In a project originally conceived in 1999, CommonWell Associates Ltd. serves as collaborative partner with Zayed University, United Arab Emirates, and the ATHENA Foundation based in Chicago, Illinois.

 The purpose of the project is to support Zayed University in its vision to prepare women leaders for a role in shaping the future of the United Arab Emirates.  Leadership is one of the six major learning outcomes established by the University.  Its stated objective – that “ZU graduates will be able to assume leadership roles and responsibilities in a variety of life situations and accept accountability for the results.”[1]

The ZAYED ATHENA Leadership project includes two independent areas of focus.  Both are based on the vision that leadership is most effectively cultivated by augmenting classroom instruction with experiential learning and mentoring by experienced partners.

 Leadership Institutes

To that end, CommonWell Associates Ltd. and ATHENA Foundation personnel co-facilitate annual Leadership Institutes on both Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses of the University.   The foundational platform for the training is offered by the ATHENA Foundation’s ATHENA Leadership Model2 which includes eight tenets of leadership that are based on the unique contributions of women – Authentic Self, Learning, Relationships, Giving Back, Fierce Advocacy, Courageous Acts, Collaboration, and Celebration and Joy.  During the 2000 Leadership Institute, the Zayed students identified a ninth tenet – Global Vision.  In 2002 over 120  3^rd and 4^th year students participated in the Institutes. 

ATHENA Mentoring Program

Following the Institutes, students are invited to apply for the Zayed University’s ATHENA Honors program that includes ongoing workshops and the assignment of a mentor from the U.S. or Canada.  The mentors are selected from a pool of high achieving professional women who have attained leadership positions in their respective fields.  They are specifically matched to the students based on their field of endeavor, their areas of interest as it parallels the student’s academic major and outside interests. 

Each month the mentors and students enter an ongoing dialogue regarding an assigned topic using the internet as their method of communication.   Currently, approximately 68 teams of students and mentors are in global conversation.

Both have reported that the program has enhanced their learning opportunities around leadership and communication.  Additionally, the program increases cultural awareness and enhances understanding between peoples of different backgrounds and ethnic heritage.   

Conclusion

 This collaborative partnership serves as a catalyst project, providing a model for other international collaborations that move beyond government and corporate arenas to develop true connection between people in different countries who are willing to assist and support one another.

 CommonWell Associates Ltd. is honored to be a collaborative partner in advancing the global conversation between women --

Creating Networks – Not Empires

For More Information:

Click Here to Become a Mentor

Please send contributions for this project to:

Dr. Elise Collins-Shields
CommonWell Institute International, Inc.
4228 N. Placita De Sandra
Tucson, Arizona, 85718

Please make checks out CommonWell Institute International and Note Zayed Leadership Project