Campus Desk

BRAC University hosted the closing ceremony of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, celebrating the success of 83 women entrepreneurs who completed this transformative initiative.

Distinguished guests, including Megan Bouldin, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Scott Hartmann, Director, Public Engagement from the U.S Embassy, Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, and David Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University, attended the event to honor the graduates.

A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of a $30,000 grant for a business pitch competition, designed to support the most innovative ideas from AWE participants across Cohorts 1 and 2. Six winners from Cohort 2 were awarded for their outstanding business proposals, with the honors presented by Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz and Megan Bouldin. Matin Saad Abdullah, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Advisor, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Khairul Basher, Director, Office of Communications, and Afshana Choudhury, Joint Director at Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) were present, along with others at the event.

The AWE program, supported by the U.S. Federal Government’s Department of State, equips aspiring women entrepreneurs with essential business skills, fosters inclusivity, and promotes peer learning and mentorship. Participants developed actionable business plans, competed in a showcase of ideas, and benefited from expert guidance, including insights from U.S. exchange alumni.

Megan Bouldin praised the program's graduates for their resilience and ambition, stating, “You are paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and proving that women have a critical role to play in Bangladesh's economic development.” "The AWE program is not just about entrepreneurship—it's about economic empowerment," said Bouldin. "When women succeed in business, their families, communities, and economies thrive." She said.

Reflecting BRAC University’s mission to inspire leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz emphasized the importance of fostering women-led enterprises.

He remarked, “At BRAC University, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower women, reduce barriers, and advance gender equity in entrepreneurship. Through the AWE program, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh, driving sustainable socio-economic growth.”

The event also featured a mini fair and exhibition, where participants showcased and sold their products, underscoring the entrepreneurial skills honed through the program. The AWE initiative, led in partnership with BRAC University's Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), continues to empower women from marginalized communities, equipping them to drive impactful change in Bangladesh’s economy.

As one of Bangladesh’s leading institutions, BRAC University has been at the forefront of transformative education and development. With a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, the university actively supports national progress through research, capacity-building programs, and initiatives that address socio-economic challenges, such as entrepreneurship, public health, and climate change.

The ceremony marked a significant step forward in fostering a thriving community of empowered women entrepreneurs who are poised to make lasting contributions to Bangladesh's economy.