The John Mack ABANA Fellowship
Celebrating Newcomers to Business and Finance

Background

This Fellowship was established to honor the indomitable spirit of John Mack, former Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley. As beautifully detailed in his memoir, Up Close and All In, John’s drive to succeed comes in large part from his Lebanese heritage, particularly his grandfather, Hanna Makhoul Fakhoury, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1903. From an Ellis Island newcomer to the CEO of Morgan Stanley, the Mack legacy is inspiring. The ABANA Foundation is proud to honor John and his family by supporting the education of others who might themselves become a future John Mack.

The Award

(i)   $15,000 GRANT FOR UP TO TWO YEARS (new admits need only apply once)!
(ii)   Complimentary Access to ABANA Network and Events during Fellowship Period
(iii)   An Exclusive Industry Summit in NYC (2025 – Exact Date TBD)
(iv)   Dedicated Mentor from ABANA’s Network of Accomplished Industry Leaders

Eligibility Criteria

• Arab/MENA heritage OR proven interest/experience in the MENA region.
• Current/Prospective full-time enrollment(*) in an accredited MBA program(**).
  • *The scholarship is to be applied to the next school year. Those who are already enrolled or who are in process of applying as full-time students are both eligible; proof of enrollment in next school year will be requested/verified when available. However, if you are already in your last year of the program and will be graduating at the end of the current school year, you are unfortunately not eligible.
  • **May be a joint/dual program but no executive MBAs.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a business/finance career.
• GMAT score of 600+ (or GRE equivalent).
• Financial need.

Important Dates

• Application opens: November 1, 2023
• Application deadline: April 2, 2024
  ** For letters of reference, the deadline is April 15 as long as the application is submitted by April 2.
• Results notification: By May 15, 2024

Application Requirements

(i) Resume or CV
(ii) Attestation of Financial Need (may submit supporting docs also such as short written statement or school financial aid letter to strengthen application, although it is not required)
(iii) Two Letters of Reference (one academic and one professional – must include contact info of referee)
(iv) Four essays (max 250 words each – see questions below)

** Proof of school enrollment and GMAT score (or GRE equivalent) will also be requested and verified once available, before any funds are disbursed

Essays (max 250 words each)

• Describe how you are related to or inspired by Arab/MENA culture and how it has positively influenced your personal and/or professional journey.
• Detail your professional goals and explain how this fellowship might help you achieve them.
• John Mack is a third-generation Arab-American and his family story is the classical American Dream story premised on grit, hard work, and the pursuit of education to build a better life. Tell us how this story resonates with and/or inspires you using specific examples from your life.
• In your opinion, what is the most important business, economic or financial change currently happening in the MENA region, and why?
  

About ABANA and ABANA Foundation

Since 1983, ABANA has been the foremost U.S. hub for professionals intrigued by the MENA region’s business and finance landscape. Through diverse events and programs, ABANA offers its members unparalleled opportunities to network and amass knowledge on key industry topics including fintech, sustainability, and economic development. The ABANA Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of ABANA that empowers its members through education.

Learn more about ABANA here.

Questions?
Please send an email to fellowship@abana.co.