where we see synergies replacing fear , hate , and the acrimony that so often trouble diplomats and politicians working in the Middle East . That is their realm , and we trust them to provide business with an environment for growth and peace . That said , we are also not blindly advocating this country as a great place to do business . We let people know the difficulties they may face and offer the chamber to help them navigate their way to success . Also , we are not like a business council spokesperson representing a country . We are an organization , a network that A .) Wants to do business with each other . B .) Do business in a particular region . There are challenges and pitfalls , and our programs are geared toward helping understand what has worked for this company and for that company plus what to be aware of . The BUSACC does cultural exchanges , educating programs , trade missions , it ’ s about building relationships .
Sonia : But you do address the politics of the region though educational programs . Tell us about the Model Arab League student leadership program for high school / college students across the US .
Aida : We started this in ’ 04 . You can ’ t address a region and do business there without education or without preparing the next generation . 70 % of the Arab population is under the age of 25 , and half of those are under 15 . The Middle East is a young generation so we realized that we need to do everything we can to educate the next generation of American students because those are the ones who will be dealing with their future counterparts in the region . From this conference , they then go on to be more informed policy makers , lawyers or people in energy for example , because of this conference . We even have the famous military school of West Point that sends a team every other year . It has taken on a life of its own . It has been rewarding .
Sonia : And another educational outreach for the chamber involves taking a delegation of teachers each year to the Middle East … and it ’ s called TEACH ? ( Sonia & Aida laugh )
Aida : Yes , it ’ s called TEACH : Teachers Educating Across Culture & Harmony . As it turns out , Middle Eastern girls graduated at much higher levels in math and biology degrees than those in the U . S ., so the teachers we bring to the Middle East are eager to find out how to do this for their students .
Sonia : And what have the teachers learned from the students ?
Aida : That it ’ s about motivation . Girls in the Middle East understand that the energy sector is tied to the future of their country and crucial as a partner growth sector tied to other sectors in their country . They are also more interested in the efficiency of renewable energy and water conservation than their U . S . counterparts .
Sonia : Is it that they appreciate the opportunity more ?
Aida : Exactly . They ’ re a new generation of young women and men . And really , the women are charging ahead . It ’ s a remarkable thing .
Sonia : I hear that your annual OTC reception accomplishes big things .
Aida : Yes it does , this event around OTC is the springboard for new members . It ’ s where they are introduced into the energy sector . We started with 30 attending . That was during the 19th year of OTC . Last year over 1,200 attended including ministers , ambassadors , and trade delegations from all parts of the world . It ’ s a global reunion of sorts . Countless people have told me they ’ ve built their business , got hired , picked up clients , and done deals based on that event .
Sonia : In closing , have you reached your goals , everything you envisioned and how can you improve on this ?
Aida : ( quiet laughter ) Oh my gosh , that ’ s the biggest problem . I haven ’ t reached anywhere near where my goals are . Every single year the bar is raised further . Many have come through here telling my associates and me how much they learned here . Houston has been very good to me . I wouldn ’ t live anywhere else now , that ’ s for sure — you can quote me on that . Houston is a dynamic place to be . We have all sorts of plans so stay tuned !
52 iF Magazine | June 2016