Sixteen AUC Alumnae Named Among Top 50 Most Influential Women in Egypt
Amwal Al Ghad held its annual summit, under the auspices of Egypt's Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, to award the Top 100 Companies and Top 50 Most Influential Women in Egypt.
Sixteen AUC alumnae were named the list of Top 50 women for their impact in community and economic development: Sherine Mostafa El Shorbagy '90, '07; Maha Mohamed Nagy '93; Heba Nehad Abdel Latif '88; Manal Hussein Abdel Razek '01; Heba Hagrass '82, '98; May Abulnaga '93; Ghada Kandil '94, '96; Shahinaz Foda '89, '93; Nadia Gamal El Din '11; Dalia Younis '89; Manal Hassan '90, '08; Dalia Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim '93, '99, '14; Nihad Mohamed Shelbaya '87; Nermine Abdel Fattah '98; Mervat Soltan '83, '89; and Sarah Mohamed Mamdouh Shabayek ‘09.
See what some of these women have to say about their impressive work, visions for Egypt and reflections on being recognized as influential leaders.
NADIA GAMAL EL 
DIN '11
Founder and CEO of Rahet Bally Co.
"After giving birth to my son, I realized there is a huge market gap when it comes to supporting new moms, and that was my trigger. I created Egypt's first-of-it- kind, all inclusive support system for a new mom: Rahet Bally. This is where she can get answers to all her questions by professionals, enjoy exclusive discounts on everything she needs, work out in our tailored arenas with free babysitting services and so much more. I want to make sure every mother gets some well deserved peace of mind, and much needed support, in every aspect of her life."
NERMINE ABDEL FATTAH '98
Managing Director of Excellent Communications D&N
“Egyptian women are pushing the boundaries in unprecedented ways and their impressive accomplishments are shaping and changing our country for many other women.”
MANAL HASSAN '90, '08
Group CSR and Sustainability Director of Elsewedy Electric
“To achieve sustainable growth, the government and companies must hand-in-hand invest in the human capital development. Moreover, youth and community inclusion is a main component to create an economic, social and environmental sustainable value.”
HEBA NEHAD ABDEL LATIF '88
Head of Debt Capital Markets at CIB
"I have been honored to be recognized as one of the Top 50 women in Egypt It is thanks to the opportunities given to me by my employer Commercial International Bank that I have been able to play an active role in supporting the financing of many of the landmark projects in Egypt and consequently facilitating financial market development across all debt instruments. I am very excited to be part of this group of extraordinary women who are looking to enhance the role of women across all segments of Egyptian society."
DALIA IBRAHIM '93, '99, '14
CEO of Nahdet Misr
"I am quite honored to be included in the 50 most influential women in Egypt. This recognition comes to crown not only my professional career but my real passion and mission in life, which I pursue through Nahdet Misr. I have always been proud to belong to a leading organization that enriches our Arab societies with distinguished cultural and educational content. I will constantly strive to make a real difference in our Arab world and help shape a better future for our new generations."
MERVAT SOLTAN '83, '89
Chairperson of Export Development Bank of Egypt
"Education is a differentiating factor in any person’s success. It is the one investment that has the highest rate of return and is sustainable throughout one’s lifetime. We should all work to ensure a better education system for the coming generations."
NIHAD SHELBAYA '87
Public and Government Affairs Manager – ExxonMobil Egypt and Cyprus
“I believe that women are the nucleus of the family and the catalysts for change. So when you progress women you progress the family, the society and the whole nation. In order to progress, you have to have the courage to challenge yourself, unleash your potential and believe you have everything it takes to make the positive changes you want to happen."
SARAH SHABAYEK '09
Senior Director of Investor Relations at Telecom Egypt
"It is an honor to be chosen among the great women of Egypt who through their dedication and willpower were able to join the high ranks that men have dominated in our society. It is a daily challenge, but I believe the element of success is not to think of your role and ambition taking into consideration the gender challenges, because they only hold you back. In my role as a telecom analyst in multiple local and regional firms, helping investors make investment decisions in the equity market, I have been able to learn from the best C-level telecom executives in the Middle East & Africa and I believe that I have a crucial obligation to pay forward my knowledge in the field to younger generations."
DALIA YOUNIS '89
Director of the Membership Services Division of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt
"Every successful individual knows that his or her achievements depend on a community of persons working together in harmony. Ultimately, my greatest achievement is maintaining my career, while sustaining a healthy family life."
SHAHINAZ FODA '89, '93
Managing Director and Partner of First Capital Financial Advisory
"I think the truth of the matter is, one should always work hard, continue to learn and never get devastated when knocked down. Faith in God together with passion for people, knowledge and work will always lead to success. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. Success is no accident. Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success."
GHADA KANDIL '94
Governor's Consultant on Banking Reform
"Giving awards to women is not a recognition of their role in society as much as it is a reminder to those who forget...the day we as a civilization do not feel the need to recognize achievements based on gender is the day we have true gender equality."
