The name is Manar. I’ve always seen myself as a beauty-seeker, prone to warmth, thirsty for meaning, and eager to grow. I hadn’t liked to define a particular path for myself, for to define is to limit. Thus, whenever my unbounded curiosity beckoned, I embraced the journey to learn with fervor.

My odyssey began at Tunis Business School (TBS), a voyage not just of self-discovery but a gateway to a world that stirred an incessant thirst for knowledge within me. Graduating with honors in 2023 as a holder of a Bachelor in Science of Business Administration with Finance major with a focus on minor in Business Analytics, TBS was where I laid the cornerstone of my academic and professional ethos. This period was marked by a blend of rigorous academics, culminating in achieving the FMVA certification, and a proactive engagement in practical projects that sharpened my analytical prowess. I led a comprehensive market study to explore the feasibility of launching a commodity market in Tunisia, aligning with strategic national financial initiatives.

My scholarly endeavors bore fruit when I crafted a thesis that created a model to gauge the investment readiness of African startups to attract Venture Capital funding. This research, recognized and accepted at the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Development & Business Ethics (ICSDBE) and the 2024 ISAFE Thailand Conference, was a testament to my innovative thinking and deep market analysis skills.

Professionally, my journey has been a tapestry of diverse experiences. From crafting compelling narratives as a copywriter to imparting knowledge as a language teacher, each role has enriched my communication skills and adaptability. My ascent to the role of Financial Manager and later CFO at the Franco-Tunisian startup Cynoia was a testament to my leadership in high-stakes environments. Here, I navigated the complexities of financial management, team governance, and investment strategies, leading to a pivotal role in securing €850k in Seed funding. Representing Cynoia, I pitched our vision on international stages like Web Summit Lisbon and Qatar, further solidifying our stance in the global tech ecosystem.

Joining TAEF in 2022 as a fellow and interning at the CFE company, a Microfinance Institute, I embraced the ethos of care and high-quality mentorship that guided my personal and professional growth. The satisfaction of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering innovation, and contributing to a resilient ecosystem has deepened my resolve to make impactful contributions.

My narrative is not just of personal achievements but of an African woman carrying the legacy of dreaming big and aspiring to give back to the continent that has nurtured so much potential.

The last word for you, dear reader, is to care for your precious self as you would a child and strive to do your best. That’s the essence of the journey.