Carissma McGee: Empowering اﻟﻣرأة (Women) in Tech, A Journey Through Casablanca, Morocco

On the MISTI blog, Carissma McGee (STAR Lab) writes about her experience working and traveling in Morocco with MISTI Arab World, highlighting the ways women support each other in the country’s tech industry.

Hello everyone! I am Carissma McGee, a graduate student at MIT currently experiencing the vibrant and diverse culture of Morocco in the coastal city of Casablanca with MISTI Arab World! During my time here, I’ve learned about traditional customs and modern developments. I’ve also witnessed the efforts and progress made to empower women within the global tech industry and workforce. This journey has opened my eyes to the nuances of Moroccan society and the ongoing efforts for technology-based startup companies in this beautiful country.

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This summer, I am thrilled to be part of the first internship cohort at AI Shore in Casablanca, Morocco. Working at AI Shore has been an inspiring experience, largely because of the incredible women leading the charge here. Malika Ahmidouch, the co-founder of AI Shore, is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience. Before launching AI Shore, Malika accumulated extensive experience in investment banking in the United States and has been working in the tech sector in Morocco for over a decade. Her journey from engineering studies in France to becoming a tech leader in Morocco is truly inspiring. Malika’s leadership at AI Shore exemplifies the potential of women in tech and their ability to drive innovation and change. Being surrounded by such talented women, including my fellow intern from MIT, Laura Xia, has reinforced my belief in the importance of women empowering each other in the tech industry. The Technopark Maroc’s “Women Empowered” program is another testament to the ongoing efforts to support and mentor women entrepreneurs in Morocco.