Where in the World is Sara Dziuk?
Over the past few weeks, Junior Achievement North’s President & CEO, Sara Dziuk, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across continents, representing JA North on the global stage through the JA Worldwide LEAD program. Her travels took her to Cairo, Egypt, and Manama, Bahrain, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of entrepreneurship education and youth empowerment.
This experience wasn’t just about travel; it was filled with connection, collaboration, and a chance to celebrate the incredible impact JA programs have on young people worldwide.
Cairo: A Celebration of Innovation and Youth Leadership
Sara’s first stop was Cairo, Egypt, where the energy was electric as JA teams from across the Middle East and Africa gathered for the INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA Young Entrepreneurs Celebration. This event marked the culmination of the Company of the Year competition, a program that challenges students to create and pitch innovative business ideas.
Sara spent time exploring the regional competition, watching student companies present their solutions to local and global challenges. The creativity and confidence on display were inspiring! Young people from Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Oman, and beyond stepped into the spotlight, proving that entrepreneurship education can unlock limitless potential for pioneering solutions.
A few standout teams hailed from Bahrain, making Hana Sarwani, CEO of INJAZ Bahrain and Sara’s LEAD exchange partner, beam with pride. Sara also connected with JA leaders from across the region, including Samar Dani of JA Lebanon and Razan Bashiti of JA UAE, reinforcing the global network that makes JA’s mission possible.
Manama: A New Era for INJAZ Bahrain
From Cairo, Sara traveled to Manama, Bahrain, where history was being made. INJAZ Bahrain unveiled its brand-new headquarters, a stunning space designed to be the epicenter of youth impact in the region. This facility is more than an office building or support center; it’s a hub for innovation and learning, featuring JA Finance Park, STEM labs, an art gallery, and even outdoor spaces like an amphitheater and athletic facilities for young people to enjoy.
Sara was thrilled to take part in the celebration, congratulating Hana Sarwani and the entire JA Worldwide team on this incredible achievement. The new headquarters represents a bold investment in the future of Bahraini young people, ensuring they have access to resources and experiences that prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.
Honoring Two Decades of Impact
As her time in Bahrain continued, Sara participated in a series of milestone events marking INJAZ Bahrain’s 20th Anniversary. From the headquarters inauguration to a VIP lunch and gala, alumni gatherings, and more, these celebrations honored two decades of empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship.
Sara had the privilege of spending time with influential leaders, including members of the Bahraini Royal Family, whose vision helped establish INJAZ Bahrain, and JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani. These moments underscored the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to creating opportunities for young people everywhere.
Looking Ahead
Sara’s journey through Egypt and Bahrain was a testament to the global reach and impact of Junior Achievement. By connecting with students, educators, and leaders across cultures, she brought JA North’s mission to life on an international scale—showing that when we invest in young people, we invest in a brighter future for all.
As Sara returns home (with just enough time to prepare for her next adventure at the JA Global Leadership Conference in Rio de Janeiro), we celebrate her role in strengthening JA’s global network and championing the life-changing power of helping students prepare to lead choice-filled lives.
Thank you, Sara, for representing JA North with pride and grace on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to connect, learn, and lead—together.