Today felt like a familiar one compared to other visits on this trip, but ANDD had its own unique spin that made it stand out on its own. We met them in their office, a nonprofit space with a warm, grounded energy to it, and everyone we met throughout the day was so genuinely warm…
Author: nga19b1757b0aa0
Shark out of Water
Today we went to Rabat Technopark, which is unrelated to the Technopark in Casablanca despite the name. After a break, we heard from Zouheir Lakhdissi, a tech CEO and successful Moroccan Shark Tank contestant whose lecture changed the way I think about artificial intelligence. Zouheir’s talk was so relevant that it was impossible to ignore,…
From the Souks to the Boardroom
Today, we were honored to hear the story of Farah. As a young woman with a vision to make a real impact in Morocco, she founded the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, and hearing where that journey has taken her pushed me to think differently heading into our entrepreneurship exercise. Her story was not only inspiring;…
It’s been real, Marrakesh.
After breakfast, we left the hotel and returned to the crowded streets of the souks, then made our way to the leather workshop. This was easily one of the most immersive experiences of the trip. Actually sitting down and trying the work these women do every day puts things into perspective. It takes a lot…
House Money
This was our first sight of the day: the Kutubiyya Mosque. It resembles other mosques I have seen in Morocco. The large towers always impress me. This picture features a vibrant green fruit stand stocked with contrasting oranges and pomegranates, alongside an older-style motorcycle. These fruit stands are common throughout Marrakech, showcasing sweet fruits and…
No Teachers, No Problem
We arrived in Marrakesh today, and I can’t wait for what’s to come. Great hotel, excellent dinner, and there is a pool I intend to make full use of. But before all that, today gave us something more valuable than a good meal: a full, on-the-ground picture of 1337, the school my group has been…
Weaving It All Together
Today was a busy day. We had two very different speakers: a women’s artisan cooperative called Anou and a lecture on the development of Morocco’s startup ecosystem. They don’t seem related on the surface, but by the end of the day, I kept finding myself making connections between the two. Anou immediately caught my attention….
Moroccan the Boat
Today we spent a lot of time discussing 3 topics that appear separate on the surface, but the more I learned, the more I realized they are very intertwined. Religion, politics, and the role of women. We spent a lot of time diving into three topics that, on the surface, seem separate, but the more…
Lost in Translation
If you asked me whether I’d rather know every language in the world or have any other skill, I’d choose languages every time. It’s not even close. I have grown up with different languages all my life. My dad is Greek, and he always speaks Greek with his friends and family. I’ve tried to pick…
Rabat Hits Different
AI: Life in Rabat moves at a calm and steady pace. The city blends old traditions with modern life, with people spending time in local markets and cafés and along the coast. The weather is usually mild, and the streets are often busy with families, students, and workers going about their day. There is a…
Roots Without Routes
Hi, my name is Niko, and I am a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh in the business school. I’m undeclared right now, but I plan to double-major eventually. Out of class, I’m an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, where I’ve already grown a lot in a short period of time. Also, I…