Meryam El Ouafi

Morocco

Trip:

London

Mentored by:

Laura Cox Kaplan

Business

Founder and general manager, Chems Ayour Ltd.

Meryam is the founder and general manager of Chemsayour, a Moroccan tourist complex which offers dinner, shows, events and catering, and employs more than 60 people.

Meryam serves as the president of Entrelles Entrepreneurs, an NGO that aims to empower and train women entrepreneurs, and encourage the integration of women in the development of the local economy. She is also the president of the Tourism, Exhibitions and Event Committee at the Chamber of Commerce of the Souss Massa region, where she is responsible for developing the tourism sector in the region and promoting the local economy, business exchange and investment.

Meryam is a Vital Voices Global Partnership VV GROW Fellowship alumna. She participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2015, sponsored by the U.S. State Department. She received the 2015 World of Difference Awards from the International Alliance for Women (TIAW). She also received a Certificate of Honor from the Governor of Agadir and the Regional Council of Tourism for her activism and significant contributions to her community.