NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Yasmina Malouf, an early-career legal professional, recently launched a grassroots fundraiser for UNICEF Lebanon with her friends, raising over $8,000 to support families in need.

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility to her country, Yasmina recognized that many people around her wanted to help—they just didn’t know how. By making giving simple and accessible, she was able to mobilize her network and turn intention into action.

Her story is a powerful reminder that meaningful impact doesn’t require scale, just clarity, accessibility, and the willingness to take the first step. LebNet is proud to feature Yasmina as an example of how small actions can create real impact.

What motivated you to start this fundraiser, and how did you get your friends involved? Being Lebanese is one of the greatest honors of my life, and it has never felt like an option to stand by while my country and people are suffering. We are living in a time where social media makes it possible to raise awareness far beyond our own communities. I realized many of my non-Lebanese friends wanted to help—they just did not know how. I made donating as simple as possible by using platforms like Venmo, so people could contribute quickly and easily. When you remove barriers, people show up, especially when they feel even a small action can make a difference.

For others early in their careers who may feel they cannot do much, what would you say to encourage them to take action? It is easy to feel helpless watching what is happening in Lebanon, especially early in your career when you may not feel established or influential. But making an impact does not require a big platform or significant resources. People are more willing to help than you might expect, and small contributions truly add up. You do not have to solve the entire crisis, just doing your part to support humanitarian aid is meaningful. Action, even on a small scale, is always better than inaction.

What did this experience mean to you personally, and what impact do you hope it will have? These initiatives are deeply personal to me. I love my people and I love Lebanon, and fundraising has always been how I channel that into something tangible. The first time I fundraised, I was five years old, passing out flyers and collecting donations on Burlingame Avenue. Since then, I have continued to show up in moments of crisis.

After the Beirut blast, I worked alongside other young Lebanese Americans to support relief efforts. At that time, I supported the Beirut Project, bringing together Lebanese young adults across the country to fundraise and deliver immediate aid on the ground. I also created a simple, shareable graphic for my sorority sisters, helping raise funds in an accessible way.

In 2024, I organized donations again following the bombardment in the south. Each time, I am reminded that people will surprise you with their generosity, especially when it is easy to contribute. What I hope this shows is that fundraising can be done by anyone, at any level. For me, whenever I am hurting for Lebanon, it is the most immediate and meaningful way I know how to help.

Like Yasmina, stand with Lebanon.  Every dollar matters. Every share multiplies the impact.  

Lebanon is facing a devastating crisis, with over one million people displaced and urgent humanitarian needs growing by the day.
Follow Yasmina’s lead, take action.

Your impact is multiplied
Thanks to pledged matches from LebNet leaders and partners, every dollar you give can be tripled, turning your support into immediate, amplified relief on the ground.  Help us unlock the full match by spreading this campaign across your networks

Donate now:
• Beit El Baraka: https://benevity.go.link/3vcYM
• Lebanese Red Cross: https://benevity.go.link/cTkhw
• UNICEF Lebanon: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-aids-children-lebanon-conflict-intensifies?form=FUNPVAQXYTN
• World Central Kitchen: https://benevity.go.link/8MKyc

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Dr. Ossama Hassanein: a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, philanthropist, and a cherished member of the LebNet community. Dr. Hassanein was a global leader in technology and venture capital for more than four decades, managing over $1 billion in international tech funds and helping build and finance some of the most influential companies in Silicon Valley and around the world.

Yet, for all his remarkable accomplishments, what defined Dr. Hassanein  most was his unwavering belief in people. He dedicated his life to uplifting the next generation, mentoring countless entrepreneurs, opening doors, and advocating for those with big dreams and few champions. His generosity, wisdom, and lifelong commitment to giving back shaped ecosystems across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, leaving an immeasurable mark on our community and far beyond.

As a LebNet Senior Advisor and longtime supporter, he championed our mission and inspired us to think bigger, reach higher, and invest in one another. He led with heart, humility, and conviction, always reminding us that “The future is brighter together.” This belief was more than a quote,  it was the way he lived, the way he led, and the hope he instilled in everyone he touched.

Dr. Hassanein’s passing is a tremendous loss, but his legacy will live on in the thousands of lives he shaped, those he mentored, empowered, and believed in. We will honor him by continuing the work he cared so deeply about: lifting others, building bridges, and creating opportunities for generations to come.

May his soul rest in peace. May his memory be eternal.  Our LebNet community will never forget him.

We’re thrilled to welcome Michel Rbeiz to the LebNet Senior Advisory Board!

Michel is a FinTech leader whose career bridges strategy, product innovation, and technology. He currently serves as SVP & General Manager of FinTech at Toast, where he leads Toast’s Payments, Lending & Embedded Finance, Team Management, and Payroll lines of business - all designed to empower the hospitality community, delight their guests and do what they love.

Previously, Michel was Global Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at State Street Corporation, driving corporate strategy, M&A, and partnerships. Michel also held a variety of other senior strategy, chief operating officer and technology transformation roles at State Street. Michel started his career at McKinsey & Company as a management consultant in financial services and technology industries, and spent a few years as an entrepreneur in the FinTech and Consumer space in Boston

He is an MIT alumnus in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and has served on the Board of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, supporting families in underserved communities.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Michel will help guide LebNet’s strategic direction, strengthen partnerships, and advance financial sustainability.

Please join us in welcoming Michel Rbeiz to the LebNet Senior Advisory Board!

Breaking into the tech industry or taking that next big leap can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

This October, LebNet Atlanta is proud to launch Sharpen Your Edge: Atlanta Mentorship Sessions, a month-long initiative offering exclusive one-on-one mentorship with seasoned Lebanese tech and business professionals right here in the Atlanta area.

What’s in it for you?

Each 30-minute session is designed to give you practical, personalized guidance to strengthen your edge in today’s competitive job market:

• ✅ Resume reviews – polish your story and highlight what matters most.

• ✅ Cover letter guidance – craft messages that stand out to hiring managers.

• ✅ Mock interview practice – build confidence and sharpen your responses.

Why join?

This is more than just career advice, it’s a chance to connect directly with professionals who share your background, understand your challenges, and want to see you succeed. Whether you’re applying for your first internship, aiming for graduate school, or making a career pivot, this mentorship is tailored for you.

⚡ Spots are limited to participants in the Atlanta area, so don’t wait!  Secure your session here or scan the QR code to register.

Take the next step in your journey and sharpen your edge with LebNet Atlanta by your side.

LebNet proudly celebrates Aya Mouallem, our Women in Tech Leader, board student observer, and founder of the Tech Fellows Program, whose initiative has just been awarded the 2025 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education — marking the first time Lebanon has received this honor.

Aya co-founded All Girls Code (AGC) in 2017, a youth-led, volunteer-driven initiative that has supported over 2,500 girls across Lebanon, the Arab World, and the Global South. AGC offers free training, mentorship, and leadership development, with a particular focus on underserved and refugee communities. Its impact has inspired girls to gain confidence, sharpen digital skills, and embrace leadership roles in tech and beyond.

At LebNet, Aya conceived and launched the Tech Fellows Program in 2023, designed to nurture the next generation of Lebanese technologists. With a particular focus on women, first-generation, and low-income students, the five-month fellowship equips participants with technical expertise, mentorship, and professional networks to help them transition into successful tech careers post-university. Since its launch, the program has already graduated over 225 students.

Reflecting on her journey, Aya shared:

“I’m genuinely excited about the positive change I’ve been able to spur through All Girls Code over the years in the region, and I’m even more excited about the impact that the Tech Fellows program will have on a larger scale!”

LebNet President George Akiki added a personal note:

“Aya: this is much needed good news and you should be so proud — and we’re so proud of you. We’re so lucky to have you as a leader and a member in LebNet. I can’t wait to have grandchildren (well my kids have to get married first) and tell them that I had the privilege of knowing you.”

From all of us at LebNet, CONGRATULATIONS Aya! Your global recognition reflects the transformative impact of your work at the intersection of education, equity, and technology, and showcases the role of Lebanese youth leadership on the world stage.

You can read the full articles here.

In the wake of the devastating impact of the war in Lebanon, we launched the Lebanon Education Emergency Fund (LEEF) in November 2024, in partnership with LIFE, to support schoolchildren whose education had been severely disrupted. Our goal was simple yet urgent: to ensure aid reached the most vulnerable families and to keep education within reach during one of the country’s darkest times.

At LebNet and LIFE, education has always been at the heart of our mission. We believe in its ripple effect: empowering children today lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable change.  You can read the full articles in Al Nahar and/or L’Orient-Le Jour.

Thanks to Your Generosity

Together, LebNET and LIFE raised $540,000 for this emergency fund.

These resources were entrusted to five carefully selected and vetted NGOs, Nafda, Beit el Baraka, Ajialouna, Bassma, and Ruwwad, each with proven expertise on the ground. To ensure transparency and accountability, we worked with a consultant who conducted site visits and supported us in implementing a strong monitoring, evaluation, and reporting process.

The Impact We Achieved

With your support, we were able to deliver real, measurable impact across Lebanon:

• 2,237 students received tuition support

• 74 schools were reached across 8 governorates

• 5,659 students benefited from psychosocial support and/or training

• 204 teachers received capacity-building and training

A Shared Achievement

We are deeply grateful to our donors and community for placing their trust in us. Through the power of our networks, we were able to step in when the country needed it most and make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children.

This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together and a reminder that investing in education is investing in the future.

Did you know? Paid LebNet members enjoy 2 weeks of free dedicated desk space at the Beirut Digital District (BDD), plus exclusive discounted rates year-round!  Click here to apply.

Members’ Highlights

Yasmine Attar, from the LebNet Women in Tech community, made use of this benefit during a recent visit to Lebanon and shared her gratitude:

“BDD is great! The office is big and spacious, and the community is really nice. I loved the experience! Thank you LebNet and BDD!”

From the LebNet Bay Area community, Mohamad Itani also shared his excitement about the program:

“The experience has been incredible, with benefits such as:

• 2 weeks free
• A dedicated desk
• Parking
• 24/7 access
• Unlimited high-speed bandwidth (perfect for uploading/downloading models)
• A great community! Big thanks to LebNet and BDD for the amazing support.”

This program is now available year-round! Don’t miss out on exclusive member benefits! Join LebNet today at lebnet.us/subscribe.

LebNet proudly celebrates Lynn Doughane, Montreal Steering Committee member & COO of Juno Technologies, for being named one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants! She’s the only honouree from Quebec and the 4th Lebanese recipient in 17 years, proudly raising the Lebanese flag on a national stage.

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards honor the perseverance, impact, and accomplishments of outstanding immigrants across Canada.

✨ Congratulations, Lynn Doughane, on this remarkable achievement!  

We are thrilled to welcome Raja D. Yanni, Vice President of Global Tax at McAfee, as the new community leader of LebNet’s Pacific Northwest region,

Raja brings a wealth of global corporate experience and technical acumen to the role, instrumental in strengthening the local network. But what truly sets him apart is his commitment to giving back. Raja is driven by a deep desire to foster meaningful connections, mentorship, and professional growth within the Lebanese tech community.

A couple questions to get to know Raja:

Why LebNet? I envisioned that joining LebNet would allow me to connect with fellow Lebanese professionals in tech while fostering a strong sense of cultural pride. I also saw it as a meaningful way to give back to a community I deeply care about.

What's Your Vision for the Pacific Northwest Community?

As a proud member of the Pacific Northwest tech ecosystem, my vision is to cultivate deeper connections among Lebanese professionals, expand mentorship opportunities, and create a space where innovation and cultural heritage thrive together. I’m most excited to help grow our community, spotlight local talent, and build bridges between LebNet and the broader tech landscape.

Please join us in welcoming Raja to the team!

Hadi Salman is a rising leader in the global AI research community with an extensive record of influential publications in top-tier venues. His work has spanned diverse topics — from the robustness and reliability of AI systems to advancing large language models and improving their reasoning capabilities. At OpenAI, he leads a team pushing the boundaries of LLM research and development.

Hadi holds a PhD in Computer Science from MIT, a Master’s in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, and dual undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut.

Beyond his research, Hadi is deeply committed to community building. He founded the Global Lebanese AI Slack group, connecting Lebanese AI professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide to collaborate and exchange ideas.

As an Associate Board Member, he will help design programs for early-career professionals and strengthen connections across our global network. Please join us in warmly welcoming Hadi to the LebNet Board!