Dear Jusoor family & friends,
This month we have important news to share. Our long-term Executive Director Grace Atkinson will be stepping down after 5 years of dedicated service. During her tenure, Jusoor has grown in size and reach, increasing our transformative impact on students, scholars, and entrepreneurs from Syria and the region. The Board thanks her for her wonderful service, and congratulates Grace and Mehdi on the birth of their first child, Noah! We are also immensely grateful that Grace will still be with us for the next few months as Strategic Advisor.
Grace’s Letter to The Jusoor Community:
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to step down from my role as the Executive Director of Jusoor. This decision has not been taken lightly, and it comes after much reflection on the journey we have undertaken together and alongside the joyful news of the recent arrival of my son (Noah, now four months!).
Leading Jusoor has been an incredible privilege and an experience filled with growth, challenges, and much inspiration from both our community and those we serve. The progress we have made, the relationships we have built, and the transformations we have witnessed would not have been possible without your unwavering support. Along with our amazing team and outstanding board, you have played an essential role in shaping the success of our organization, and for that, I am truly grateful.
I am also truly grateful to Dr. Alexandra Chen, for not only leading Jusoor during my maternity leave, but for graciously agreeing to continue in the role of Interim Executive Director while we work together on hiring the next leader. Along with our strong leadership team, I know the organization will be in excellent hands.
While I step down from my current role, I am not stepping away from the values and goals that unite us. I will continue to support Jusoor, first as a Strategic Advisor through the end of the year, and in the future however I can as I explore new avenues and opportunities aligned with my values and goals.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your partnership and generosity. Together, we have made a difference, and I am eager to see how our collective efforts will continue to shape a brighter future for Syria’s next generation.
With best wishes,
Grace
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