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Big Data Minds MENA, Amman, Jordan: Big Data Minds MENA

Company: Big Data Minds MENA, Amman - Jordan
Nomination Submitted by: Big Data Minds MENA and Arabian Women in Data Science (AWiDS)
Company Description: Big Data Minds MENA is a community-based organization founded in 2021 by Dr. Zaher Ali Al-Sai, focused on Big Data and data science in the MENA region. With a primary mission to build effective bridges and networks, this platform has various initiatives to build effective bridges and networks across and knowledge-sharing various emerging technology domains.
Nomination Category: Technology Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Award for Innovation in Technology Development - Non-Profit
2023 Stevie Winner Nomination Title: Big Data Minds MENA
  1. Provide an essay of up to 625 words describing the nominee's innovative achievements since July 1 2021:

    Total 582 words used.

    Big Data Minds MENA stands as one of the most influential community-based organizations dedicated to Big Data and data science in the Middle East. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Zaher Ali Al-Sai, this visionary initiative has evolved into a pioneering platform, aiming to create effective networks for knowledge sharing in the realms of Big Data, Data Engineering, Data Science, Data Management, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0, IoT, and AI. Its primary goal is to cultivate a high level of expertise in these domains among the MENA community.

    This visionary platform has led several transformative projects in the technology and entrepreneurship sector, primarily in Jordan and the MENA region, focusing on empowering women and children. As a female-founded organization, Big Data Minds MENA has steered IT organizations in Jordan towards empowering women in data science, AI, and emerging technologies.

    The organization's first significant initiative, the Arabian Women in Data Science initiative, has made a substantial impact on over 5,000 women in the MENA region. By conducting numerous events and workshops in data science and AI, the organization has also empowered over 50,000 community members, including women, teenagers, children, and students, in the field of technology and data science. Since its inception in 2020, Big Data Minds MENA has organized over 50 events across various regions of Jordan, fostering a 30% surge in female participation in technology-oriented fields. Moreover, their mentorship programs have facilitated the transition of over 500 women into data science careers, contributing significantly to a commendable 25% increase in female employment within Jordan's technology sectors.

    Expanding its footprint, Big Data Minds MENA represented Women in Data Science (WiDS) at Stanford University in Jordan and organized global WiDS Datathons and workshops in the Middle East. These initiatives aimed to empower Arabian women in the MENA region in various data domains, running from 2020 to 2023. In 2021, 2022, and 2022, the organization orchestrated the largest virtual WiDS Jordan workshops and datathons in the Middle East, attracting over 5000 attendees. WiDS@Jordan, an independent event organized by Big Data Minds and WiDS Ambassador in Jordan, coincided with the annual Women in Data Science Worldwide Conference held at Stanford University and spanned an estimated 150+ locations worldwide.

    Dr. Zaher's remarkable leadership led to her recognition as a finalist at the Women in Tech Global Awards 2021 and 2022 by WomenTech Network, among the top global technology leaders. Moreover, Big Data Minds MENA was nominated by WomenTech as a global community partner of the WomenTech Global Awards, emphasizing its influential role in increasing female participation by 30% and employing 25% more women in the tech sectors within Jordan.

    In line with its commitment to education, Big Data Minds MENA launched the "Kids in Data Science and AI" (KiDS) initiative, empowering children aged 8-16 with Data Science and AI skills. Since its inception in 2020, KiDS has provided various educational activities for children in public schools and villages, resulting in a notable 40% enhancement in problem-solving abilities among participating children and a 50% increase in their interest in technology subjects.

    This visionary community continuously seeks innovation, aiming to be a global evangelist for data science and technology. Big Data Minds MENA inspires and educates community members worldwide, regardless of gender, supporting women in the field of data science, with aspirations to reach every corner of the world. Through the quantifiable success metrics and profound impacts achieved, Big Data Minds MENA has carved a pioneering path, transforming technology education and gender inclusion in the MENA region. 

Attachments/Videos/Links:
Big Data Minds MENA
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PDF News_3.pdf
PDF WiDS_Ambassador.pdf
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PDF News_2022_5.pdf
URL Community support- WiDS Jordan Datathon, Conference, and Workshops 2022_1
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URL Event_WiDS by Big Data Minds MENA
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PDF News_2022_5.pdf
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