By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the ever-evolving landscape of social change and digital transformation, the journey of Shehab Farrukh Niazi, an alumna of Tech Camp South Asia 2018, is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and empowerment. She embarked on a mission to create a lasting impact on her community by launching the ‘Young Female Leaders Accelerator’ (YFLA) project, funded through the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program.
Shehab Farrukh Niazi is a dynamic business coach, trainer, and content strategist who is passionate about unleashing the potential of the digital economy. As the driving force behind Trailblazer, she empowers entrepreneurs to flourish using digital tools. She has guided over 2,500 emerging and established entrepreneurs, imparting invaluable knowledge about enhancing online presence and skills of the future.
Setting the Stage: Unleashing the Potential
The YFLA project under Alumni Small Grant (ASG) was a comprehensive 12-week endeavor that aimed to equip emerging female leaders with the skills, tools, and mindset needed to become influential agents of change in their communities. Shehab’s vision was multi-faceted, with objectives that spanned from fostering local female leaders and community development to harnessing the power of digital media for social transformation.
Training Goals and Contents: Crafting Leaders of Tomorrow
The project’s training program was meticulously designed to guide participants through an immersive journey of self-discovery, skill-building, and empowerment. Each week focused on a specific aspect of leadership development, providing participants with a diverse toolkit for personal and community growth.
- Week 1: Knowing Yourself – Participants audited their passions, values, and leadership skills, setting the foundation for their leadership journey.
- Week 2: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs – Addressing self-doubt and identifying areas for personal growth and development.
- Week 3: Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management – Equipping participants with skills to handle challenges and conflicts.
- Week 4: Leadership Styles and Qualities – Exploring various leadership approaches and qualities that contribute to effective leadership.
- Week 5: Communication Skills for Impact – Teaching participants how to communicate effectively to create positive change.
- Week 6: Influencing through Social Media – Harnessing the power of digital platforms for social impact and outreach.
- Week 7: Building Personal Brand Using Digital Media – Empowering participants to create a compelling online presence.
- Week 8: Change Management and Effective Storytelling – Guiding participants on how to drive and manage change within their communities.
Turning Vision into Action
The heart of the YFLA project was its action-oriented approach. Participants didn’t just receive theoretical knowledge; they were empowered with actionable steps, practical exercises, and expert insights. The program’s uniqueness lay in its combination of training sessions and group coaching, creating a supportive environment for holistic growth.
Spreading the Ripple Effect: Beneficiaries and Impact
The YFLA project extended its influence beyond its direct beneficiaries. With 40 participants benefiting directly and an impressive 400 beneficiaries indirectly, the impact was far-reaching. Additionally, the program aimed to engage with 50 PUAN alumni, fostering a network of empowered women leaders capable of igniting change across Pakistan.
Voices of Transformation: Beneficiaries Speak
Laraib Anwar, a 22-year-old from Mianwali, shared, “This program has offered numerous benefits to enhance my leadership skills and accelerate career growth. The session on personal branding was my favorite; it provided clarity about my dreams and career.”
Shehnaz Jawed, a 21-year-old from Karachi, stated, “This program helped us strengthen our strategy, negotiation, and communication expertise. Now we can recognize the interplay between how our minds process information and shape perceptions.”
A Collaborative Journey
Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) proved pivotal in turning Shehab’s dream into a reality. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “Working with the PUAN team has been an absolute pleasure, and I’m grateful to them for their ongoing support throughout the implementation of this program.”
Shehab Farrukh Niazi’s journey from being an alumna of Tech Camp South Asia to becoming a driving force behind the YFLA project showcases the power of education, mentorship, and community collaboration. As these emerging female leaders step into the world armed with skills, confidence, and a transformative vision, their impact will undoubtedly shape the future of Pakistan for the better.
