Speaker

Faris Alami is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader, recognized for his significant contributions to global entrepreneurship and economic development. He is the founder and CEO of International Strategic Management (ISM), a firm dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and small business growth, particularly in underserved communities. Alami is also the founder of Connecting Dots Globally, a nonprofit organization that educates high school and university students on launching global technology companies - and he hosts “The Finjan Show,” a podcast that explores topics related to entrepreneurship, globalization, leadership, culture and community. Alami’s journey began as a Palestinian refugee in Kuwait. During the Gulf War, he emigrated to the United States, where he overcame numerous challenges (such as statelessness and homelessness) to establish himself as a successful entrepreneur, including an 18+ year process to becoming a US citizen. His personal experiences have profoundly influenced his commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs and promoting economic development worldwide. In addition to his role at ISM, Alami has served as a special advisor and entrepreneurial ecosystem expert with the World Bank. He has also been a business advisor with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and a mentor to MBA students and entrepreneurs globally. Alami's work involves collaborating with high-ranking officials, including presidents of countries, ministries, universities and private sectors, to facilitate economic and workforce development programs focused on entrepreneurship, enterprise development, mentorship and funding. Alami's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development has made him a sought-after speaker and advisor, impacting communities and individuals worldwide.