Qatar Days 1-2

Eight high-level women from around the world representing banking, microfinance, real estate, entertainment and law enforcement began mentorships in Doha this week with eight trail-blazing entrepreneurs and businesswomen from Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq and Qatar.

The Global Ambassadors Program’s first mentoring forum in the Middle East is in full swing with communications and media trainings, one-on-one strategy sessions and informal opportunities to share life stories and leadership journeys. Global Ambassador Ana Birchall, recalled a loving, supportive environment growing up in rural Romania and her journey from law school in the U.S., to Wall Street, and back to her country where she now serves as a Member of Parliament. “When you believe in something it’s only a matter of time until you fulfill your dreams,” she shared.

This week, Ana has taken Sahar Daikwat, a Palestinian entrepreneur from Nablus, under her wing to listen and share insights and practical advice on scaling her graphic design business. “I feel I can do anything,” said Sahar during opening sessions. “I believe we have to teach women to think for themselves.” The connection between Ana and Sahar has only just begun. Each forum expands our growing network of Global Ambassadors and mentees, who, over time, work together to build skills and tools needed to positively contribute to their communities, the global economy and a more sustainable future.

The Qatar trip is the third mentoring forum in 2013 after Singapore and Brazil, following successful 2012 launch year trips to Haiti, South Africa and India. Watch this blog for updates throughout the week. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, hashtag #GlobalAmbassadors. Read the first post about the Qatar mentoring forum and check out the Global Ambassadors page at Bank of America