Throughout the month of March, CLDP will interview various women in the office to discuss their work in international development and women’s empowerment. Our first #featureFriday is CLDP’s very own Operation Manager Sana Akili!

What led you to the path of international development and operations management at CLDP?

Upon joining the government, my goal was to be able to utilize my cultural and language skills effect positive change in the Middle East.

How did your background as a first-generation American woman impact your career choices?

My background as a first generation American gave me an advantage of having a fairly recent and fresh perspective on the ever-changing developments in the Middle East. The political changes in the region, where the United States has always had a role, have a great impact on the state of the economy and especially the most vulnerable citizens, which include women. I noticed an uptick in the status of women during my last few years living in the Arab world. I had hopes that the work I was embarking on in the field of technical assistance as a representative of the United States Government would ever so slightly move the barometer a little faster.

What do you find most gratifying about your work at CLDP?

The most gratifying part about my work at CLDP is playing my part as a US government representative and diplomat while facilitating the work with partners on the ground. It is apparent to me that the impact starts at the initial stages of meeting and planning in close collaboration with the developing country partners. Having respect for the collaborative process strengthens the partnership. The most gratifying part of my job is seeing the positive impact, be it an immediate change or a spark that ignites the change in thinking that hopefully leads to tangible, sustainable improvements.

What does women’s economic empowerment mean to you?

Until women reach a point where they are not marginalized or absent from leadership and the decision-making process in the economic space, women will be at risk of falling further behind. The recent developments in the Middle East are very encouraging. As an Arab woman growing up, studying, and joining the workforce in the Middle East, I knew there was room for systemic change that would eventually come. Our mission at CLDP is to hopefully effect desired changes at a more rapid pace.