January marked new beginnings for the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN)! We welcomed the newly elected leadership of 12 chapters to the National Executive Committee (NEC) who elected the new Country President of PUAN at the 7th NEC; launched our Instagram account and a month-long campaign on harnessing inclusion by highlighting work of our alumni with disabilities.
In addition, our alumni also met Acting Assistant Secretary of State Nini Forino; attended a special reception hosted by Robert Raines as part of the NEC; and the Islamabad/Rawalpindi former and current leadership attended a special networking reception hosted by Minister Counselor Tomlinson.
And let’s not forget our début Facebook Live chat with Abia Akram and Ali Shabbar!
But first things first, did you check out our New Year’s video?
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PUAN General Elections 2016
The General Elections held by PUAN marked the democratic transition of power across all chapters. 54 candidates emerged victorious after the biggest elections held by PUAN with over 11,865 votes. Read this story to learn all about how Fourth PUAN General Election Set New Records!
Alumni attend Sangat, a fusion of cultures through music
Sangat, an ensemble of musicians from the The University of Texas at Austin and National Academy of Performing Arts, performed at the Pakistan National Council of Arts. Alumni indulged in an evening of musical fusion of the East and West – from the Sitar to the trumpet – that showcased the success of a three-year university partnership between the two schools.
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Ask Nancy Gibbs: A Webchat with Editor of Time Magazine
On January 11, al
umni took part in a webchat with Editor-in-Chief of Time Magazine, Nancy Gibbs and learned all about her journey with a candid discussion on the future of journalism, digital media, and breaking the glass ceiling.
Seventh NEC: Leadership Formally Takes Charge
Chapter leadership from all across the 12 chapters of PUAN convened at Islamabad for a two-day National Executive Committee meeting featuring talks by senior alumni on public partnerships, community engagement, and managing expectations. Sessions on financial reporting, chapter plans, digital media and communications, and ethical practices helped equip participants with tools. The highlight of the NEC was the selection of the Country President through a secret ballot. Congratulations, Mr. Khawaja Mudassar! Read the message from him here.
Check out our blog on the NEC too!
Special Networking Reception Engages Leadership
The U.S. Embassy’s Counselor for Public Affairs, Robert Raines hosted the networking reception for newly elected PUAN leadership. The reception provided an ample opportunity for PUAN leader to interact and share their community ideas; volunteer work and exchange experiences with representatives of U.S. Mission in Pakistan.
PUAN Roundtable Session with Nini Forino
13 alumni representing the Fulbright, Humphrey, Global Undergraduate Exchange, Study of the U.S. Institute, Professional Partnership for Journalists, and International Visitors Leadership (IVLP) Program met Ms. Nini Forino, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Director of Press and Public Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State.
Alumni shared their experiences of being a part of the largest exchange alumni network, success stories of their alumni small grants projects, and the impact they had created through these outreach activities. Check out photos from the session here.
PUAN Live: Episode One
In our first episode of PUAN Live, we spoke with Ali Shabbar and Abia Akram, alumni of the IVLP programs on disability leadership, and learned how they are channeling their energies into promoting a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
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Networking Reception and Dinner hosted by Minister Counselor Public Affairs
On January 31, 2016, Ms. Christina Tomlinson, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, hosted a special networking reception in honor of the former and newly elected leadership of PUAN – Islamabad/Rawalpindi Chapter. Ms. Tomlinson appreciated the efforts of the former leadership under President Haseeb Kiyani in reaching out to communities through chapter activities and outreach projects. Welcoming the new leadership, former President of the chapter Kiyani, extended his support for a smooth transition. The reception paved way for meaningful discussion on leadership roles and responsibilities and best practices.
Promoting Inclusion: PUAN highlights work of alumni on disability equality
All through January, our social media accounts were ablaze with stories of inspiration and impact. From exchange experiences as a person with disability to alumni small grants projects on the same theme, we shared the initiatives of alumni in promoting inclusion. Our spotlight profile highlighted the story of Nagina Tahir and how she is championing inclusion through the power of sign language.
PUAN on Instagram
Yes, are finally on Instagram! Follow us @PakUSAlumni to catch up on fantastic exchange stories in photos.
