December 12, 2025 — The Alsaid Foundation announced today that its Executive Director, Mr. Mohanad Alsaid, held a telephone discussion with His Excellency Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education of the Republic of Ghana. The conversation focused on developments within the Ghanaian education sector and areas for future cooperation. During the call, H.E. Iddrisu provided an overview of current education priorities in Ghana, including efforts to expand school infrastructure, improve learning environments, and support initiatives designed to enhance access to quality education nationwide. Mr. Alsaid conveyed the Foundation’s appreciation for the Ministry’s work and reaffirmed the Alsaid Foundation’s commitment to supporting efforts that advance educational opportunities and youth development. He emphasized the Foundation’s interest in exploring practical areas of collaboration that align with Ghana’s national education goals. The discussion also served as an opportunity to identify possible future cooperation in areas such as capacity building, community education support, and programs that benefit students, educators, and underserved communities. Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing communication and coordination to advance shared objectives in the education sector. How a Chance Meeting Between Two GW Classmates Turned Into a Business Partnership Sometimes, meaningful partnerships begin with nothing more than a simple introduction. That was the case for Mohanad Alsaid and Dex Burns, who met as classmates in a graduate consulting course at George Washington University during the spring 2023 semester. By pure chance, the two sat next to each other on the first day of class. A brief “hello” soon evolved into a professional collaboration—and eventually, a lasting business partnership rooted in a shared commitment to service and social impact. Alsaid, who graduated in 2023 with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and Burns, a doctoral candidate in the Human and Organizational Learning program, were enrolled in a consulting skills course taught by Professor Ramien R. Pierre. The course emphasized practical applications of consulting frameworks, culminating in a team-based project designed to address real organizational challenges. “The course was focused on developing consulting skills and preparing students to be effective change-makers within organizations,” Burns explained. Both Alsaid and Burns were already leading nonprofit organizations as CEOs, which made the collaboration feel natural. When students were invited to form project teams, the two immediately recognized an opportunity to work together. “It was refreshing to connect with another young leader who was guiding the vision of a nonprofit,” Burns said. “When the assignment was announced, we looked at each other and knew we should collaborate in whatever way possible.” Burns is the founder and CEO of First Trip, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to international travel for underrepresented college students. The organization partners with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions to help students obtain their first passports, explore global career pathways, and build confidence as global citizens through mentoring and experiential learning. “I strongly believe that everyone should have access to the benefits of international travel and cultural exchange,” Burns said. “These experiences open doors—personally, academically, and professionally.” Alsaid leads the Alsaid Foundation, an international nonprofit focused on youth development, leadership, and expanding educational opportunities. His work is deeply informed by personal experience. In 2014, after volunteering with Syrian refugees in his home country of Jordan, Alsaid was inspired to establish an organization dedicated to education as a pathway to stability and opportunity. “I wanted to do something meaningful for my country and for the region,” Alsaid said. “Education is essential—it helps young people return to school, rebuild their futures, and create lasting change.” As the semester progressed, Alsaid and Burns discovered significant overlap between their missions. Both organizations were committed to empowering young people through education, global exposure, and leadership development. “We share a strong focus on expanding educational opportunities for students,” Alsaid noted. He added that his own study-abroad experiences shaped his belief in the transformative power of global exposure. At the age of nine, Alsaid traveled to the United States for a short educational program—an experience that left a lasting impression. “That experience motivated me to work harder academically and improve my English,” he said. “It kept me focused and ambitious. I truly believe in First Trip’s mission because experiencing new cultures can change how young people see themselves and the world.” For their course project, the pair worked closely to assess First Trip’s operations, identify areas for growth, and explore opportunities for collaboration between their organizations. Burns said Alsaid’s perspective proved invaluable. “As nonprofit leaders, it’s easy to focus on challenges without fully unpacking their root causes,” Burns said. “Because Mohanad is also a CEO, he was able to see things in my organization that I couldn’t. That outside perspective was incredibly helpful.” The collaboration made a strong impression. After the project concluded, First Trip’s board of directors invited Alsaid to join the organization as a strategic adviser. The partnership was equally impactful for Alsaid, who applied lessons learned from First Trip to strengthen the Alsaid Foundation’s work. “First Trip’s team is deeply passionate about their mission,” Alsaid said. “That level of commitment is essential in nonprofit work. Without passion, it’s difficult to innovate or sustain impact.” While neither anticipated finding a business partner at the beginning of the course, both agree their experience underscores the importance of building relationships—especially within a university environment like GW. “There are so many talented leaders around you,” Alsaid reflected. “Sometimes it’s as simple as saying hello, meeting for coffee, and being open to connection.” Burns echoed that sentiment. “I sat next to Mo, he said hello, and that small moment sparked both a friendship and a professional partnership,” he said. “No matter where you are in life, the people around you can add value in ways you don’t expect.”
