Mehwish Mudasser, an alumna of the U.S. Mission Pakistan’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2023 cohort and a member of the Pakistan–U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Islamabad Chapter, represents how U.S. exchange initiatives empower women to lead with innovation, resilience, and purpose.
Her entrepreneurial journey began during the global COVID-19 pandemic, a time of uncertainty that demanded courage and adaptability. Choosing to innovate in the face of challenges, Mehwish co-founded Plant and Craft (Pvt. Ltd.), a venture rooted in sustainability, creativity, and social impact, where she currently serves as CEO. Alongside her entrepreneurial role, she is serving at BAC – Beaconhouse School System, Attock Campus, maintaining a strong connection to education, mentorship, and youth development.
A defining turning point in her journey came through her participation in the AWE program. Her business plan was shortlisted, and she was nominated for the Pitch Deck Competition for seed funding, an achievement that reflected both her potential and vision. Beyond technical skills, AWE provided her with confidence, clarity, and a global perspective. It strengthened her belief in using entrepreneurship as a tool for community impact. Among 90 participants nationwide, she was also selected as one of only five participants for a national social media feature, highlighting her emerging leadership.
Following AWE, Mehwish’s impact expanded across platforms. She has been invited as a motivational speaker by the PUAN KP Chapter and the RELO English Access Program, where she shares insights on innovation, resilience, and women’s leadership. Her growing influence led to participation in the National Conference on Promoting Social Entrepreneurship in Pakistan, where she engaged with policymakers and development leaders on sustainable solutions.
Her leadership is also reflected in community engagement. Mehwish has organized and hosted entrepreneurial events in Attock and actively contributed to youth development initiatives. As a former Chief Executive Member of the Attock Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI), she has played a key role in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, moderating major events, and supporting institutional growth within professional networks.
Her contributions have earned national recognition. She received an award from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, and the Enthusiasm Award from former Member of the National Assembly Mian Zain Elahi at AWCCI, honors that reflect her dedication to leadership, communication, and community impact.
Mehwish’s engagement extends to international collaboration as well. She has represented her work in high-level settings, including interactions with visiting dignitaries and a recent meeting with Christine K. Hawkins, where she shared her post-AWE contributions toward community development. She has also been invited multiple times to the U.S. Embassy Islamabad as an AWE alumna to showcase her work, reinforcing the value of alumni-driven engagement.
As the United States marks 250 years of global engagement, Mehwish Mudasser’s journey highlights how U.S. exchange initiatives empower women to become changemakers in their communities. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young women, to apply for U.S. exchange programs and explore opportunities to collaborate with international networks. “These platforms not only build skills but also expand your vision and confidence to lead meaningful change,” she shares, reinforcing the United States as a partner in innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
