Enterprise4All

Press Release
January 2009

On 26th January, 17 year old Accrington resident, Zoeyah Shaheen visited the offices of Enterprise4All to discuss a rare life-changing opportunity. She is one of six Lancashire students who have been invited to the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in New York and Washington DC.

The GYLC is an independent organisation designed to educate, inspire and motivate exceptional individuals from more than 100 countries around the world. Modelled along similar lines to the United Nations, it will give Zoeyah and her fellow delegates a chance work alongside some of the world’s top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, journalists, diplomats and academics. As one of the 40 people chosen from the UK, Zoeyah will represent Britain, performing speeches and engaging in debates.

However, in order to take advantage of this opportunity, Zoeyah is expected to demonstrate her entrepreneurial skills and raise in excess of £3000 to cover travel and accommodation costs. To this end, the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil has been attending regional networking events and meeting with the county’s business leaders, explaining the work she will be doing and raising funds for the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

“This is an inspirational story,” said E4A chief executive Ilyas Munshi. “Zoeyah is proving that hard work, commitment and ambition can take you almost literally anywhere. At the age of just 17, she has taken herself from a very ordinary Lancashire environment and placed herself on the international stage. It’s a great example to be setting for young people everywhere and that’s why, on behalf of Enterprise4All, I’m delighted to be supporting her bid with a donation of £250.”

Zoeyah thanked Ilyas for the company’s support but was keen to point out that the event has a significance that goes beyond achieving her own personal goals. She said: “My parents have always encouraged me to aim for the stars and this just seems like the perfect opportunity to do so. Through it, I can hopefully show others that no matter what religion, gender, culture or society you belong to, if you’re determined enough to do something, anything is possible.

“I hope that if I successfully achieve this mission it will encourage other young girls and boys from any deprived area to perform well in their respective fields of study and try to reach for similar goals.”

Continuing her fund-raising efforts, Zoeyah is organising a special networking event, details of which will be published on her website – www.zoeyahshaheen.com. Anyone wishing to attend the event or to support her efforts can contact her via the website.

ENDS