BOLD leadership

SCALING CREATIVITY TO DOUBLE IMPACT

Ahlan Simsim is a first of its kind collaboration between the International Rescue Committee and Sesame Workshop. The largest Early Childhood Development project in the Humanitarian sector, Ahlan Simsim was the first ever recipient of the MacArthur Foundation 100&Change award where organizations are called to create bold solutions to the world's stickiest challenges for a prize of 100 Million USD. Marianne was the Project Director for the 6 years of the award.

  • Achieved 2x impact goals, reaching nearly 4 million children and caregivers across MENA.

  • Delivered a portfolio of diverse solutions, including technology tools, education programs, healthcare products, and system-wide integrations, to expand accessibility and impact.

  • Facilitated and guided the design and scaling of products across ecosystems—including health care, education, daycare, and technology—ensuring they aligned with the initiative’s overarching goals and maximized investment impact.

  • Built and led a cross-regional team spanning 5 countries of up to 500 people aligned to a bold, shared vision of operational excellence and transformational results.

Photo credit: Yasmeen Alzabalawy

DESIGN THINKING

PRODUCT INNOVATION

INVEST FOR IMPACT

BOLD LEADERSHIP