Third annual Influential Leaders’ Challenge celebrates 29 change-makers and their impact on global issues.

AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education network, celebrated the positive impact business school graduates are making in communities around the globe as part of the 2018 Influential Leaders Challenge. As an annual initiative, the challenge honors notable alumni from accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

INJAZ’s Qatar’s Sheikha Hanadi Bint Nasser Al Thani, was recognized at the AACSB’s 2018 Deans’ Conference in the USA, among a group of 29 business pioneers, from 13 industry sectors, whose careers are addressing today’s most pressing social, economic, environmental, and educational challenges. Sheikha Hanadi was recognized in the category of Alumni Business Leaders Working in Nonprofit or Community-Based Organizations.

Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani, nominated by the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University was honored for her valuable contribution to the business sector in Qatar and her leading role in Injaz Qatar, the non-profit organization that supports education and Youth programs, Amwal and NBK.

Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani, Founder and Chairperson of Injaz Qatar , Chairperson of Injaz al Al Arab (a non profit organization which reached around 2 million students from 14 Arab countries) and Amwal, said: “I have the honor to be recognized as 2018 Influential Leaders Challenge. This proves the position of the Qatari women across the world. I would like to thank Qatar University, the College of Business and Economics for nominating me, and take this opportunity to encourage all the youth and students to work hard to accomplish their aspirations.”

INJAZ Qatar partners together with the local business community, corporate volunteers and educators to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy. INJAZ Qatar is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. JA was set up in 1919 and reaches over 10 million students annually across more than 120 countries.

“Each honoree from the 2018 class of Influential Leaders reflects the mindset, knowledge, and passion that impactful business leaders must embody to impart positive change in today’s society,” said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. “As businesses and business schools work together to educate and mold the next generation of global business leaders, we would like to thank Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani for demonstrating the true excellence and leadership we wish to see in the world.”

Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani and her peers in the 2018 Influential Leaders class were recognized across three categories, including:

  • Alumni Business Leaders Working in Nonprofit or Community-Based Organizations

Leaders serving nonprofit and community-based organizations are making game-changing impacts—from a local level to a global reach—creating a better society for us all. With initiatives that include navigating the Hurricane Harvey crisis, transforming the lives of more than 150 million children around the world annually, and combating the root causes of poverty, AACSB graduates demonstrate that some of the world’s most impactful work occurs within smaller-sector opportunities.

  • Alumni Business Leaders Advancing Diversity and Inclusion

Advocates for diversity and inclusion are driving transformation across the corporate sphere by upholding a culture of mutual respect and championing the exchange of open ideas. Such efforts are furthered by leaders who forge and refine inclusion practices—based on appreciating differences—to break down cultural stereotypes and patriarchal norms. They also look to inspire today’s youth in under-represented populations to pursue their dreams in non-traditional fields of study and professions.

  • Business Leaders Influencing Business Education

Businesses need students to be workforce ready upon graduation, making the present a critical time for schools and businesses to work together to meet each other’s needs. Outside of academe, some business leaders are driving fruitful partnerships between the two groups by cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and cross-collaborative mindsets. Others are developing free study services—available via a simple digital exchange—to more than 350,000 students globally, advancing access to success for everyone. Inside academe, leaders are transforming institutional culture by encouraging open dialogue between alumni, faculty, staff, business, and students, while investing in promising entrepreneurs across advantaged and disadvantaged regions.  

For more information on the Influential Leaders Challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit www.aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.