On October 5, Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network’s (PUAN) new alumni gathered from all across Pakistan to participate in the ‘New Alumni Conference for Young Professionals’ in Islamabad. The event was held to welcome back our young alumni who completed their U.S. Government-sponsored Summer Sisters, Youth Exchange & Study (YES), Global Undergraduate (UGRAD) and Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) exchange programs between September 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019.

The purpose of the conference was to introduce our new alumni to U.S. Embassy activities, PUAN programs, and small grant opportunities, stimulate networking with other PUAN alumni and U.S. embassy officials, and connect alumni with their local PUAN chapters.

The hall was buzzing with excitement and one could almost feel the nostalgia of the exchange trips in the air. The young alumni, who were meeting for the first time after returning from their exchange programs in the U.S., were extremely excited and eager to share their experiences with each other. Laiba Nayab, UGRAD Spring 2019 alumna, shared:

“I am very happy to reconnect with everyone here. I went to New York as part of my exchange program. I made friends all over the world, learnt to be more confident in my skin and even dyed my hair green – these may seem like small things but for me, the entire experience was life changing.”

Ms. Angela Gjertson, U.S. Embassy Pakistan‘s Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer, gave the keynote remarks and welcomed everyone on behalf of the Embassy and PUAN office.

“We are all very excited to welcome you back to Pakistan and to learn about your experience during your exchange programs.”

PUAN Country President Mr. Shahid Kazmi also came to welcome all the new alumni. Himself an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus, Mr. Kazmi is a brilliant example of the professional and personal growth one can achieve by leveraging PUAN’s extensive networking and professional development opportunities. He said:

“No matter which field you are from or are interested in, PUAN has something for everyone. Our youth is Pakistan’s driving force and this platform can really help you in becoming leaders of tomorrow.”

To help the alumni gain understanding about the operations and working procedures at PUAN, the PUAN team consisting of Mr. Usman Saddique, Mr. Sarfaraz Khan, Ms. Samana Qaseem, Ms. Fizza Bangash and Ms. Madeha Komal briefed the participants about Chapters and Elections, PUAN Internship Program, Conference and Residency Programs, Social Media and the network’s database. Mr. Waqar A. Khan, Alumni Outreach Officer, also introduced the participants to the Alumni Small Grant Program.  

Anthony Jones, Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Islamabad, also came to meet all our new members. He said:

“PUAN is the largest U.S. Alumni Network in the world. We are immensely proud of each of you and I wish for you to cultivate understanding between the people of Pakistan and the United States and inspire other young people in Pakistan to do the same.”

One of the primary objectives of the conference was to inspire our new alumni to proactively participate in PUAN’s activities and give back to their communities, and there was no better way to achieve this than to introduce them to our inspiring alumni who have made a name for themselves and are making a positive impact in Pakistan through their work. Ms. Syed Urooj Haider, Global UGRAD alumna and President of Vision Building Future, Mr. Zimran David, YES alumnus and Vice President PUAN Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, shared their journeys and explained how they applied their learning from the exchange to grow professionally and bring a change in the society. Our alumni Ms. Saliha Nawaz Khan and Ms. Ayesha Aftab shared their internship experiences at the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Peshawar’s National Incubation Center (NIC) respectively, and how these internships eventually contributed to their current employment.

The conference also included a training on Digital Security and Anti-Harassment Laws by Usama Khilji – YES alumnus and Director at Bolo Bhi and a movie night during which our alumnus Jawad Sharif screened his award-winning film Indus Blues.

At the end of the conference, certificates and gifts were distributed among the participants. Aimee Dowl, Public Affairs Officer at U.S. Consulate General Peshawar, gave the closing remarks on behalf of the U.S. Embassy and PUAN. She said,

“I have been very inspired with our alumni’s exchange journeys and I encourage you all to apply that learning in your education, career and communities.”