Empowering Growth and Leadership: Fatima Zahrae Azouz's Inspiring Journey with ReachSci.
A platinum volunteer Success Story
Interviewer: Meryeme Belhadad (PR Team Content Writer)
Interviewee: Fatima Zahrae Azouz (DEC Team Director)
Proofreading: Saida Bouzazi (DEC Team Proofreader)
At ReachSci, we believe in the power of teamwork, commitment, and growth, and our volunteers embody these values in everything they do. Each story shared highlights the incredible journey of individuals who have contributed their time, skills, and passion, making a meaningful impact in the process.
In this section, we are pleased to share the inspiring story of Fatima Zahrae Azouz, whose journey with ReachSci has been one of growth, leadership, and meaningful accomplishments. Her experience reflects the true spirit of ReachSci—empowering individuals to reach their full potential and positively impact the world.
In the following, we’ll dive deeper into Fatima Zahrae Azouz’s journey and learn more about her remarkable experiences and contributions at ReachSci.
Meryeme Belhadad
“ Would you mind presenting yourself briefly? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
It is a pleasure to introduce myself. I am Fatima Zahrae Azouz from Morocco, a recent graduate with a Specialized Master's degree in Strategic Human Resources Management. Since September 2021, I have been actively involved with ReachSci, where I now serve as the Director of the Digital Engagement and Communication team.
Meryeme Belhadad
“What was your first position at ReachSci?”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
At the start of my volunteer journey, I served as the co-lead of the Media Team. Following a team restructuring in November 2021, I was selected as the Junior Manager of the Publicity and Cross-Cultural Communication Team. After just one month, I was promoted to Senior Manager of the same team, a role I held for an extended period before becoming the Coordinator of the Publicity and Social Media Team.
Meryeme Belhadad
“Could you tell us about your experience as the coordinator for the Publicity & Social Media Team? What were some of your main responsibilities?”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
My experience as the Coordinator of the Publicity and Social Media Team was one of the most rewarding experiences I had at ReachSci. For over a year, I led a team of incredible members, and together, we created content for our various social media platforms. As Coordinator, I was responsible for preparing the monthly social media strategy, a task I had begun during my role as Senior Manager. Additionally, I wrote content, designed posts to support my team, led weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions, and trained new team members.
Meryeme Belhadad
“During your time as coordinator, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
The biggest challenge I faced as a Coordinator—and even as a Director—was when the team began to feel exhausted after a long period of hard work. This led to delays in posting and, at times, significant inactivity from some brilliant volunteers.
To address this, I initiated open and transparent discussions with each team member to understand the root of the problem. Together, we worked on solutions, either individually or as a group, through team-building activities where we could relax, discuss casual matters, and play games. Additionally, we took short breaks from posting to allow time for organizing more creative ideas.
As Lucius Annaeus Seneca wisely said, “It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.” Despite the challenges, we continued to push forward, knowing that these obstacles were part of the journey toward success.
Meryeme Belhadad
“Is there a specific project or accomplishment from your time in that role that stands out to you? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
My biggest accomplishment as Coordinator of the Publicity & Social Media Team came at the end of my journey in this role, when we reached over 100 posts and surpassed 2,000 followers on Instagram. This milestone filled me with pride, knowing it reflected the dedication and teamwork we put into building our social media presence from the ground up.
Meryeme Belhadad
“What inspired you to create the Digital Engagement and Communication Team? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
The idea for the Digital Engagement & Communication Team emerged from a conversation between Mohamed Alwami, our ReachSci President, and Lubna Abuasaker, our former Web Development Team Coordinator. Lubna suggested I lead her team in addition to my own, and Dr. Mohamed saw this as an opportunity for me to take on a new challenge, promoting me to Director of both teams.
Upon receiving this news, I envisioned a large, dynamic team comprising multiple sub-teams, each dedicated to a specific area of digital engagement and communication at ReachSci.
Meryeme Belhadad
“As the director, what is your vision for this team, and how has it evolved since its creation? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
The Digital Engagement & Communication (DEC) Team was founded with a central objective: to elevate ReachSci's digital presence. Our core mission focuses on nurturing effective communication pathways that connect the organization with its audience, including students and valued partners. We achieve this through strategic social media use, website enhancements, innovative marketing strategies, and impactful PR articles. Additionally, we offer high-quality webinars and online seminars to foster soft skills development among our stakeholders.
As the Director, my vision for this team has evolved to encompass not just communication but also innovation and collaboration. I aim to transform the DEC Team into a creative powerhouse that sets new standards for digital engagement while creating meaningful connections. My goal is to empower team members to take ownership of their roles, explore new ideas, and make lasting contributions that drive ReachSci’s mission forward.
Meryeme Belhadad
“Could you introduce the Digital Marketing Internship Programme and share what inspired you to create it? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
The ReachSci Digital Marketing Internship Programme provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with hands-on experience in digital marketing, covering areas like content creation, social media management, and digital advertising. Participants work closely with the DEC Team, benefiting from continuous support, training, and feedback that foster their development.
Several factors inspired me to create this programme. First, I had long envisioned running my own programme at ReachSci, especially after witnessing the exceptional work done by Ali Ali Redha, Coordinator of the Sport & Nutrition Mini-PhD programme—the first volunteer to launch a programme at ReachSci. I wanted to develop an engaging and impactful idea that could form the basis of a unique programme. This vision crystallized during the previous months when I felt driven to launch an internship programme to share the practical insights I’ve gained over my three years at ReachSci.
Meryeme Belhadad
“What makes this programme unique, and what skills or experiences do you hope participants will gain from it? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
This programme stands out from the Mini-PhD programmes at ReachSci because it is designed as a practical internship rather than a purely academic experience.
What makes this experience truly unique is the emphasis on both skill-building and creativity. Interns are encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table, participate in brainstorming sessions, and contribute to shaping ReachSci’s digital presence. By the end of the programme, participants will have gained not only technical expertise but also the confidence to apply these skills in real-world scenarios, making them better prepared for launching their own social media pages.
Meryeme Belhadad
“You mentioned that you studied Human Resources Management. How did you apply what you learned in this field to your duties at ReachSci ? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
Human Resources is fundamentally about understanding and supporting people within an organization—helping them achieve their goals while fostering collaboration to create added value for the organization as a whole.
At ReachSci, I applied these principles by focusing on team development and engagement. I worked to ensure that team members felt motivated and supported in their roles, aligning individual aspirations with our collective mission. Whether through mentoring, training, or transparent communication, I aimed to create an environment where everyone could thrive and contribute effectively to our projects. This approach not only strengthened our team's cohesion but also enhanced the overall impact of our work.
Meryeme Belhadad
“We heard that you obtained the platinum badge. What was the key to achieving this at ReachSci ? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
Earning the platinum badge is one of my proudest achievements at ReachSci. To date, I am one of only five volunteers to have received this honor, making it a truly special milestone. This badge represents two years of dedicated work, continuous development, and meaningful contributions to the organization. It’s a testament to my commitment to ReachSci’s mission and the growth I’ve experienced along the way.
Meryeme Belhadad
“What advice would you give to other volunteers at ReachSci and to everyone reading this article? ”
Fatima Zahrae Azouz
My advice to all ReachSci volunteers and readers is to believe in yourselves and make the most of this volunteering opportunity. Volunteering is a valuable experience that can significantly impact your career path, as many companies recognize and value it during recruitment.
It’s also a chance to develop and enhance your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential in any professional setting. Use this experience wisely—it’s an investment in your growth and future success.