Presidents Message 

I am honored to take on the role as President of OPEN WDC for the 2013-2014 term with our new Chairman of the Board, Mr. Imran Akram. Since the inception of our DC chapter  in 2004, OPEN DC has been striving to provide a networking and mentoring platform to entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs, and to create success for our members, their respective companies, employees and even families! We look forward to working together with our members to explore the challenges of leading successful businesses in a transparent world with new dynamics and socio-political challenges including social media, increased investor and public scrutiny. 

For our members, our focus will be to provide better value by offering unique and  innovative programs, ways to help gain knowledge in their areas of interest, meet and learn from industry leaders and their success stories, and provide some events and offering for members only. 

This year our focus will be on:

·         Youth outreach, mentoring students and providing career counseling and mentoring opportunities;

·         Women’s Leadership Forum which made a mark in 2012 with a number of extremely interesting events;

·         Matching business opportunities between US and Pakistan by collaboration  through Department of State, USAID and others to promote initiatives for investment in Pakistan;

·         Strengthening partnerships with our existing sponsors and partners and enhancing our schedule of CM exclusive events.

We are very grateful to the Executive Committee, The Board of Directors, our Charter Members and Volunteers who help make OPEN DC a successful organization.
 
Thank you for visiting our website today and we encourage you to register  if you are not already a member of our group We will be posting our latest news and event schedules on the website.. Additional information and photos can also be found on our Facebook Page .
 
 

Narjis Bokhari Ali

President, OPEN Washington DC Chapter

Event Follow-up: Zero to 60 – Accelerating your Business, A Panel Discussion

On a beautiful Saturday morning, I walked into the Marriott’s not knowing exactly what to expect at the discussion panel hosted by Open Washington DC. As I entered the second floor, we were greeted by the most welcome fragrance of coffee and chocolate covered doughnuts! Most of the organizers and panel guests had already arrived. I noticed that Open Washington DC creates an environment of ease where people feel comfortable introducing themselves to each other. I was received with welcoming smiles. I really enjoy the socializing before the actual event because it’s an opportunity to exchange news, and make new friends.

Event Follow-up: Women's Leadership Forum Launch

TYSONS CORNER, VA – Saturday, March 3, 2012 – The Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs (OPEN), D.C. Chapter , successfully launched the OPEN D.C. Women's Leadership Forum (WLF)  this past Saturday, a Forum dedicated to the success and development of Women as leaders in their respective industries.  The launch event was held at the Crowne Plaza of Tysons with keynote speaker, Bridget Dean.   OPEN DC President Imran Malik gave a brief about OPEN and it's mission, followed by a small business case study presented by Narjis Ali, the Chair for the new WLF.

Bridget currently serves as District Director, Washington Metropolitan District Office, and the Region III Director for U.S. Small Business Administration and spoke on the available programs at the SBA available to small business owners, particularly women-owned.   From helping entrepreneurs get a running start on establishing a business to paving a path to financial independence, Bridget provided the insight into navigating the D.C. business space, and the three ways SBA can help support small business owners.

Business Development Exchange Forum Coming Soon!

Stay tuned 

Stay tuned for a very exciting and productive upcoming event that focuses on fostering growth and collaboration amongst the OPEN DC community.

Members will meet in a roundtable setting where each participant will discuss business development opportunities and identify areas for teaming, partnership, subcontracting and joint ventures.

Event Follow-up: Fireside w/ Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy

Event Follow-up: Fireside Chat w/ Mr. Monem Salam on Islamic Investing

Event Follow-up: Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon

Rendezvous: Mr. Abbas Valliani, Co-founder, Primatics Financial

This is the latest in the Rendezvous series appearing on the OPEN website where we introduce you to the people behind OPEN DC. Each new Rendezvous section provides a glimpse into the life of an OPEN DC member while weaving a compelling professional narrative to the budding and established entrepreneurs alike. This issue profiles Mr. Abbass Valliani, OPEN DC board member and, co-founder of Primatics Financial.

On one fine Sunday afternoon I visited Mr. Valliani’s home. Answering the door stood this very young couple at the threshold. I didn’t realize that this couple were the same two people I had come to interview for the OPEN Rendezvous, Mr. and Mrs. Valliani. They live in one of the best locations in the Washington DC suburbia of Northern Virginia.

One of my first questions was how old he was? According to my guess, he was only in his mid thirties and at 34 years of age having accomplished a very successful business was a big WOW for me and I bet it would be for anyone. The couple has a very cute 3 year old son and such a well behaved child he is, I must say that. He showed everyone who cared to pay him attention all of his favorite toys, however, with the introduction of every toy, a necessary disclaimer was issued as a formality informing us that we were not allowed to take any of the toys home, as I am sure he himself was taught to do when he went to visit his friends.

Rendezvous: Mr. Ahmed R Ali, Founder, TISTA Science and Technology Corporation

This is the latest in the Rendezvous series appearing on the OPEN website where we introduce you to the people behind OPEN DC. Each new Rendezvous section provides a glimpse into the life of an OPEN DC member while weaving a compelling professional narrative to the budding and established entrepreneurs alike. This issue profiles Mr. Ahmed R. Ali, a member of OPEN DC and Founder of TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA Certified 8(a) & SDB company (www.tistatech.com).