The two day New Alumni Conference for Senior Professionals, held on October 25, brought together more than 100 participants from a range of U.S. Embassy’s professional level exchange programs including International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), The International Center for Journalists Knight Fellowship (ICFJ), Professional Fellows Program (PFP), Fulbright, Humphrey, Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) and, USAID.
The conference aimed to introduce recently returned 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.
On the first day of the Conference, 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. She said, “We are proud to welcome you all to our ever-expanding PUAN family. We are delighted to have been able to contribute to your brilliant professional journeys and hope that you will be able to give back to your communities, organizations and our young alumni.”
The highlight of the day was the screening of Fulbright Talks – a series of TED Talks-style videos recorded during the Annual Fulbright Alumni Conference, featuring distinguished Fulbright alumni, followed by a panel discussion. The panel included Sobia Maqbool, Usama Javed Mirza, Haider Shishmahal and Zoona Jerral.
The second day of the conference started with an introduction to the PUAN team and opportunities. Mr. Usman Saddique, Deputy Country Alumni Coordinator, Mr. Waqar Khan, Alumni Outreach Officer and Ms. Fizza Bangash, Communication Officer for PUAN, briefed the participants about Alumni Small Grants, networking and internship opportunities, chapters and their leadership as well as the network’s social media presence.
To give the participants a first-hand introduction to how our alumni’s work is helping local communities, economies and strengthening bi-lateral relations between U.S. and Pakistan, we invited Dr. Munaza Yaqoob, SUSI alumna and Chairperson Department of English at International Islamic University, and Mr. Majid Bashir, IVLP alumnus, former PUAN President and, Senior Partner, Ahmer Bilal Soofi and Co., to share their success stories for everyone to benefit from.
Mr. Majid said, “My advice to all of you would be to maintain the linkages that you created in the U.S. during your exchange programs. These connections will not only propel you professionally but will also be instrumental in promoting Pakistan’s narrative in America. You are Pakistan’s ambassadors and your activities can directly impact Pakistan’s representation in other countries.”
To give orientation on PUAN’s Summer Internship Program and encourage senior alumni to sign up as mentors for young members, Fulbright alumnus Mr. Waqar Idrees and IVLP alumnus Prof. Hussain Shaheed Soherwardi, who have previously hosted mentees on behalf of PUAN, shared their experiences and encouraged everyone to provide guidance to young alumni in whatever capacity they can.
Ms. Julia Fendrick, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy, thanked everyone for coming and said:
“PUAN is known as one of the most dynamic alumni networks back in Washington. We are glad that the U.S. Government was able to enrich you personally and professionally. The most important part of these exchanges is not what you gain, but what you give back to your country and your communities. We look forward to a collaborative relationship with you and improve PUAN through your feedback and insights.”
