MENA Cultural Spotlight & Opportunities 

A Note for This Week

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already in the final stretch of the semester! With Solidarity Week wrapping up this Friday, take a moment to reflect, recharge, and celebrate the many identities and cultures that make Stern such a vibrant place. Whether you're pushing through final classes, prepping for exams, or wrapping up group projects, remember—you’re not alone, and the MENA community is right here with you.
Let’s finish strong together… and we’ve got some major moments still ahead!

🌍 MENA Meets: Navigating the Trump Era

📅 Wednesday, April 30 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM | 📍 KMC 1-100
🎟️ Register here

With tariffs and trade policy dominating headlines, join us for a timely and unmissable evening on how Trump’s return to office is reshaping MENA markets.

We are excited to introduce our panel, bringing together leading voices from finance, policy, and international business. John Darsie, CEO of SALT and Partner at SkyBridge Capital, brings deep experience at the intersection of global investment and political insight. Winston Ma, Executive Director of the Global Public Investment Funds Forum and NYU Law adjunct professor, offers expertise as a former Managing Director at China’s sovereign wealth fund. Adam Vigh, Director at Wafra and NYU Stern MBA alum, will provide perspective from the institutional investment space. The conversation will be moderated by David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC), a longtime advocate for U.S.-Arab economic relations. Following the panel, enjoy catered Lebanese food from ilili and a networking mixer open to all graduate students and guests.

Professional and Social Events This Week

Please don’t forget to register or attend these exciting professional and social events this week:

Monday, April 21

• Speed Mentoring | 4:30–6:30 PM

• Navigating Consumer Investing | 5:00–6:00 PM

Tuesday, April 22

• LGBTQ+ Allyship Training | 12:00–1:15 PM

• Fireside Chat with Founder of Le Alfre | 12:00–1:00 PM

• Consulting Recruiting Landscape (MCA) | 12:15–1:15 PM

• IGNITE: Uncovering Your Professional Brand | 4:30–5:30 PM

• Careers in Finance @ L’Oréal | 5:00–6:00 PM

Wednesday, April 23

• GMA: Internship Tips | 12:00–1:30 PM

• Future of Work: Python Bootcamp (Day 1) | 12:00–1:15 PM

• SWIB Allyship Lunch w/ Prof. Chugh | 12:00–1:15 PM

• Alumni Relations Fireside Chat | 4:30–6:30 PM

• Spring Happy Hour (SMS) | 4:30–6:30 PM

• GFA: IB Internship Panel | 4:30–5:30 PM

• MVC Happy Hour w/ Prof. Yeo | 6:00–9:00 PM

• LSG x Stern Talks: Joost van Dreunen | 6:00–8:30 PM

• Executive Presence & Style (ABS x SWIB) | 6:00–8:00 PM

Thursday, April 24

• Club Leadership Summit (Sessions 1 & 2) | 12:00 & 5:00 PM

• Lunch & Learn: Julia Alliany (AMI Paris) | 12:00–1:00 PM

• Stern Day of Service | 3:30–5:30 PM

• Lavender Graduation | 5:00–8:00 PM

• Don’t Ask, Do Tell (OutClass x MVC) | 9:00 PM–12:00 AM

Friday, April 25

• Financial Stability Conference | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

• UMG Case Competition | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM

• Stern Healthcare Conference | 11:00 AM–3:30 PM

• Gap Archive Tour | 12:00–1:00 PM

• MLB Trek | 1:30–2:45 PM

• ⭐ Passport Day 2025 | 4:30–6:30 PM

• Stern Social: Passport Day Edition | 7:00–9:00 PM

• Multi-School Mixer (Stern x Yale x CBS x Cornell) | 9:30 PM–12:30 AM

Saturday & Sunday, April 26–27

• Chu’s Wine Tasting | 1:00–5:00 PM (both days)

• Langone Spring Fling | Saturday, 8:00–11:30 PM

This Week's Spotlights

🎤 Fireside Chat with Mo Amer @ CBS

📅 Tuesday, April 22 | ⏰ 12:30–2:00 PM | 📍 Columbia Business School
Palestinian-American comedian, actor, and Netflix’s Mo creator Mo Amer joins CBS for a powerful conversation on storytelling, cultural entrepreneurship, and how to build a global brand rooted in authenticity and impact.

This is a must-attend for those interested in media, identity, and business.
🔗 Register here

🌍 Passport Day 2025: A Global Celebration!
Friday, April 25 | 4:30–6:30 PM | KMC Lobby & Paulson Auditorium
Step into a world of flavors, performances, and culture as Stern comes together to celebrate the incredible diversity of our global community.

We’re proud to share that MENA will be representing FOUR countries this year—Lebanon, Iran, Egypt, and Algeria—thanks to our amazing board and volunteers.

🥘 Delicious food | 🎶 Cultural performances | 🎭 Traditional dress encouraged!
Come visit the MENA booths, show your support, and experience the magic of Passport Day.
Let us know if you'd like to help out or just want to show up with pride and support.
Solidarity, community, and culture—that’s what this week is all about. See you out there!

🎟️ Register here