Before emigrating to the United States, I grew up in Morocco mostly in the city of Fes, the historical capital of the Kingdom. Since its creation as a nation three thousand years ago, Morocco has nourished a number of vibrant cultures--Arabic, Berber, African, European, Muslim, and Jewish, to name a few. It is located in a highly strategic crossroads of naval trade, as it connects the Iberian Peninsula with North Africa. Living in this multicultural and multi-ethnic environment, I learned to speak four languages fluently and to appreciate all cultures; it has always felt natural to me to live amidst diversity.

The Lions Hall, Al Hamra, Granada

I have striven throughout my life to assimilate the best of each culture in order to make myself a more creative and stronger person. Morocco's history is a trove of intellectual and cultural wealth, with much owed to the Moorish civilization of Al Andalous, which previously inhabited the Iberian peninsula before the Spanish Inquisition which began in 1478.

I inherited traditions and customs as well as an appreciation for generosity from the Arabic culture. From Muslim culture, I have learned to use as a moral guidebook the teachings of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Through the teachings of the Jewish philosopher Maimonides, I have seen how Jewish culture emphasizes justice and creativity. The rich intellectual history of the French culture has also been an inspiration for me, as it has been for my country. Most recently, living in the United States for more than decade has impressed upon me several key values, of which there are few better examples than American culture: respect for human rights, democracy, and ambition.

Growing up in the Moroccan educational system I learned to speak French and English, languages which will assuredly be of use in business communication.

In Morocco, I received my high school diploma in science from the first modern high school in the country because I believe in pursuing the best opportunities available to me. The school, Lycee Moulay Youssef, is located within the Royal Palace of the capital Rabat, a beautiful example of my country's architectural heritage, and which is still the residence of the royal family today. It was founded by the combined efforts of the Sultan Of Morocco

Lycee Moulay Youssef.
Moulay Youssef, and Marshal Hubert Lyautey, France's highest ranking delegate in Morocco. This environment, so rich in details from Morroco's past, as well as the influence of my father who was a distinguished archivist, sparked in me a lifelong interest in history. I also attended two years of Law school in Rabat, which has helped me understand the fundamentals of law and trade.
I emigrated to the United States in 1998 and started from the ground up to earn my living and support myself. Education was a priority for me, and I attended community college at first, eventually transferring to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. St. Mary's is an old institution founded in 1852 by the Society of Mary, a French Catholic order dedicated to the egalitarian spread of knowledge in an ethical atmosphere.
St. Mary's in San Antonio

I have taken several English classes which have greatly improved my ability to speak and write English, as well as a wide variety of scientific courses ranging the subjects of College Algebra, Calculus I & II, Physics I & II, and General Chemistry through Organic Chemistry II. These classes have shaped my ability to think critically and appreciate different branches of knowledge.

My family originated from the Casbah of Tadla, a small agricultural town south of Marakech. My family moved to Meknes

at least 8 generations ago, then moved again to the capital of the kingdom, Fes. My ancestors were the leaders (Amin) of the soap-making industry in the pre-colonial days of Morocco, operating fourteen or so soap factories, which is why my second surname, Souabni, derives from the Arabic word for soap, sabun. In the colonial era however, they were forced to sell their business after the French introduced modernized solid soap. My family granted funds to the Moroccan treasury during times of crisis, especially during the Bou Hmara Rebellion in the early 20th century. They obtained a wide degree of respect from the sultans Moulay El Hasan I, Moulay Hafid, and Moulay Abdaziz. My grandfather was the last member of the soap manufacturing business. He used to sell lamps that used propane as a source of energy as well as cater for large gatherings. My father obtained his education in the city of Fes at the prestigious Karaouine University, which is acknowledged to be the oldest university in the world, having opened its doors in 859 AD. There my father earned

My father (middle)

the degree of highest honor called Alimiya in 1959. He worked as a law professor and a judge, then as attaché and director of the Moroccan archives at the National Library. My father also worked in the private library of the late King Hasan II and his brother Moulay Abdalah, and he helped to acquire and catalog rare original manuscripts for the collection. My father’s alma mater includes such alumni as Maimonides, Pope Sylvester II, Aviceros, Ibn Khalkun, Leo Africanus, and dozens of kings from the seven dynasties.

My mother, Nazha Squalli, belonged to a prominent family of Fes who emigrated to Morocco from the Moorish Sicily and Sevilla in the 13th century. She was a talented embroiderer and designer of traditional Moroccan caftans.