On June 11, 2025, the LebNet Tech Fellows Program celebrated its third successful cohort with a graduation ceremony held at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The hybrid event brought together in-person and virtual attendees to recognize the achievements of 64 fellows from 13 universities across Lebanon.

Now in its third year, the program continues to provide STEM students in Lebanon with meaningful exposure to the tech industry, personalized career guidance, and a powerful peer network. Fellows consistently described the experience as “transformative,” “empowering,” and “clarifying.”

Aya Mouallem, program founder, underscored the importance of tech education in times of crisis, while Jeanine Akiki, LebNet’s Executive Director, emphasized the program’s role in promoting upward mobility and encouraging graduates to use their skills in service of Lebanon. The ceremony also honored the contributions of the leadership team, lecturers, alumni, and partner universities who made the program a success.

Program Highlights

The five-month fellowship was designed to prepare Lebanon’s next generation of technologists with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to launch successful tech careers. Special emphasis was placed on supporting women and first-generation, low-income students.

Led by Aya Mouallem and supported by Hussein Mozannar, Aya Fathallah, Lynn Mouallem, Yara Rizk, and Michael Succar, the program featured a rich curriculum of interactive sessions and hands-on mentorship.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Nicole Nakad (AUB) and Nicole Bou Farhat (LAU) for their outstanding coordination of in-person logistics, making the graduation ceremony both memorable and seamless for all involved.

In Their Own Words: Reflections from the Fellows

Thirteen graduating fellows delivered powerful and moving speeches. Their reflections revealed five recurring themes:

• Finding Clarity & Confidence: Many students shared how the program helped them define career goals, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in their future paths.
• Resilience Through Uncertainty: Several fellows spoke about learning to embrace doubt, adapt to change, and persevere through personal and national challenges.
• Community & Belonging: The importance of mentorship and peer connection emerged strongly, with fellows feeling empowered by a shared sense of purpose and mutual support.
• A Call to Serve: Most graduates expressed a deep commitment to giving back—by mentoring others, solving community problems, or helping build Lebanon’s tech ecosystem.
• Tech with Purpose: Topics ranged from AI ethics to social responsibility, with fellows underscoring the need to build technology that advances the public good.

Their words reminded us what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, and how a mission-driven community can inspire the next generation of Lebanese leaders in tech.

You can watch the entire graduation ceremony here.

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!