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

Nicole Mansour, MBA ’25
Booth School of Business, University of Chicago

BACKGROUND

Where did you grow up? How do you believe this shaped your professional aspirations? I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, a city known for its rich culture but also its disparities, particularly in areas like healthcare and education. Recognizing those gaps really shaped my drive to create meaningful change. Being raised in a Syro-Chaldean household, I also had a constant dual lens on the world—one that made me both proud of my heritage and curious about how to challenge expectations. My background pushed me to focus on how I could make an impact, especially in areas where people are often overlooked, whether that’s in healthcare or broader entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Brief summary of your undergraduate studies: I studied Global Health and Economics at Georgetown University. Those years were pivotal in helping me see how big-picture systems—like policy, finance, and innovation—can affect individual lives. My studies were not just about academics; they were about understanding the tangible ways we can improve access to resources and opportunities for communities around the world. That thinking continues to influence the way I approach problems today, whether in health-tech or the wider world of entrepreneurship.

Summary of your professional career so far: My career path has been diverse, but there has always been one common thread: I’m passionate about innovation and the role it plays in creating positive change. After college, I became a Venture for America Fellow and worked at a health-tech startup, where I worked in client services and strategy. I later joined AstraZeneca, spearheading digital innovation strategy efforts for US Medical Affairs Oncology. Now, while pursuing my MBA at Chicago Booth, I’m actively mentoring startups, supporting female entrepreneurs, and diving deeper into the entrepreneurship/venture capital landscape. Across these roles, I’ve focused on scaling innovative ideas that address real-world problems, both in healthcare and beyond.

ABANA FELLOWSHIP

Why did you apply for the ABANA Fellowship? I applied for the ABANA Fellowship because it offers a unique platform to align my professional goals with my passion for uplifting the MENA region. I’m deeply invested in the idea of supporting female entrepreneurs in and from the region, and I see the fellowship as an opportunity to build the right networks and gain insights from those who have already paved the way. ABANA provides an incredible space to learn from professionals who share a deep commitment to the MENA region and are just as eager to create lasting impact.

What was your reaction to being selected? Honestly, I was so thrilled. The ABANA Fellowship is such a unique program, and being selected felt like a recognition of the path I’ve been on – one that blends my heritage and my professional aspirations. I’m excited about what’s ahead and what the fellowship represents, not only for what we will learn but also for the people we will meet and the contributions we will be able to make.

What are you most looking forward to from the fellowship? The mentorship excites me most. There’s something incredibly valuable about learning from those who’ve walked similar paths and can help guide you through your next steps. I’m also looking forward to the networking opportunities—building connections with other like-minded professionals who are passionate about supporting MENA’s growth, especially in entrepreneurship. Those relationships will be key to creating future collaborations and projects.

Describe your position/relationship with Arab/MENA culture and how it has impacted your career: My Syro-Chaldean roots have been a constant influence on both my personal and professional life. Growing up, I was always aware of the disconnect between the vibrant, resilient culture I knew and the often oversimplified, negative narratives about the region. That has driven me to challenge stereotypes and create platforms that showcase the talent and potential within the MENA region. Whether through my MENA leadership roles at Georgetown or at Booth, or my commitment to supporting female founders, I’ve always found ways to integrate my heritage with my professional goals.

Why are organizations like ABANA needed, in your opinion? Organizations like ABANA are so essential because they create spaces for Arab professionals to connect and share resources in ways that truly unlock the region’s potential. By bringing people together, ABANA is shifting the narrative around the MENA region, highlighting its innovation and resilience, and ensuring that the talent from the Arab world can thrive on a global scale.

Just as importantly, ABANA offers something unique for future generations of Arab Americans. As traditional ways to connect with our heritage start to shift, professional groups like ABANA help bridge that gap. It’s not only about building professional networks; it’s about creating a space where cultural identity and professional growth intersect, ensuring those connections remain meaningful for years to come.

B-SCHOOL/CAREER ASPIRATIONS

Why did you want to pursue an MBA? I pursued an MBA to gain the tools and frameworks needed to scale my impact. While my experience in startups, health-tech, and strategy has been invaluable, I knew that an MBA would provide the structure to deepen my skills and grow my network. I wanted to be surrounded by a community of incredible peers, learning from and collaborating with individuals whose diverse perspectives would challenge and inspire me to grow.

Why did you choose your particular MBA program? I chose Booth because of its strong focus on entrepreneurship and its global perspective. The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a huge draw, but beyond that, Booth houses a collaborative environment where students are empowered to lead and take initiative. That’s the kind of place where I knew I could thrive and meet others who share my ambition for creating impact on a global scale.

Are you pursuing any concentrations? If so, what? Yes, I’m focusing on Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Strategic Management. These areas provide a strong foundation for my career goals. Entrepreneurship and Finance are crucial for understanding how to scale ventures and manage resources, while Strategic Management equips me with the tools to think more holistically about business growth and decision-making—skills that will be essential in supporting female entrepreneurs and leading impactful ventures.

What are your future career aspirations? How do you think the ABANA Fellowship will help in this regard? My long-term goal is to support female entrepreneurs in the MENA region, both in healthcare and across other sectors. The ABANA Fellowship will be key in helping me build a network of mentors and peers who share this vision. I also hope to use the fellowship as a way to gain deeper insights into how I can contribute to MENA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in finding ways to uplift women who face unique challenges in accessing capital and opportunities.

Do you hope to live and work in the Arab/MENA region after completing your MBA? Why or why not? I’m open to working in the MENA region and would love the opportunity to be both present in the region and serve as a bridge between MENA and other geographies. I see a lot of potential in engaging with ventures that operate in or benefit the region; I also believe there’s value in leveraging global connections and perspectives within the region to drive impact. Whether based in the region or elsewhere, I hope to play an active role in supporting its growth.

How would you describe the current and future economic circumstance of the Arab/MENA region, particularly its place in an increasingly global economy. The MENA region is undergoing a significant economic transformation, shifting from the traditional “brain drain” to a focus on retaining talent and fostering intra-regional mobility. Economic diversification into sectors like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare is driving this change, creating opportunities that encourage local talent to stay and contribute.

While the region is gaining ground in the global economy, there’s still work to be done in improving access to capital for startups. By unlocking the potential of local entrepreneurs, the region can foster innovation and create a more dynamic, resilient economy that contributes more broadly to global growth.

What’s next for you? After my MBA, I plan to continue building my expertise in both entrepreneurship and venture capital, with a focus on supporting female entrepreneurs in the MENA region. Whether it’s launching a venture of my own or working within an entrepreneurial ecosystem to support others,

I want to be deeply involved in driving innovation and creating positive, sustainable change across multiple sectors.

Anything else you’d like add: While the fellowship may seem to focus on individual awardees, it represents so much more than just me or the other recipients. It’s about the communities that have shaped us and supported us along the way – the people who have refined our vision and helped us reach this point. It’s also about the community we are joining, who have welcomed us with open arms. I’m so deeply grateful to those who have been part of my journey, and I look forward to paying it forward by supporting future fellowship cohorts and ABANA members as they pursue their own paths.

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