Wafa Dinaro accepted into the Professional Fellows Program for the Middle East and North Africa

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) is proud to share that Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative (NEI), has been accepted into the Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 

This U.S. State Department-sponsored fellowship allows for a two-way exchange, where U.S. and MENA leaders will collaborate on community initiatives, provide shared learning opportunities and participate in cultural outings. The fellowship is in partnership with Global Ties Detroit and Legacy International. 

The fellowship will take place in Egypt in early February, during which Wafa will provide a full-day presentation to the MENA Fellows about the work of NEI and its ecosystem building efforts. Her presentation will be attended by Egypt’s local stakeholders and U.S. Embassy staff. She will also be meeting, touring and connecting with entrepreneurs in Egypt. 

Wafa is one of two U.S. business leaders in the country who received this incredible opportunity.  

Crain’s Detroit Business recently posted an op-ed by Wafa and Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund and the Gilbert Family Foundation, which explains why Southeast Michigan needs a smarter, more connected small business network. Learn more in the Crain’s Detroit Business article.