Women in Riyadh recharged their intellectual selves recently at the Women’s Skills Bureau’s (WSB) Making Connections program. The event was held at the Outback Steakhouse and the theme was “Collaboration,” with the idea that women can find common ground and share resources and experiences through their time in Riyadh.

Women’s Skills Bureau Director, Sarah Hassaine, welcomed guests and explained the rationale behind Collaboration and detailed the event’s structure.

WSB contends that the overall participation of expatriate spouses in the community holds self-evident advantages for all members of various cultures in the Kingdom. Through interaction and sharing, WSB is creating a medium for knowledge-sharing and cultural understanding that builds stronger and more creative teams and output.

“As expatriates, we have experienced challenges requiring us to change and adapt to our new environment. I believe there is a tremendous potential of cultural cross pollination available that can benefit a shift in consciousness globally,” said guest speaker Aline Munsch. The speaker defined “Collaboration” as the “New Currency”. More than 30 women from around the world and with various expertise and academia, shared their story.

A personal energy consultant with over 20 years’ experience, Munsch told participants to empower themselves to explore, discover, recognize and acknowledge their internal nature toward living a better and successful life.

“We are witnessing changing times economically, financially and socially,” she said. “Today we are seeing a rise of women in society and in the workforce globally. Women are needed in capacity of being a woman in various life sectors, for being compassionate, concerned and caring.”

Munsch said she is writing a book mapping the transformation process in a woman’s journey of life. She is looking to interview and feature women who want to share their personal stories with her and the rest of the world.

WSB is supported by a committed team of international women from various professional backgrounds. Over the years, WSB has created mediums where spouses could find services and continue to develop themselves professionally and personally.

Sarah Kennedy, the founder of WSB, said she hopes to address the dilemma of expat spouses moving to the Kingdom and not having opportunities to share their talent and expertise with society. “Our efforts are lined toward creating a stronger and happier expatriate community,” she said.