Fostering Innovation in the Middle East

JMU European Union Policy Studies (EUPS) graduate program alumna, Ms. Christina Craver (‘12), participated in a panel discussion to share experiences about working in the technology sector. Current EUPS student, Alexandra Wilson Tuman ('24), interviewed her to learn more about her travels, aspirations and accomplishments.

EUPS alumna, Christina Craver, has found her new home in the United Arab Emirates. Intrigued about her path across the world, I interviewed Christina to learn more about how she ventured from the quaint alleyways of Florence to the bustling streets of Dubai. 

AWT: Hi Christina, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I am excited to learn more about your global professional journey. To begin, can you tell me if there was a particular moment in your career journey that impacted your decision to pursue opportunities internationally and, more specifically, in Dubai? Did this experience shape your understanding of international relations and influence your approach to your work?

CC: I lived in Saudi Arabia from 1998-2000 when my Dad was working for the U.S. Treasury Department for JECOR, the Joint Economic Cooperation Organization - Riyadh. The experience opened my eyes and changed my life. My father’s career was dedicated to international development, and he worked for the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Chemonics International, Crowne Agents, and many other international organizations. He set the stage for me and is my reference to this day.

AWT: What an incredible experience. I am glad that you were able to have the opportunity to live in a different region of the world. Now that you live in the UAE full time, can you tell me a bit about what you enjoy most about living as an American expat in the Gulf? What do you find are your biggest challenges? 

CC: Dubai, specifically, is an international city. 11.6% of the population is Emirati, or commonly referred to as “local,” everyone else is from somewhere else. I’ve gotten used to the most crazy origin stories. It’s nice to be in a place where you are not the exception when it comes to your background and history.

This region is also lightning-quick. You have to hit the ground running to understand the ins and outs of both personal and professional life. It’s a steep learning curve and becomes even more challenging when you move with a family as I did.

AWT: That is fascinating to think about. It seems like Dubai is truly a cosmopolitan city built for a global community. As someone with an international career, what unexpected lessons have you learned from navigating diverse cultures and working environments? How do these experiences challenge traditional notions of identity and belonging? Did your experience pursuing the EUPS program in Florence, Italy, help prepare you for an international profession? 

CC: In Italian, there is a phrase, “Tutto il mondo è paese,” which roughly translates to “small world.” When I got here, I was told by a Palestinian client that Arabs are similar to Italians. As I navigated through my first few months, I learned he was absolutely right. The skills I’d learned in EUPS and while living in Italy subsequently thereafter, helped me to be successful from the get-go.

AWT: It’s so beautiful to see the interconnectedness of cultures and experiences. Reflecting on your experiences in the EUPS program, how do you believe it equipped you for your current career path? Are there specific skills or insights gained during your studies that have proven helpful in your professional endeavors?

CC: I wrote my research paper on start-up culture in Europe after reading an Economist article on the topic back in 2011. I moved back to Italy after a traineeship in the European Parliament to work in a semi-public organization that promoted entrepreneurship through research and start-up accelerators. I then became Head of Product for a government venture in Dubai that supports the start-up ecosystem here. Honestly, it’s surreal how full-circle I’ve come.

AWT: That’s wonderful that you were able to leverage your work and studies in the EUPS program within your professional work. How has your understanding of European Union policies and dynamics contributed to your effectiveness in your career? Do you see an intersection between your academic background and practical experience shaping your future career goals?

CC: Up until recently I worked to support start-ups and the digital ecosystem in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It’s a special economic zone with laws based on English Common Law. Then last month I took a new position with Slack where I continue to help businesses in the MENA region. Data Privacy and Protection is a large area that one of my esteemed colleagues Lori Baker is an expert in. I wrote a piece back in 2017 on the topic since I was working in the EU as the GDPR was being implemented. The connection across EUPS, EU Data Protection, and my work over these past two years is intellectually stimulating and also rewarding.

I already have countless examples of how my past studies, travel, and work experiences have shaped my present. While I cannot predict the future, Steve Jobs’ words at Stanford’s graduation always resonate with me, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” My mission is to create and connect more dots so that my path in the future is extraordinary. 

AWT: Thank you so much for sharing these stories and pieces of your journey with us. I am certain you are an inspiration to many students as they begin to imagine where their careers may take them!

Alexandra Wilson Tuman, JD is a EUPS student and the program's Communications and Recruitment Graduate Assistant. Alexandra graduated cum laude from JMU in 2019 with a BA in International Affairs and a BS in Communication Studies. She recently graduated from Seton Hall Law in May 2023. After graduation, Alexandra hopes to use her legal knowledge to continue working in international policy.