Biography of Jehan Ara: Pakistani Businesswomen, Entrepreneur -President of P@sha
Biography of Jehan Ara:
Childhood and Early Career in Hong Kong
Jehan Ara spent her formative years in Hong Kong, where she
received her early education. Her father, a banker, provided a stable upbringing
for her and her siblings.
After completing her college education, Jehan Ara embarked on
her career journey. She secured her first job in Hong Kong, where she worked
diligently for several years. Her dedication and skills eventually earned her a
regional-level role at a prominent media firm, marking a significant milestone
in her professional life.
Return to Pakistan and Multimedia Ventures
In the mid-1990s, Jehan Ara's father retired, prompting
their family to return to Pakistan. Inspired by her extensive work experience
and exposure to new media trends, Jehan Ara saw an opportunity to innovate in
Pakistan's evolving media landscape. Alongside a trusted friend, she founded a
multimedia company aimed at leveraging new technologies to enhance content
delivery and engagement.
To realize her vision, Jehan Ara sought collaboration with
IBM, aiming to integrate cutting-edge technology into her multimedia venture.
However, her ambitious plans faced challenges. Limited internet availability
and high costs posed significant obstacles, leading many potential partners to reject
her proposals initially.
Despite these setbacks, Jehan Ara remained undeterred. Her
perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit continued to drive her forward,
determined to overcome challenges and pioneer advancements in multimedia
technology within Pakistan.
Early Life and Education
Jehan Ara's journey began in Karachi, Pakistan, but her
childhood was shaped significantly by her time in Hong Kong, where her father
worked in banking. She attended Rosaryhill School, laying the foundation for
her future endeavors in education and career.
From Journalism to Advertising
After completing her education, Jehan Ara ventured into
journalism, working for a newspaper in Hong Kong. However, her career path soon
shifted towards advertising, a field where she found her passion and talent.
This transition marked the beginning of her impactful career in media and
communications.
International Career and Return to Pakistan
Moving to Dubai, Jehan Ara contributed to various magazines and journals, gaining valuable experience in the media industry. Following her father's relocation to the United Arab Emirates, she joined Gulf News, making significant strides in advertising and marketing.
Leadership in Pakistan's Tech Scene
In Pakistan, Jehan Ara emerged as a pivotal figure in the
country's technology landscape. She served as the president of P@SHA (Pakistan
Software Houses Association) for over two decades, driving innovation and
collaboration within the industry. Her leadership extended to pioneering
initiatives such as Katalyst Labs, a startup accelerator, and women's
leadership program aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship.
Biography of Jehan Ara: Pakistani Businesswomen, Entrepreneur - President of P@sha/ Startup/ Innovation/Founder & CEO of Katalyst Labs/advocate technology
Influence and Advocacy
Beyond her role at P@SHA, Jehan Ara's influence spanned
governmental advisory boards and corporate entities. She contributed her
expertise to the Prime Minister's Task Force on IT and Digital Economy and
served on the boards of Punjab IT Board, Central Depository Company, and IDEAS,
further cementing her reputation as a visionary leader in technology and
entrepreneurship.
Career Journey of Ara in Pakistan
In 1994, Ara ventured into the world of business in Pakistan
by establishing her own multimedia company, Enabling Technologies. Over the
years, her company thrived, contributing significantly to the local industry.
In 2007, Ara's influence expanded as she assumed the role of
president at P@SHA (Pakistan Software Houses Association). Her leadership
brought new perspectives and initiatives to the tech community in Pakistan.
A significant milestone came in November 2018 when Ara was
appointed as a member of the Prime Minister's Task Force on IT and Telecom.
This position allowed her to influence policies and strategies at a national
level, aiming to enhance the IT and telecom sectors in Pakistan.
Jehan Ara: Driving Innovation and Empowerment
Founding Katalyst Labs
Jehan Ara is the driving force behind Katalyst Labs, a
Startup Accelerator and Women Leadership Fellows program aimed at fostering
innovation and empowering women in leadership roles. Her vision for Katalyst
Labs underscores her commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
Leadership at P@SHA
With a distinguished tenure as President of the Pakistan
Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA), spanning over two
decades, Jehan Ara played a pivotal role in shaping the tech industry's
landscape. She forged strong partnerships locally and internationally,
elevating the P@SHA brand and promoting collaboration across sectors.
Global Experience in Media and Communications
Jehan Ara's career journey spans diverse geographies—from
Hong Kong to the UAE and Pakistan—where she honed her expertise in marketing,
communications, and interactive new media. Her international experience has
enriched her perspective and fueled her passion for leveraging Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) to empower communities beyond conventional
business practices.
Empowering Entrepreneurs at The Nest IO
In January 2015, Jehan founded The Nest IO in Karachi,
supported by Google for Entrepreneurs. This initiative serves as a technology
incubator, accelerator, and innovation hub, fostering a dynamic environment for
aspiring tech businesses in Karachi. To date, The Nest IO has nurtured over 217
startup ventures and built a vibrant community of young innovators.
Driving Innovation through 021Disrupt/+92Disrupt
Under Jehan's leadership, The Nest IO hosts the prestigious
021Disrupt/+92Disrupt conference, a flagship event in innovation and
entrepreneurship. This gathering has become the premier platform for startups,
innovators, professionals, investors, and students to convene, collaborate, and
exchange ideas, further fueling Karachi's burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Commitment to Social Impact and Diversity
Beyond her professional roles, Jehan Ara is a dedicated
social activist, advocating for gender diversity and inclusion. She serves on
the World Bank Advisory Group on Gender Diversity and is actively engaged in
initiatives like the Women on Board Allies and the Karachi Biennale Trust. Her
nomination for the Tamgha e Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan reflects her
significant contributions to society and the tech industry.
Recognition for Ara's Contributions
In 2016, Ara was recognized on an international platform
when she was invited by US President Barack Obama to speak at the Global
Entrepreneurship Summit. Her insights and experiences inspired many aspiring
entrepreneurs worldwide.
In 2023, Ara's dedication and impact were honored with the
prestigious Tamgha-i-Imtiaz award by the President of Pakistan. This award
underscored her exceptional contributions to the tech industry and her
influence in shaping Pakistan's digital landscape.
Timeline summarizing Jehan Ara's journey:
Early Years and Education:
Childhood in Hong Kong: Jehan Ara spends her formative years
in Hong Kong, receiving her early education there. Her father, a banker,
provides a stable upbringing.
Journalism and Advertising in Hong Kong: After completing
her education, Jehan Ara starts her career in journalism in Hong Kong,
eventually transitioning to advertising where she discovers her passion.
International Career:
Move to Dubai: Jehan Ara moves to Dubai, contributing to
various magazines and journals, gaining valuable experience in the media
industry.
Managing Director in Hong Kong: She becomes the managing
director at Headway Media Services in Hong Kong.
Return to Pakistan and Entrepreneurship:
Mid-1990s: Jehan Ara returns to Pakistan as her father
retires. Inspired by her experience in media and technology abroad, she
co-founds a multimedia company in Pakistan, Enabling Technologies.
Founding The Nest IO: In January 2015, Jehan Ara establishes
The Nest IO in Karachi, supported by Google for Entrepreneurs, serving as a
technology incubator and innovation hub.
Leadership in Tech and Advocacy:
President of P@SHA: In 2007, Jehan Ara becomes the president
of P@SHA (Pakistan Software Houses Association), a role she holds for over two
decades.
Global Influence: She contributes to various governmental
advisory boards and corporate entities, advocating for the IT and digital
economy sectors in Pakistan.
Recognition and Awards: Jehan Ara's contributions are
recognized globally, including being invited by US President Barack Obama to
speak at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2016. In 2023, she receives the
prestigious Tamgha-i-Imtiaz award from the President of Pakistan.
This timeline highlights Jehan Ara's journey from her early
career in Hong Kong to her impactful leadership in Pakistan's technology and
entrepreneurship sectors.
