Warwick MBA graduate wins Said Foundation Alumni Achievement Prize

Marwa Bouka, whose MBA studies at WBS were supported by funding from the Said Foundation, has been awarded this year's Said Foundation Alumni Achievement Prize.

This Award is made to a former scholar of the Foundation who has made an outstanding contribution to their field and to development in the Middle East. The Said Foundation's aim in the Middle East is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in its priority countries of Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon.

Marwa, who is Syrian by birth, is currently working in Libya as Project Manager for the United Nations World Food Programme. Since 2011, she has been responsible for co-ordinating emergency assistance to more than 1.5million people badly affected in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, operating under conditions of extreme pressure, restricted resources and potentially personal danger. She graduated with her MBA in 2009. Marwa commented, "This award is a great honour, it encourages me to do a lot more. When I started my MBA in Warwick I had a little dream of managing humanitarian projects from a business perspective for more efficiency. Supported by the Said Foundation Scholarship this dream has come true."

Sue Thorn, Head of the Personal & Career Development Team at WBS, confirmed how well Marwa deserved this Award, "Despite the huge pressures of combining her career with MBA study at Warwick, Marwa also found time to support fellow students, taking time out of a much-deserved holiday to present one of our 'Virtual Business Café' webinars to outline the strategic challenges presented in working with the UN World Food programme, and the career opportunities within the not-for-profit sector. She also widely supported our Strategy & Consulting Network, adding new perspectives to topical debates and sharing her experiences and knowledge with other students and alumni."

Professor Mark Taylor, Dean of WBS, commented, "Marwa is a shining example of what a Warwick MBA graduate can achieve, using her MBA skills to apply new thinking to find creative solutions to challenging problems. She has the drive, energy and enthusiasm to inspire others that they too can help make a difference, whether on a local, national or global scale."

Further information
Said Foundation scholars study for a one year Masters degree (either full-time, by research or by distance learning) and are all from one of the Foundation's target countries, which are Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. The University of Warwick International Office offer the Said Foundation 5 joint scholarships which cover up to 20% of the tuition fee per scholar (not more than £4,000 per scholar or £20,000 in total). The Foundation pays the remainder of the tuition fee and a maintenance grant.