Laila Berchane

2024-2025 Obama Foundation Africa Leader

Headshot of Laila Berchane, 2024 Obama Foundation Africa Leader

Co-Founder and President, LOOP for Science & Technology

Morocco

Laila Berchane is the co-founder and president of LOOP for Science & Technology, an organization that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning and robotics programs in Morocco and in several other African nations. A pioneering STEM entrepreneur, she has helped bring to Morocco some of the best-known STEM programs, including the First® LEGO® League and World Robot Olympiad. These programs have benefited public schools and young learners in underserved populations and rural areas. As the recipient of exchange programs and partnerships that aim to advance women in STEM, she has a particular focus on empowering girls in rural areas through STEM and impactful education. Laila’s successful leadership in implementing STEM programs for young girls in local Moroccan schools has led to an 80 percent school retention rate, enhancing school participation and positively supporting attendance.

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