“In February 2012, I mentioned to a friend and colleague in New York that I was looking for a new position. I naturally assumed (the job she would recommend) was in New York since I had been living there since 2000. Imagine my surprise to open the link she sent and realize it was a position in the Middle East,” said Holloman. “I decided to research and apply. I researched the organization and the region. I was intrigued by both.”

Holloman accepted the position as education advisor with the Abu Dhabi Education Council in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The role requires her to work with schools on compliance, policy, licensing and curriculum issues. Her job was instituted as the Abu Dhabi Education Council began embarking upon an aggressive and strategic educational reform initiative.

Despite the various curriculum requirements and even cultural differences, Holloman discovered a far greater truth.

“Perhaps the most interesting conclusion that I have drawn from my three years here is the realization that schools, students, teachers – the educational field – is much more alike than it is different,” said Holloman. “Despite the varying languages and curriculums, at the end of it all, we all strive to prepare our students to think critically, collaboratively and to be innovative.”

In addition to finding professional contentment and gratification in Abu Dhabi, Holloman has been able to make a big difference serving her international community. On Jan. 22, she became the first president of the Omega Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) in the Middle East.

Aware of the international scope and influence of the group, Holloman was still surprised and overjoyed to discover she had so many sorority sisters carving out lives within her midst.

“The establishment of this chapter was especially historic because it marks the first time we have been in the Middle East,” she said. “Our national president, Dorothy Buchanan Wilson has the current platform, “Launching New Dimensions of Service,” that was implemented with her new administration in 2014. At the time she could not have known that the expansion of the chapter into Dubai would indeed take us to an entirely new level and dimension.”

Holloman and her sorors of the Omega Theta Omega chapter, formerly known as the Pearls of Arabia Interest Group, have provided programs of service in Abu Dhabi and Dubai including donating backpacks and other resources to the Special Care Centre, which provides support for special needs children from 14 countries, participating in the annual Diabetes Walk and joining with other community-based organizations to provide service to the Abu Dhabi and Dubai communities. The chapter is also partnering with the Special Care Centre in Abu Dhabi to build a school for special needs children.

“Our presence here enables us to better educate this region on the goals and ideals of sisterhood and service. In fact, because we are a women’s organization, our presence here is even more profound,” said Holloman.

Although she eventually plans to return to the United States, Holloman is grateful that her life has led to new dimensions and encourages everyone to explore different opportunities and “consider doing something outside of your comfort zone.”

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