Rasha Elghorour

Rasha earned her master’s degree in sports management from Niagara University in New York State. No less important was the wealth of experience that she gained in the field of women’s sports. During her academic training with FC Buffalo's women's team, she supported the team in their clinching of the United Women’s Soccer Eastern Conference championship in 2022 and a third-place finish at the national level. She also represented the Niagara University soccer team.

For Rasha, the Fulbright Program was nothing short of transformative, enabling her to test and grow her abilities on the local and international stages. "[It provides you with] the opportunity to discover yourself and show the world what distinguishes you from others," she says, adding that “[the program also gave me] privileges in building my professional career…[and] I became a more aware and respectful person to all people.”

Citing influential positions held by Fulbright alumnae, including the Libyan foreign minister, she notes that the program has played a vital role "in changing the image of women in Libyan society and strengthening their status. We are now beginning to see women Fulbright alumni take powerful positions in the Libyan government. I believe that the Fulbright Program effectively empowers Libyan women.”

That is certainly the case for Rasha, whose Fulbright experience has inspired her to seek new goals including applying for a board position with the Libyan Football Association and working with the organizing committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.