At Babson, for the past two weeks, 30 young Saudi women have descended on our campus, eager to engage and learn about social entrepreneurship. Their mission-to develop a new social venture -one that is SUSTAINABLE, FUNDABLE ($$) and EXECUTABLE within the confines of their culture and society.

It hasn’t been easy.

These thirty girls came together from different backgrounds (Moroccan, Eritrea, Sudanese, Lebanese, Jordanian), social class (from real Saudi royalty to scholarship students) and with a range of Islamic beliefs. Some came with a social vision/idea they had developed in the first forum; some were seeking a new cause. 

Over two weeks, they formed new working teams–, disbanded these teams, regrouped with new members and ideas–, argued passionately, experienced indigestion from too much pizza, cried, laughed and, in the end, finally listened and accepted one another. 

They coalesced around six ideas, ranging from a Jeddah recycling center to micro loans and business training for hearing impaired women.  Business plans were outlined; key stakeholders identified and by the last day, most had contacted financial backers for support.

On Friday, July 24, these wonderful, sometimes exasperating, women, finally presented their ideas. Six INSPIRATIONAL visions and plans later, they broke through my professional cynicism, and heart. In the end, they led.

If one drop of water can move a lake, what will 30 drops of this passion form? Can they harness real change in their society?  In Sha Allah (if God is willing), they can.

Submitted by: Victoria Sassine

                    Finance, Babson College