Who we are
The Nabila BERKANE Endowment Fund (ASFAA) aims to carry out all activities of general interest of a philanthropic or educational nature, particularly by providing aid, assistance, and material support to women—especially those of African and Arab origin—whose access to education and employment is hindered by their social, cultural, or geographical isolation, or by a lack of financial resources.
Our Missions
Worldwide, women still face discrimination in access to education and employment, particularly women of African and Arab descent. Their situations are precarious due to a lack of financial resources, but also because of the exclusion they experience.
The Nabila BERKANE Endowment Fund, ASFAA, either directly or in partnership with organizations operating in France and abroad, supports projects that promote access to education and vocational training, as well as the development of individual or collective initiatives that fosterthe economic empowerment of women in need.
A Message from the President
The Nabila BERKANE, ASFAA Endowment Fund was established in memory of my father.
My father viewed the education and training of women as a cornerstone of development for African and Arab societies.
He made sure that my sisters and I had every opportunity to succeed. He encouraged us, instilled in us the values of sharing, a strong work ethic, and resilience, and gave us the freedom to make our own choices. Our successes—and those of his granddaughters—were a source of joy and pride for him. He wanted us to be free and independent women.
This fund is an extension of his principles and aims to give other women the opportunity to reach their full potential and become empowered.
Nabila Berkane
As the oldest of seven children, I was born and raised in Algeria.
, I arrived in France to pursue engineering studies at Supelec and work on my Doctor of Engineering thesis in telecommunications.
Upon returning to Algeria, I worked for four years at the Ministry of Telecommunications.
I returned to France to start a company in the field of software development. To accelerate its growth, it merged with another company with the goal of creating a major French software publisher.
The venture lasted three years before the company ran into difficulties.
Together with a group of engineers, I decided to take over the operations of this company.
We founded Profil Technology, a company specializing in software development, publishing, and distribution. I managed and grew Profil Technology for 30 years. As a woman in a male-dominated leadership environment, I had to prove my ability to sustain and grow the company.
The strategies, principles, and values I established enabled the company to experience strong growth and become a “success maker.” Its reputation has spread beyond France’s borders and attracted American and European publishers seeking a reliable partner to develop their business in French-speaking countries.
Profil Technology was approached by several companies regarding a merger or acquisition. In 2016, the shareholders accepted a purchase offer from a European group.
I then decided to establish the Nabila BERKANE Endowment Fund to help and support women—particularly those of African and Arab descent—so they can become empowered and defend their rights.
