So she has been around the block, and spent years advocating for women entrepreneurs. But the commitment of the Afghan women, in the states for five weeks, is downright inspirational, she said.
“I think they are determined to make a difference for their country,” she said. “They’re resilient, determined, they’re aggressive. And they’re demanding.”
As an example, one of the women owns a football and volleyball manufacturing company in her home country, employs ninety people, and has plans to start exporting the balls to other countries around the world.
As part of the continuing commitment to these women, Neese has organized a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S.-Afghan Reconstruction Council, which will help the Afghan women teach other women entrepreneurial skills once they return to their country. Northwood University and the American mentors are going to remain in touch with the women, continuing to work with them via email.
“We would hope that our government would look upon this program as a model of opportunity that could be spread throughout the world,” said Neese. “I think women are very good at networking and communication and talking things through. In a small way, we are helping create peace through business.”
The program is entirely funded through private money—AT&T, DeVos Foundation, T. Boone Pickens Foundation, The Brown Foundation, UPS, and Pfizer. But in addition to corporate and foundation funds, Neese said a good chunk of money has come from fifty or sixty businesswomen throughout the country who really believe in the project.
“It’s their way of offering up a little legacy,” said Neese. “It’s really cool.”
