Only one year ago, Amna Frej, Zada Haj, and Itai Warman launched an Israeli initiative named ‘Future Holders’. Their mission was to empower and educate young women to become leaders in the fight against climate change and gender inequality.
Fueled by unwavering dedication, a mere spark of an idea transformed into a guiding light for young girls in Israel and beyond.
Where It All Began
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The seeds were sown when Itay Alterman managed gifted and talented students in school in Rishon Lezion. He identified a disheartening dip in female participation in tech fields. With a firm belief in the need for early redress, his search for like-minded allies began.
Itay meets Zada, a former gifted student from Tamra. She is a serial impact entrepreneur and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Her enthusiasm for women’s advancement and sustainable practices made her a natural ally. Meanwhile, Amna, a familiar face from her college days, was reunited with Zada. “Amna was the perfect ally for the compelling vision,” Zada adds. “Amna’s expertise in financial matters and commitment to societal betterment made her an invaluable addition.”
Their union wasn’t just about individual expertise but a symbiosis of vision, strength, and an unwavering resolve to craft a brighter horizon.
Mapping Challenges and Paving Roads
The trio’s initial quest involved delving into 13-16-year-old girls’ challenges. Itai shares, “Recognizing that our success would hinge on strategic partnerships, we sought leaders in both the climate awareness and private tech sectors. Our journey wasn’t without challenges; we orchestrated weekly meetings, ensuring our vision remained in the spotlight, navigating interactions with schools and municipalities, and reconnecting with old friends in the tech industry. It was a rollercoaster ride of effort and determination. Yet, every moment was worth pursuing as our collective success materialized,” says Itai Warman.
Collaboration with Arab and Jewish municipalities, Google and EY
At the outset, they embarked with two schools and partnered with two municipalities. Future Holders initial collaboration found roots in Kfar Yassif, Zada’s hometown school. Subsequently, they extended their reach to include Taybe, Rishon Letzion, and Ramat Hasharon Municipalities. Simultaneously, their entry into the tech sector forged partnerships that provided opportunities for visits and insights from pioneering tech giants like Google and Amdocs, learning about their efforts towards the green tech industry. Alongside consulting firms such as EY and BCG, they have learned about SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and their role in shaping the future of the economy and industry.
These strategic alliances were meticulously designed for long-term involvement, encompassing mentorship, lectures, and a collaborative workspace that facilitated the participants’ journey in shaping their project ideas.
The schools were not merely enthusiastic about participating; they were delighted to be part of our program. The initiative addressed two pivotal issues – climate consciousness and gender equality – which resonated profoundly. This unique combination contributed to the enthusiastic response from the schools.
Amdocs is Joining the Project
March 2023 marked the commencement of a symbiotic partnership between Amdocs and Future Holders. Inspired by the profound transformation of the first batch of 60 girls, who gained AI development skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Amdocs extended its support and endeavored to make it an enduring alliance. In a remarkable step, Amdocs’ CEO proposed transforming this collaboration into an ongoing opportunity for the girls. This involved organizing monthly gatherings at Amdocs’ offices, where the girls could interact with mentors who are diverse employees from Amdocs. These mentors also include senior management members who lead lectures on topics like product design and problem validation. This dynamic collaboration aims to provide the girls invaluable exposure and learning experiences in a real-world professional setting.
The Global Canvas
“Our aspirations are boundless. We envisage a world where young women, regardless of geography, wield a leadership toolkit that can revolutionize their communities,” enthuses Amna. The current-year emphasis for Future Holders orbits around magnifying its global presence. Zada adds, “Watching these young women metamorphose into confident individuals ready to shape the world is nothing short of magical.”
Highlighting their international impact, four outstanding Future Holders alumni recently entered the esteemed “Berlin’s Girls Gearing Up Leadership Summercamp.”
The trajectory of Future Holders is not just about creating leaders; it’s about fostering a community of changemakers. As they etch their mark on the global stage, their journey promises to rewrite the future of countless young women across the world.
