On February 22, 2025, LebNet officially launched its Atlanta community at Georgia Tech, drawing 40 attendees, primarily students. The event featured a panel discussion with Dr. Chaouki Abdallah, President of the Lebanese American University (LAU), and Alex Abdelnour, PhD, Partner at McKinsey & Company. Moderated by Hasan Dandashly, President of HMD Advisors, the discussion brought together students, early-career professionals, and seasoned experts to exchange insights and strengthen the Lebanese tech community in Atlanta.

Jeanine Akiki, Executive Director of LebNet, kicked off the event with welcoming remarks and introduced the organization's mission to foster meaningful connections among its members, support the next generation through mentorship, job opportunities, and internships, and give back to Lebanon through career development and support initiatives.

Panel Discussion Highlights

Dr. Chaouki Abdallah’s Journey

Dr. Abdallah shared his remarkable career path:

• Studied in Lebanon before earning his Master’s and PhD at Georgia Tech. Specialized in Control Systems, Robotics, and AI

• Held the role of Executive Vice President for Research at Georgia Tech (2018-2024). Assumed the presidency of LAU in October 2024.

He encouraged students and professionals to leverage their networks, mentor others, and contribute to Lebanon’s progress.

Alex Abdelnour’s Career Path and Insights

• Grew up in Beirut and studied at Georgia Tech for his Master’s and PhD in civil engineering.

• Has been with McKinsey for 13 years, leading the distribution practice in North America.

Alex stressed the importance of authenticity, hard work, and being open to opportunities. He highlighted that networking and mentorship played a key role in his success, citing influential mentors who guided him throughout his career.

Key Takeaways

• Education & Career Growth: Lebanese institutions provide strong academic foundations. Combining technical skills with soft skills is crucial for career advancement.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Seeking mentors, being humble, and asking for guidance can be transformative. Giving back through mentorship strengthens both individuals and the broader community.

• Networking & Opportunity: Building strong networks, maintaining professional relationships, and staying open to new opportunities are essential for career development.

• Giving Back: Professionals are encouraged to stay engaged with Lebanese institutions and communities, supporting students and young professionals in their career journeys.

Next Steps & Community Engagement

• LebNet Membership: Everyone is encouraged to join to access mentorship and networking opportunities amongst many other things.

• Upcoming Event: A workshop in late March will focus on technical and behavioral interview skills, networking, and resume reviews.

• LebNet Atlanta WhatsApp Group: Attendees were invited to join to stay connected and provide feedback.

The event successfully laid the foundation for a strong and engaged Lebanese tech community in Atlanta, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among members. This launch marks the beginning of more impactful events and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Lebanese presence in the tech industry.

Our thank to Dr. Chaouki Abdallah, Dr. Alex Abdelnour, and Hasan Dandashly for the insightful panel discussion. Special thanks to Georgia Tech for hosting the event. We also extend our gratitude to the LebNet leadership team: Hasan Dandashly (President), Elio AbouFadel and Maria Layoun (Georgia Tech Student Reps), Moustafa Fahs, Katherine Shabb, and Michael Succar for their great work in growing LebNet’s impact in Atlanta. Thank you to the LebNet Atlanta community for attending and making this launch a success.