Fouziya Madhouni has faced a number of challenges throughout her young life, but through her competitive drive and a surprising love for American football, she continues to tackle them head-on while aiming to be one of the greatest social entrepreneurs and athletes Morocco has ever seen. In 2020, while a management student and an amateur football player, Fouziya was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined not to let it define her, she used the diagnosis as motivation to ignite social change and empower women in her community. While undergoing chemotherapy treatments, she worked with the Egyptian Federation and the Philly Phantomz of the Women’s National Football Conference to organize the first-ever American Flag Football tournament in Africa. Two weeks after undergoing surgery, with the effects of chemo still disrupting her system, Fouziya bravely walked onto the football field and helped guide her team to the tournament championship. A few months later, she launched her NGO, We Can Morocco, as well as Africa’s first American Football Academy. 

Her projects empower girls and women to unlock their hidden potential through leadership courses and American football sessions while also engaging with men to discuss the role they play in advancing gender equality.