By: Shehneela Mazhar

In the enchanting region of Hazara, where dreams are woven amid the rolling hills and shimmering streams, a trailblazer named Najam Us Sahar Durrani emerged with a brilliant vision. Her heart ablaze with the desire to empower and uplift women, she embarked on an extraordinary journey that would forever change the course of their lives.

Being Professional Fellows program alumna for 2021, Najam set forth on a mission to create an empowering project like no other. Armed with a belief in the boundless potential of women entrepreneurs, she unveiled her Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative, a beacon of hope for the aspiring businesswomen titled ‘Fast Track Your Business Growth’.

Her workshops on learning Canva, digital marketing, sales pitch, and the intricacies of company registrations and chamber memberships were more than just lessons – they were empowering tools that would unlock new horizons for the ambitious women. As they delved deeper into the realm of innovation and networking, they discovered a world of endless possibilities.

“Najam’s project has been a catalyst in empowering women to embrace entrepreneurship and make a mark in the business world. Her dedication and passion are truly commendable,” said renowned entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Tony Robbins.

Through her unwavering dedication, Najam not only provided these women with the knowledge and skills but also ignited a fire within their souls. With Canva, they developed virtual images their dreams on the canvas of reality, and with digital marketing, they broadcasted their messages far and wide. The art of crafting a compelling sales pitch became their weapon to win hearts and investors alike.

Through her unwavering dedication, Najam became a beacon of light for these aspiring women entrepreneurs, illuminating their path towards success. With unwavering passion and boundless energy, she nurtured their dreams and instilled in them a sense of unshakable self-belief.

Armed with the knowledge of digital platforms and social media strategies, her beneficiaries fearlessly broadcasted their messages far and wide, connecting with potential customers from every corner of the world.

Perhaps the most potent weapon in their arsenal was the art of crafting a compelling sales pitch. With Najam’s expert guidance, they mastered the art of persuasion, weaving stories that touched hearts and convinced investors to believe in their ventures. Each word they uttered became a catalyst for turning prospects into loyal customers and investors into staunch supporters.

Najam’s mentorship breathed life into their dreams, fueling their determination to overcome any obstacle in their path. As they immersed themselves in the world of entrepreneurship, they embraced challenges with unwavering resilience, knowing that Najam’s teachings had armed them with the power to conquer any adversity.

“As an aspiring entrepreneur, I found Najam’s workshop on sales pitch incredibly helpful. It taught me the art of storytelling, which is essential in business,” said Fatima, one of the beneficiaries of Najam’s project.

The most precious gift Najam bestowed upon these aspiring entrepreneurs was the understanding of the power of networking and innovation. They forged connections that would serve as stepping stones to success, and they dared to embrace change fearlessly.

“Najam’s project has given me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and explore new possibilities. Networking has become a powerful tool in my entrepreneurial journey,” said Sara, another beneficiary of the ASG project.

As her project unfolded, Najam witnessed the metamorphosis of these women, once timid and uncertain, into fierce and empowered leaders of tomorrow. With newfound confidence, they stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, ready to carve their destinies with unyielding determination.

Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) was a testament to the power of unity in transforming lives. With their support, Najam’s project flourished like a garden in bloom, nurturing dreams and ambitions that would blossom for years to come.