--- title: "Empowering Minds: Big Data Minds MENA's Journey in Bridging the Knowledge Gap" description: Stevie-winner Big Data Minds MENA is a community platform that aims to close learning gaps and create networks for knowledge sharing in the domain of big data and other related emerging technology. image: https://blog.stevieawards.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%2011.29.24%20AM.png --- [![stevie-awards-full-logo](https://blog.stevieawards.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stevie%20Awards%20Blog%20Theme%20Files/stevie-awards-full-logo.png?width=347&height=70&name=stevie-awards-full-logo.png "stevie-awards-full-logo")](http://stevieawards.com) Click to View Posts by Stevie® Awards Categories # Empowering Minds: Big Data Minds MENA's Journey in Bridging the Knowledge Gap Posted by [Amanda Del Signore](https://blog.stevieawards.com/blog/author/amanda-del-signore) on Wed, Nov 29, 2023 @ 12:24 PM ![Amanda Del Signore](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/f262570a31a1068aa53830f20ca581fb) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Screenshot 2023-11-29 at 10.26.19 AM](https://blog.stevieawards.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%2010.26.19%20AM.png?width=283&height=125&name=Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%2010.26.19%20AM.png)Stevie-winner [Big Data Minds MENA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-data-minds-mena/) is a community platform that aims to close learning gaps and create networks for knowledge sharing in the domain of big data and other related emerging technology. The platform can be used with big data, data engineering, data science, data management, digital transformation, industry 4.0, internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) training programs to disseminate more knowledge and training to the MENA region. They have launched several technological initiatives in Jordan and the MENA region to empower women and children. Big Data Minds MENA was founded in 2020 by Dr. Zaher Al-Sai as a community-based organization of big data and data science in the Middle East. Dr. Zaher Ali Al-Sai has a BS degree in computer science and an MBA (Hons.) in e-government Technology. She completed her PhD in Computer Science in the field of Big Data and Software Engineering. She is currently an assistant professor of Big Data at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan. As a female-founded organization, Big Data Minds MENA has shifted the direction of the IT organizations in Jordan to empower women in data science, AI, and emerging technologies. Big Data Minds’ first initiative was empowering women in data science by founding the Arabian Women in Data Science initiative in the MENA region and organizing many events and workshops in data science and AI, which has impacted over 5,000 women. The company volunteers to teach and empower more than 50,000 of community members, including women, teenagers, children, and students, in technology and data science. In 2021 and 2022 Big Data Minds MENA organized the largest virtual women in data science (WiDS) Jordan workshops and data-thons in the Middle East with more than 800 attendees. WiDS Jordan is an independent event organized by Big Data Minds and the WiDS Ambassador in Jordan to coincide with the annual Women in Data Science Worldwide Conference held at Stanford University and an estimated 150+ locations worldwide. Expanding their reach, Big Data Minds MENA is now also teaching children (8-16) years through the launch of "Kids in Data Science and AI" initiative," or "KiDS,” to empower and teach children the skills of data science and AI, including skills related to problem-solving, math, and computer coding. KiDS provides various activities for children in public schools and villages. Big Data Minds is a visionary community that continuously seeks innovation to maintain its initiatives as a community-based organization in technology and data science. Big Data Minds is inspiring and educating community members worldwide, regardless of gender, and supporting women in the field of data science. **Big Data Minds MENA won three Gold Stevie Awards for Innovation in Technology Development - Non-Profit; for Best Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year; and for Best Innovative Achievement in Science or Technology in the 2023 Middle East & North Africa Stevie****®**** Awards. ****Interested in entering the 2024 Middle East & North Africa Stevie**** Awards?** **[![REQUEST THE ENTRY KIT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/35655/1abcdbc1-df34-4b14-8c33-fb6a8e3e238a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/35655/1abcdbc1-df34-4b14-8c33-fb6a8e3e238a)** ** ** Topics: [Middle East Stevie Awards](https://blog.stevieawards.com/blog/topic/middle-east-stevie-awards) ### Request an entry kit for one or more of the stevie awards programs [Remove my information](https://blog.stevieawards.com/blog/empowering-minds-big-data-minds-menas-journey-in-bridging-the-knowledge-gap#) Entry kit will be sent to you by email. 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