UOWD Alumni Entrepreneurs' Spotlight: Inspiring the Next Generation

Thursday, 22 February, 2024

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) recently hosted an engaging event, the Alumni Entrepreneurs' Spotlight, organised by the Careers and Alumni Department. This event brought together successful alums who have ventured into entrepreneurship and current students eager to embark on similar paths. 
 
The event featured a compelling panel discussion, "The Journey: From Campus to Entrepreneurship," where alumni entrepreneurs shared their experiences and insights. The panel included notable speakers such as Tariq Abu Samra, founder of Bloomingbox, Omar Al Ali, CEO of Ibtikar General Trading, Tasneem Nawab, Co-founder of Zaish, and Wardah Harharah, founder of The Powerhouse Project. 
 
The panel discussion, moderated by Ms Mary Gosha, Careers and Alumni Manager at UOWD, provided a detailed and practical look at what it takes to start a business. The alumni entrepreneurs shared their personal experiences and offered useful tips, which helped the attending students feel reassured and empowered. Student Shahd Ehab, a Computer Science major, shared: "I'm dreaming of starting my own business in karate for mental well-being and personal development, but I felt very lost about how to begin. Hearing from the alumni entrepreneurs has been very encouraging."
 
Students also had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of businesses showcased by the alumni. They experienced the unique offerings of Touraath, which brings a taste of Morocco to the UAE, and admired the craftsmanship of watches by The Valor Collective, symbolising precision, style, and entrepreneurial spirit. 
 
Other notable businesses that exhibited their stalls included Bloomingbox.com, Nishma’s Art, Bright Shift, Ibtikar General Trading, Executive Coaching by Wardah Harharah, Shu Hype and Express Computers LLC.
 
The alumni entrepreneurs were happy to be back on campus and inspire the current UOWD generation. Tariq Abu Samra, founder of Bloomingbox, said: "I was very happy to be back on campus. It's an opportunity to give back to the community that helped, guided, and mentored us. And it's a great opportunity for us as well to get feedback from students and understand better how our services can reach them."
 
Throughout the event, students got to understand how to prepare for the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. Dr Hanan Al Mheiri, keynote speaker in the event and a successful coach and consultant, shared her philosophy: "I was working yesterday on my speech, and my niece was in the ICU and needed me; I took my laptop and ran to her. That’s the reality of entrepreneurship. But the key to not being stressed out as an entrepreneur is to love what you’re doing and celebrate your victories often. That's what keeps you going and fully motivated”. 
 
The UOWD Alumni Entrepreneurs' Spotlight was an exceptional event, providing a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators within the UOWD community to showcase their talents and achievements.