Maryam Al Serkal’s experience on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) impressed her so profoundly that she convinced her home country’s government to fund similar exchanges to send leaders of the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) to the U.S.
“I was thrilled with my exchange experience and I wished for all employees in the Dubai government to learn from similar experiences,” says Maryam. “So I introduced to the Dubai Executive Council an initiative called the Excellence Ambassadors, which gives distinguished employees of Dubai government a chance to go and get inspired by the same experience. I felt that others must benefit the way I did on the International Visitor Leadership Program.”
In addition to convincing the UAE government to replicate ECA exchanges, she also enthusiastically shared what she learned in the U.S. with others in the UAE.
“I felt a strong calling to share the fruits of my exchange program with others who are influential, enthusiastic, are willing to lead the improvement of their society, and maintain global connections,” says Maryam “So I have organized and conducted several training sessions using the resources I gained in the U.S.”
“Besides initiating the Dubai Government version of exchange programs, I started nominating professionals to go on various programs sponsored by the Department of State. My most recent nomination was for the Government Communications Director in Dubai to attend a workshop at New York University focused on social change. I also promoted several other programs, such as Fulbright and TechWomen.”
How did Maryam’s exchange influence her personally? It gave her a new outlook on life.
“The American lifestyle motivated me to adopt a far more healthy way of life,” says Mayam “This might be a minor thing for many people but for someone who used to be obese, losing weight was a big challenge. Now I am more interested in women’s sports and an active healthy lifestyle.
“People I know are kidding with me saying that I have become an American. I simply tell them ‘Well, yes, if we are talking about a way of thinking – I am proud to be who I am!’”
