MENA Cultural Spotlight & Opportunities 

A Note for This Week

As we approach the end of February, we can finally start looking ahead to March and (hopefully) the end of the winter chill! The semester is in full swing, with exciting events, career opportunities, and social gatherings on the horizon. For those deep into spring recruiting, keep pushing forward—your efforts will pay off! Remember to take breaks, support one another, and make the most of the incredible resources at Stern.
To our community members observing Ramadan, we wish you a month of reflection, peace, and strength. Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and connection with loved ones. Whether you’re fasting or supporting friends who are, let’s embrace the spirit of inclusivity and understanding.

Professional and Social Events This Week
Please don’t forget to register or attend these exciting professional and social events this week:

Monday, February 24

• AHBBS: From Idea to Impact: Overcoming Hurdles as an Underrepresented Founder and Investor in the Startup Ecosystem | 5:00pm

• LSG's Stern Table: February Fuel #1 | 5:00pm

Tuesday, February 25

• MULTI-SCHOOL: J&J: EMEA Early in Career Breakthrough Session | 4:00am

• MULTI-SCHOOL: International Finance Corporation: MBA1 | 9:00am

• EMSA Trek to Mets at Citi Field | 10:00am

• ESA Prep Coaching Session with Alum Andrew Chang | 12:00pm

• MVC Elections | 12:00pm

• Opportunities in the Netherlands: Careers, Startups, and the Future of Innovation | 4:00pm

• CAREERS: IGNITE Behavioral Interview Practice | 4:30pm

• LSG's Stern Table: February Fuel #2 | 5:00pm

• CBS x NYU Real Estate Mix | 6:00pm

Wednesday, February 26

• Stern Spring Blood Drive | 12:00pm

• Intro to Founder Led Sales with Nabeel Alamgir of Lunchbox.io | 12:00pm

• International Students Lunch with Dean Brian Ruggiero | 12:15pm

• LSG's Stern Table: February Fuel #3 | 5:00pm

• Sony Pictures Virtual Presentation | 5:00pm

Thursday, February 27

• ESA AMA with Scott Galloway | 12:00pm

• MENA Club - Pass the Torch | 12:00pm

• UN Headquarters Architectural Tour | 3:45pm

• Blocks Spelling Bee | 4:30pm

• GFA: Wall Street Dropout | 5:00pm

• LSG's Stern Table: February Fuel #4 | 5:00pm

• SMS Alumni Networking Night | 6:00pm

Friday, February 28

• NYU Stern Fintech Conference: Fintech and the Future 2025 | 8:30am

• 20th Annual Private Equity & Venture Capital Conference | 11:00am

• Stern x CBS European Mixer | 5:00pm

• SWIB x ACC Wine Tasting Night | 6:00pm

Saturday, March 1

• ⭐ First Night of Ramadan

• LSG's Stern Table: February Fuel #5 | 12:00pm

• ABS - Din Tai Fung Visit | 4:15

Sunday, March 2

• Quest for Cash: Fundraising Boot Camp | 9:00am

• Future of Work Bootcamps: Excel Bootcamp Session 3 | 9:00am

• Future of Work Bootcamps: Excel Bootcamp Session 4 | 1:30pm

• EMSA Oscars Party | 6:30pm

• Puppy Yoga with SWIB | 6:30pm

Event Spotlight

Last week, MENA x GEMS hosted a fantastic Backgammon and Chess Night, bringing together players of all levels for an evening of strategy, culture, and connection! Whether attendees were seasoned backgammon pros or learning the game for the first time, the energy in the room was unbeatable.

Backgammon, a game with roots tracing back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), has long been a symbol of strategic thinking and social engagement across the Middle East and North Africa. This event wasn’t just about playing—it was about celebrating cultural heritage, fostering friendships, and building community.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined, and a special shoutout to those who helped organize this memorable night. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations between MENA and GEMS!