Lazord Fellowship: Building Purpose-Driven Futures Across Borders
Since its founding in 2010, the Lazord Fellowship has been shaping young professionals into purpose-driven leaders who are committed to civic engagement, equity and long-term social impact.
Anchored at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business through the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business, the fellowship is more than just a stepping stone—it is a transformative experience that equips emerging changemakers with the tools, networks and values to lead.
Each year, fellows from Egypt, Jordan and Greece are selected for a full-year experience embedded within mission-driven organizations. Through structured mentorship, professional placements and reflective learning, they are challenged to develop not only their skills but their understanding of what it means to lead responsibly in an evolving civic landscape.
A Landmark Gathering in Aswan
This year marked a major milestone in the fellowship’s journey: the Lazord Fellowship International Conference was hosted in Egypt for the first time since the program began. Held in Aswan from February 16 to 20 and organized by the Gerhart Center, the conference brought together current and graduating fellows from the three regional chapters for five days of dialogue, learning and community building.
More than a professional event, the gathering served as a space for shared reflection and forward-looking inspiration. Fellows discussed pressing challenges and exchanged ideas rooted in their projects, while deepening their cross-cultural bonds. Hosting the conference in Egypt not only celebrated the country’s foundational role in the fellowship but also reaffirmed the program’s growing regional presence.
Celebrating the 2023/24 Cohort
The fellowship year culminated in the Lazord Graduation Ceremony, held on June 19, 2025, at the AUC Tahrir Square campus. The event honored the achievements of the 12 fellows from the 2023-2024 cohort, showcasing their contributions to civil society and the positive impact they had within their host organizations.
The celebration also acknowledged the essential support of mentors, host institutions and partners who make the fellowship possible. Remarks by professor Ali Awni, director of the Gerhart Center and Nada Bahgat, senior program officer at the Lazord Fellowship, emphasized the spirit of service, resilience and leadership embodied by the graduates.
A Fellowship That Builds Beyond a Year
From its beginning, the Lazord Fellowship continues to grow as a platform for socially committed leadership across borders. Its alumni network includes social entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit professionals and civic advocates who carry the fellowship’s values into every sector they enter.
Grounded in experience and guided by mentorship, the Lazord Fellowship nurtures not just careers but a mindset of lifelong civic responsibility. With each new cohort, it invests in a future shaped by individuals who are equipped, empowered and ready to lead change—locally, regionally and beyond.