John D. Gerhart Center AUC

07/09/2026

Our graduating and current Lazord Fellows came together for a fun Arabic calligraphy workshop led by Al Qalam.

Beyond exploring the fundamentals and different styles of the art form, fellows spent the day bonding, sharing personal stories, and writing their own names in traditional script.

Swipe through to check out the highlights and their amazing creations!

Lazord Foundation-مؤسسة لازورد
AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business

06/09/2026

Kicking off the LazordFellowship 2026/27 journey!

Our 2026/27 fellows came together for their first capacity-building workshop, focused on interview skills and professional self-presentation. Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, they explored how to prepare effectively, communicate with confidence, and navigate different interview scenarios.

A big thank you to Seif Hazem, Program Specialist at the Gerhart Center, for leading an engaging and insightful session and equipping our fellows with valuable skills for their professional journey.

Swipe through for some highlights from the session!

Lazord Foundation-مؤسسة لازورد
AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business

06/09/2026

Say hello to the 2026/2027 Lazord Fellows! This cohort is ready to take on challenges and grow into their full potential.

The day began with icebreaking activities led by Manar Sawahel, Junior Program Specialist, followed by a warm welcome from Professor Ali Awni, Director of the Gerhart Center. Fellows were then introduced to the Gerhart Center and the Lazord Fellowship through presentations by Pakiname Yousri, Civic Engagement Unit Manager, Nada Bahgat, Lazord Fellowship Senior Program Officer, and Seif Hazem, Program Specialist.

Let’s welcome this year’s fellows into the Lazord community as they begin this exciting journey!

AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business
Lazord Foundation-مؤسسة لازورد

02/09/2026

Originally from El Mahalla El Kubra, Marina Botros journey began with medicine, but grew into a deeper commitment to challenging inequality and standing up for those whose voices often go unheard.

Through years of volunteering and civic engagement, she discovered the power of community and collective action, and found purpose in supporting others and creating meaningful change. Today, Marina continues to work toward a more just and compassionate world, one where even small acts can make someone feel seen, supported, and hopeful.

Swipe to take a closer look at Marina’s journey!

Lazord Foundation-مؤسسة لازورد
AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business

02/09/2026

As part of the HILLS (Hub for Innovation, Leadership, Learning and Social Entrepreneurship) Program, funded by United Energy Egypt, 30 students from Grades 7–9 took part in a 6-day hands-on camp designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of UI/UX design, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving through interactive, project-based learning.

The HILLS Program is carefully crafted to empower the youth of Ras Gharib by creating a supportive ecosystem that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to turn ideas into sustainable projects and businesses. Through exposure to industry experts, practical experiences, and innovation-driven learning, participants develop the mindset and capabilities required to thrive as future social entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Throughout the camp, students explored how digital products can be designed to be clear, useful, and enjoyable, while connecting their learning to real needs and challenges within their community. By the end of the experience, all 30 participants developed and presented their own mobile app ideas, each offering creative solutions to address different challenges in Ras Gharib.

The journey doesn't stop here...
Stay tuned for the Pitching Day, where participants will showcase their ideas and take the next step on their innovation journey!

AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business

05/08/2026

Huge congratulations to our Lazord Fellowship 2018-2019 alumnus Abdullah Essam for scoring the thrilling winning goal for Team Helm, leading Egypt to victory over Andorra and bringing home the Genuine World Cup title in Houston!

AUC The American University in Cairo
AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business

هنأت تنسيقية شباب الأحزاب والسياسيين الزميل عبدالله عصام، عضو التنسيقية، وفريق حلم لذوي الهمم، عقب تتويجهم ببطولة Genuine World Cup الدولية لكرة القدم، التي استضافتها مدي...

04/08/2026

to two unforgettable weeks of learning, creativity, and growth!

This July, as part of the Summer @ AUC program, the Gerhart Center's Engaged Generation Bootcamp brought together two inspiring camp experiences designed to empower the next generation of leaders.

From July 5-9, the Young Entrepreneurship Summer (YES) Camp challenged aspiring changemakers to think like entrepreneurs through hands-on activities, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, turning innovative ideas into meaningful action.

From July 12-16, Badreya Camp took participants on an exciting journey through Egypt's rich history, culture, and traditions. Through interactive activities and immersive experiences, campers deepened their connection to their heritage while exploring the stories that shape their identity.

Aligned with the Gerhart Center's mission to promote civic leadership and social responsibility, these programs help nurture confident, compassionate, and engaged young citizens ready to make a positive impact in their communities.The camps also provide university students with valuable opportunities to serve as mentors, fostering meaningful connections between youth leadership and community engagement.

Swipe to see the highlights!

AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business

17/07/2026

🌍 **ترحب EduNext AI بالدكتور علي عوني في المجلس الاستشاري العالمي**

يسر **EduNext AI** أن ترحب بـ **الدكتور علي عوني**، **أستاذ الممارسة ومدير مركز جون دي. جيرهارت للعمل الخيري والمشاركة المدنية والأعمال المسؤولة بكلية أونسي ساويرس لإدارة الأعمال، بالجامعة الأمريكية بالقاهرة**، بصفته **أحد الأعضاء الأوائل للمجلس الاستشاري العالمي لـ EduNext AI**.

يجمع **المجلس الاستشاري العالمي لـ EduNext AI** نخبةً من القادة والخبراء المرموقين من الأوساط الأكاديمية، وقطاع الأعمال، والجهات الحكومية، والمنظمات الدولية، ممن يجمعهم التزامٌ مشترك بدعم مستقبل التعليم في عصر الذكاء الاصطناعي، من خلال تقديم التوجيه الاستراتيجي، وتعزيز التعاون الدولي، والإسهام في قيادة الفكر.

ويُعد الدكتور علي عوني شخصيةً أكاديميةً مرموقةً على المستوى الدولي في مجالات **الأعمال المسؤولة، والمشاركة المدنية، والعمل الخيري، والتنمية المستدامة**. وقد أسهمت مسيرته الأكاديمية المتميزة، والتزامه الراسخ بترسيخ مبادئ القيادة المسؤولة، في تعزيز دور التعليم في إحداث أثرٍ مجتمعي إيجابي، وإعداد أجيالٍ من القادة القادرين على مواجهة التحديات العالمية المعقدة.

ويمثل انضمامه إضافةً نوعية تعزز الطابع الدولي ومتعدد التخصصات للمجلس، بما يحمله من خبرات راسخة في **القيادة المسؤولة، والمشاركة المجتمعية، والأعمال المسؤولة، والتنمية المستدامة**. كما ستثري رؤيته الجهود الجماعية للمجلس، في الوقت الذي تواصل فيه **EduNext AI** بناء منظومة عالمية مترابطة تمكّن المعلمين، وتحفّز الابتكار، وتعزز التكامل المسؤول لتقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي في التعليم.

وتفخر **EduNext AI** بانضمام الدكتور علي عوني إلى هذه النخبة الدولية المتنامية، وتتطلع إلى الأثر الجماعي الذي سيحققه المجلس الاستشاري العالمي في دعم مسيرة التحول التعليمي على مستوى العالم.

**نبني رواد اقتصاد المستقبل.**

07/07/2026

06/07/2026

On July 4, the Gerhart Center, in collaboration with Save the Children - Egypt l منظمة إنقاذ الطفل - مصر, the Embassy of Palestine in Egypt, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), hosted the closing event of Children of Palestine: Voices from Gaza at Ewart Hall, AUC Tahrir Square.

More than a celebration, the evening was a moving testament to the resilience of Palestinian children and a reminder that every child deserves the chance to experience joy, express themselves, and dream of a brighter future. Through the universal language of music, Children of Palestine: Voices from Gaza creates a safe and nurturing space where children can heal through creativity, build confidence, and reconnect with the childhood every child deserves. Every song, every artwork, and every performance reflected not only remarkable talent but also extraordinary courage, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The event featured inspiring remarks from H.E. Éric Chevallier, Ambassador of France; H.E. Naji Al-Naji, Deputy Ambassador of Palestine; Bernard Soland, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland; Ali Awni, Director of the Gerhart Center, AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business; and Pakiname Mamdouh, Senior Manager for Civic Engagement Programs, Gerhart Center. Their messages reaffirmed the importance of standing with children, protecting their right to hope and dignity, and preserving Palestinian cultural heritage.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the courage, creativity, and unbreakable spirit of Gaza's children. Their voices are more than songs, they are stories of resilience, hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow.