Across the globe, HR and People Leaders are grappling with how to build more inclusive leadership pipelines and support the personal and professional growth of underrepresented talent. One innovative model tackling this challenge is the PARLA Project, an initiative launched by NEQSOL Holding in collaboration with the Education Development Fund. Parla offers a blueprint for transforming potential into leadership at scale through education, mentorship, and long-term development.
PARLA supports high-performing female university students who face barriers to education due to financial or social constraints. What sets the initiative apart is its holistic approach: combining academic scholarships with one-on-one mentoring, leadership training, language instruction, and exposure to international best practices.
These integrated elements address some of the most pressing concerns for employers and educators alike – from a lack of diverse leadership candidates to insufficient soft skills development among graduates entering the workforce.
Since its inception, PARLA has supported a significant number of students in Azerbaijan and abroad, selected through a rigorous process that weighs academic merit, financial need, and social context. By investing in these individuals’ growth, PARLA helps level the playing field and foster capabilities such as critical thinking, adaptability, and civic engagement – qualities increasingly in demand in the modern workplace.
The program’s long-term impact is already visible. At a recent milestone event, scholars described how their experiences have helped them build confidence, lead initiatives, and contribute to their communities. Many spoke about overcoming personal obstacles and seizing opportunities they had previously thought out of reach – experiences that often correlate with stronger workplace resilience and initiative.
A notable strength of the project is its collaborative foundation. Educators, mentors, and subject-matter experts contribute their time and insights to help guide participants, creating a living ecosystem of support. This model mirrors many of the talent development strategies HR leaders strive to implement internally: mentorship, peer learning, and real- world application.
Looking forward, the project’s upcoming international expansion includes hybrid learning models and the expansion of NEQSOL Academy – a digital hub for leadership and professional development. The program also boasts a growing alumni network, where graduates support new cohorts through mentoring and joint initiatives. This intergenerational engagement helps embed long-term leadership capacity and peer accountability.
The PARLA Project was launched by NEQSOL Holding in collaboration with the Education Development Fund as part of the company’s broader commitment to inclusive development and social impact. NEQSOL’s role in the initiative underscores how private sector involvement can help drive long-term change through strategic investment in human capital.
According to Yusif Jabbarov, Chairman of NEQSOL Holding, “PARLA is about unlocking potential, creating opportunities, and nurturing future leaders who will shape a more inclusive, resilient world.” His view reflects a broader trend among forward-thinking employers and social investors: recognizing that real social mobility begins with equitable access to personal development and education.
Importantly, the design and evolution of PARLA align with emerging priorities in CSR and workforce development: inclusive access to education, the cultivation of soft skills, and the creation of diverse leadership pipelines from the ground up.
As PARLA expands globally, it offers more than just a story of social investment. It presents a working solution to a shared challenge – how to identify, nurture, and support future leaders in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful.
To learn more about the PARLA model and its impact, visit
