First Class Of ABANA Fellows: Building Bridges Between The U.S. & MENA Region

Sara Tayara, MBA ’26
Stanford Graduate School of Business

BACKGROUND

Where did you grow up? How do you believe this shaped your professional aspirations? I grew up in Riyadh, which looks very different now than it did when I was younger. The city has been going through a major cultural and economic shift, which has been exciting to witness. There’s this energy here that really pushes you to think bigger and embrace new opportunities, and that’s had a huge impact on my professional aspirations.

I’ve been able to work on innovative projects that I never dreamed of working on anywhere else. The scale and level of innovation here is a dream in the professional sense—there’s so much agency to create and shape the infrastructure of the future. It’s been incredibly motivating, and it’s made me want to be even more involved in the region’s growth and development.

Brief summary of your undergraduate studies: I studied at Cornell University, where I pursued a dual degree in Information Science (with a concentration in UX design) and Urban and Regional Studies, with a minor in Business.

Summary of your professional career so far: My professional career has focused on leading digital product development at EY MENA, particularly in the Digital and Emerging Technology practice. I’ve managed teams in designing and launching products across various sectors, including smart cities, public transport, fintech, and more. My work has involved bringing to life everything from urban planning software to entertainment solutions. Based in Riyadh, I’m also involved in expanding our digital design practice across the region and mentoring in the product space.

ABANA FELLOWSHIP

Why did you apply for the ABANA Fellowship? Stanford has always been my dream school, but I knew that going there would mean stepping away from a network of people deeply invested in the MENA region. My professional and personal goals are closely tied to my Arab identity, and having the support of a network that understands and shares these interests was important to me.

When I first heard about the ABANA Fellowship, it immediately felt like the perfect fit. The idea of being part of a network that’s dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity for people with ties to the Arab world really resonated with me. It felt like a unique chance to stay connected to the region while pursuing my studies, and that’s something I couldn’t pass up.

What was your reaction to being selected? I was super excited, but even more so when I experienced the wave of support from the ABANA network. It’s so great to have the backing of an incredible community at the start of an experience that’s been my goal for so long. It feels like the perfect way to round out my MBA experience and has made me so much more eager for what’s to come.

What are you most looking forward to from the fellowship? The mentorship is definitely a big draw. It’s such a valuable opportunity to gain insights and guidance from someone who understands the industry and can offer practical advice as I navigate my own path. I also love that we have the freedom to reach out to others in the ABANA network for advice and support. That kind of access is rare, and I know it’s going to be incredibly beneficial.

I’m also really eager to connect with my fellow cohort members. It’s easy to get caught up in the campus bubble during an MBA, so having the chance to learn from other fellows who are doing amazing things at their schools is something I’m excited about. Everyone seems so driven and passionate, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. The ABANA network as a whole is filled with incredible people, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

Describe your position/relationship with Arab/MENA culture and how it has impacted your career: I grew up surrounded by people from all over the MENA region, which gave me a strong sense of belonging to the Arab world from a young age. This played a big role in my decision to move back to Saudi after graduating from Cornell. I wanted to contribute to the growth and development of the region by addressing some of professional gaps I noticed.

One of those gaps was the lack of resources for training and expertise in product management and UX design. That’s why much of my experience at EY has been defined by efforts to expand our digital team. I’ve focused on building up these areas, helping to fill the void with targeted mentorship and training programs. I also played a role in acquiring a small firm to strengthen these capabilities, which led to similar work outside of EY as well.

Apart from that, I feel like I owe much of my career to what I call “Arab grit”—the resilience and determination grew up seeing in my family and communities. That kind of perseverance has always inspired me and pushed me to keep doing better.

Why are organizations like ABANA needed, in your opinion? I think organizations like ABANA help create a strong foundation to support our communities. There’s a real gap in resources in the US for people from our region, especially when it comes to connecting individuals from different countries and professions. This means that there are so many missed connections and opportunities. Currently, a lot of existing support structures are tied to specific countries or focus on narrow fields, which leaves many people without a strong community to lean on.

Organizations like ABANA bridge these gaps, especially through initiatives like their fellowship program. They help create an infrastructure of support that usually has lasting impacts and helps our overall community and future generations.

B-SCHOOL/CAREER ASPIRATIONS

Why did you want to pursue an MBA? I’ve always had a deep love for education and knew early on that I wanted to go back to school to pursue my master’s degree. After a few years of working, I realized that an MBA was the right next step for me. The more I thought about where I wanted to go in my career and the kind of impact I wanted to make, the more I realized that an MBA would equip me with the skills and knowledge I need to get there.

Why did you choose your particular MBA program? The first time I even thought about doing an MBA was back in undergrad when I came across a venture that I was a huge fan of. I traced the founders back to Stanford’s MBA program, and even though I wasn’t sure about pursuing an MBA at the time, GSB stayed on my mind.

When I eventually decided that an MBA was the right path for me, Stanford was the clear choice. The program’s focus on leadership, self-development, and entrepreneurship really resonated with me. Plus, as someone who comes from an interdisciplinary background, I was drawn to Stanford’s campus and the opportunity to tap into resources from other schools that I’m passionate about. I’ve always admired many of their programs, so being able to integrate those interests into my MBA experience felt like the perfect fit.

What are your future career aspirations? How do you think the ABANA Fellowship will help in this regard? While I’m open to new opportunities that may come my way, my ultimate goal is to build robust education infrastructure in the MENA region as a foundation for supporting entrepreneurship and leadership. I believe that a strong educational system is critical for nurturing local talent and driving growth and development in our communities.

The ABANA Fellowship helps by connecting me with people who understand the region and share my commitment to fostering innovation there. I’m excited about the opportunity to tap into such a vibrant support network and ecosystem, which I think will be helpful as I work toward my goals.

Do you hope to live and work in the Arab/MENA region after completing your MBA? Why or why not? Yes, the region has always been at the heart of what I want to do. I see myself making the most impact by being involved in the changes happening there, and that means being on the ground at some point.

How would you describe the current and future economic circumstance of the Arab/MENA region, particularly its place in an increasingly global economy. The economic landscape in the Arab/MENA region is diverse and evolving. In various countries, we’re seeing significant participation in the global economy, driven by diversification efforts in sectors like technology, finance, and more, helping them become key players globally. At the same time, the startup scene is growing across the region. These emerging ecosystems are fostering innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. There’s definitely a lot to watch out for as the region continues to bring new energy and opportunities to the global stage.

What’s next for you? For now, I’m looking forward to moving to Palo Alto and diving into the program, learning as much as I can, and connecting with new people. I have ideas about the kind of projects I want to be working on, but I’m also open to new opportunities that might come my way. I’m excited to see where the experience takes me.

NEXT PAGE: ABANA Fellow Ahmed Sallam, Harvard Business School

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