values she brings to programs she manages. She is currently a recipient of the U.S. Embassy's Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, implementing an innovation program supporting 30 Tunisians in building eight idea-stage social startups across four Tunisian cities.

Passionate about entrepreneurship as a tool for social transformation and growth, Azza is committed to building bridges between communities, unlocking the potential of young innovators, and contributing to a better world.

Houyem Ghediri spent an academic year studying international relations at the University of Central Missouri, complemented by cultural exchange, community service, and an internship with the Johnson County Courthouse in Warrensburg, Missouri in 2020.

Houyem is a young professional in international development and cooperation, with experience supporting donor-funded initiatives (USAID and the EU) across economic and social empowerment, entrepreneurship, and migration dialogue. Her professional interests center on stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and translating data into policy-relevant insights. She has contributed to research on workforce development and social challenges in the MENA region. 

She is currently pursuing research in Innovation Management, exploring how innovation practices strengthen organizational and program delivery. 

Houyem is actively engaged in youth-led civil society, serving as a board member and mentor within NGOs, and participating in international forums that advance youth leadership and participation.

Ines is a communications professional with international experience across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. As a Communication Project Officer at Science Connect, she leads and implements communication strategies across various sectors, including sports, higher education, and community initiatives.

Previously, Ines worked in two UNICEF initiatives in Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, addressing topics such as positive parenting, children’s education, and broader social development across Africa. Her work has centered on translating complex scientific and policy information into culturally sensitive messages that resonate with various audiences and visual storytelling. She has organized international conferences and workshops, coordinating global partners, and facilitating knowledge sharing across multicultural teams.

Ines holds a master’s in strategic communication and public relations from Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom. Her curiosity and passion for cultural exchange have led her to live and work across multiple countries, shaping her ability to communicate effectively across cultures, adapt to varied professional environments, and contribute to impactful international projects.

Ziyed Harrek is a policy and program professional working across the Middle East and North Africa on governance, public policy, and regional dynamics. He has experience managing multi-country initiatives and working with civil society actors, policymakers, and international partners, with a focus on governance systems, institutional engagement, and policy implementation. His work involves stakeholder engagement, program design, and navigating complex political environments, with a strong understanding of regional dynamics and institutional processes.

Ziyed is a Chevening Scholar and holds an MA in international studies and diplomacy from SOAS University of London, as well as an Erasmus Mundus joint master’s in communication and valorization of Mediterranean cultural heritage. His research focuses on artificial intelligence governance and security practices in the MENA region.