This is the Belgium of today – and tomorrow – told through individual stories of people who inspire us. Their vision for their country embraces diverse ideas, opinions, cultures, races, genders, languages, and religions. They also share a common experience: participating in a U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchange or grant program.
Sana Afouaiz is the founder of Womenpreneur, a nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment of women through supporting their entrepreneurial ambitions. In collaboration with the U.S.
Embassy in Belgium, she launched a program to support young women in developing their professional careers.
As a television journalist working on the foreign news desk, Romina Van Camp is dedicated to presenting accurate reporting that encourages audiences to develop informed opinions on world events. She participated in the 2018 International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Fatena Al Ghorra is a poet who believes in building networks that provide support and inspiration to a global community of writers. In 2017, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium nominated her to participate in the “International Writing Residency Program” at the University of Iowa.
As an entrepreneur, Mehdi Benallal dedicates himself to teaching audiences about cultural diversity through promoting live music performances. He has collaborated with the U.S. Embassy in Belgium on cultural outreach programs.
Pili Verbinnen is a young activist dedicated to bringing positive change in such areas as the environment and education. As a teenager, she participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Hans Maes is a young politician who believes that inspired leadership can help build communities where all members are valued. He participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Christophe Gueta views his work as a scenographer, or a designer of museum exhibits, as a dynamic tool for educating young audiences about democratic values – a mission he shares with a frequent collaborator, the U.S. Embassy to Belgium.
Youssef Kobo applies his entrepreneurial talents to programs for social action, and in particular, to the empowerment of young leaders. He has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship is a flagship young European leaders program of the U.S. Department of State that is supported in its implementation by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF).
KARAMAH’s Law and Leadership Summer Program (taking place in Washington DC) brings together a select group of Muslim women from around the world to learn from each other and from distinguished professors.
The sports visitors programs are sports-themed exchange programs that take place over two weeks. The programs include activities and sessions on nutrition, strength and conditioning, gender equity in sport, Title IX, sport and disability, and team building.
Make it your own story!
Are you someone making a difference in Belgium, just like these people? Then we would love to hear from you! Take a look at our U.S. Embassy programs and see which ones will help you do extraordinary things.