The LebNet New York community closed out the year with a festive and vibrant gathering at Manousheh Grand on December 12th, bringing together Lebanese professionals in tech for an evening filled with meaningful conversations, delicious man2oushe, and celebration. The event provided an excellent opportunity to network, strengthen connections, and reflect on the year’s achievements while sharing ideas for 2025. Attendees expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation, with feedback such as, “Thank you for the event! I loved it!” and “Great time was had by all!” Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to the positive energy and collaborative spirit. Here’s to building on this momentum for an even more exciting 2025!

The LebNet San Diego event featuring Professor Shadi Dayeh was a resounding success, with over 50 attendees from the LebNet San Diego community coming together for a dinner and fireside chat with the Lebanese-American innovator in neurotechnology. Prof. Dayeh shared invaluable insights from his distinguished academic and professional journey, discussing his groundbreaking work in brain mapping, neurotechnology, and regenerative medicine. He highlighted innovations such as the Platinum Nanorod Grid (PtNRGrid), a high-resolution brain imaging technology that promises to transform brain surgery, ambulatory monitoring for neurodegenerative disorders, and brain-machine interfaces for neuromodulation therapy targeting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve.

In addition to his neurotechnology work, Prof. Dayeh spoke about his research on eye transplant technologies for curing blindness and could revolutionize the field of vision restoration. He also discussed co-founding CortiSci, a startup focused on translating lab innovations to clinical applications.

Shadi also shared with us his poetic side, moving the audience with a heartwarming poem about his mother and shared his early beginnings in Lebanon. He reflected on how those formative experiences and the support of his family have played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today.  Please check this link for more pictures and videos of the event.

Our community continues to thrive, with a wonderful mix of familiar faces and exciting new ones joining us. The fireside chat was skillfully moderated by Reem Masri, and the event was met with positive feedback from attendees, with one remarking, “One of the best talks I have attended with LebNet. It was not only informative but also quite moving and renewed my faith in what humans can do!"

A special thank you to the LebNet San Diego Leadership team: Aziz Gholmieh, Cynthia Jereige, Diana Maamari, Fram Akiki, Jean Abou Rahal, Reem Masri, and Shadi Dayeh, for organizing this amazing event, with the support of Jeanine Akiki, Lebnet's local executive director.

We also extend our gratitude to Femina Careo/Moukarzel Medical Corp and Joun Technologies for sponsoring the event, and to Cooley LLP for generously hosting us. 

LebNet, in collaboration with LIFE and ILMA, is hosting a series of online events dedicated to highlighting the vital work of NGOs in Lebanon during this devastating time. This initiative aims to showcase their on-the-ground efforts, share key insights, address their challenges, and articulate their needs. By spotlighting these organisations, we seek to raise awareness about their impactful work and foster meaningful engagement within our communities.

Act and Engage Episode #4:  Recording can be found here.

This episode featured initiatives led by LIFE members in response to the ongoing war in Lebanon:

Guest Speakers:

• Alexandra Tohme of Azahir (Mental Health)
• Rindala Beydoun and Ziyad Baroud of Istidama (Basic Needs)    
• Fadi Chidiac of Million Bridges (Donation Platform)

Act and Engage Episode #5:  Recording can be found here.

This episode spotlighted efforts to address Lebanon's healthcare crisis and support the medical needs of the vulnerable populations during the ongoing war.

Guest Speakers:

• Georgina Nouaime, Internal Medicine physician at UMASS and Disaster Medicine specialist and President of ILMA USA 
• Khalil Achkar, Chairman of Family Medicine at University of Balamand and oversees the operation of the Balamand free clinic Balamand Donations should be made via below information: Bank Name: IBL Bank sal, Address: Balamand Branch, Lebanon, Beneficiary: University of Balamand, Account #: 022-002-391-0039435-021, Currency: USD, Swift Code: INLELBBE, IBAN : LB72 0052 0022 0023 9100 3943 5021
• Salah Zeineldine, Chief Medical Officer at AUBMC where he heads the Emergency Response and oversees the Emergency Operations

Act and Engage Episode #6:  Recording can be found here.

In this episode, we explored the challenges Lebanon's education sector is facing through the perspectives of school principals, each sharing unique circumstances and ground-level solutions.

Guest Speakers:

• Saadieh Bassyouni, Principal of Martyr Maarouf Saad Public School, Saida
• Sister Gloria Douaihy, Principal of Nazareth School, Kfarzeina, North Lebanon
• Ghoussoune Wahoud, Principal of Esprits Libres School, Hermel

On October 21, our sold-out panel discussion, AI in HR: Transforming Workforce Analytics and Talent Acquisition, brought together a vibrant community in Toronto, including many newcomers eager to establish networks and careers. The panel featured industry experts Tamara ElSahyouni, Malay Upadhyay, and Shadi Zebian, who shared valuable insights on how AI is reshaping HR through advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and innovative employee engagement tools to optimize recruitment and workforce performance.

Key topics included AI's impact on talent acquisition, with Tamara ElSahyouni discussing how AI can streamline sourcing, onboarding, and diversity in hiring. Malay Upadhyay explored predictive modeling’s role in addressing future skills gaps and ensuring fairness in recruitment. Shadi Zebian highlighted AI-driven tools for boosting employee engagement and satisfaction, sharing insights on the positive impacts of these technologies on company culture and productivity.

Panelists also addressed broader questions, such as balancing AI-driven processes with the human touch, ethical implications of AI in HR, and the evolving role of AI in managing remote and hybrid teams.

In these challenging times for Lebanon, this event reinforced the importance of community and connection, offering a space for professionals to gain insights and foster valuable relationships.

We extend our sincere thanks to the panelists for sharing their expertise and to our Toronto leadership team and community for attending and contributing to this important discussion.

On October 24th, LebNet Boston and Montreal brought together the Lebanese tech communities in both cities in solidarity and support for Lebanon during these challenging times. Each gathering aimed to strengthen connections within the Lebanese tech community while providing practical support as we navigate the ongoing crisis back home.

In Boston, the Tech Connections & Pool Night welcomed attendees for an evening of networking, camaraderie, and resource sharing. The event provided newcomers and established professionals alike with an opportunity to connect and foster a sense of belonging, all while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with pool games.

Meanwhile, the LebNet Montreal leadership team hosted a Networking and Support Event, offering guidance on tech job opportunities and assisting both new arrivals and those already settled in Canada in navigating professional transitions. Attendees exchanged valuable resources and insights, creating a supportive environment focused on empowering the community through mentorship and shared experiences.

These events highlighted the strength of the LebNet tech communities coming together to support each other and Lebanon, providing much-needed encouragement and a platform to connect, share resources, and uplift one another during difficult times.

A heartfelt thank you to the leadership teams and communities in Boston and Montreal for their commitment and participation!

LebNet, in collaboration with LIFE and ILMA, are hosting a series of online events dedicated to highlighting the vital work of NGOs in Lebanon during this devastating time. This initiative aims to showcase their on-the-ground efforts, share key insights, address their challenges, and articulate their needs. By spotlighting these organisations, we seek to raise awareness about their impactful work and foster meaningful engagement within our communities.

Act and Engage Episode #1:  Recording can be found here.

The first event, on Wednesday October 16th, 2024,  featured a panel of organisations with: Arcenciel, represented by Rana El Asmar; Beit El Baraka, represented by Maya Ibrahimchah; and Ruwwad, represented by Sarah Al Charif. The discussion was moderated by LIFE Board Member, Haneen Sayed.

If you wish to support these NGOs:

• Arcenciel: Check this link.
• Beit El Baraka: Check this link.
• Ruwwad Al Tanmeya: Check this link or contact Sarah Al Charif, Lebanon Director, at [email protected] or +961 3198516.

Act and Engage Episode #2: Recording can be found here. 

On Wednesday, October 23, Nabih Jabr, Under-Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross, shared invaluable insights into the organization’s critical operations, the challenges faced on the ground, and strategies to unite and strengthen their life-saving mission.

As a cornerstone of support for communities across Lebanon, the Lebanese Red Cross provides essential services such as emergency medical care, disaster response, blood donation programs, and daily health initiatives that save lives. Their unwavering commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and voluntary service ensures aid reaches everyone in need, especially during times of crisis.

Donations for the Lebanese Red Cross can be made here. For more info, email [email protected].

Act and Engage Episode #3: Recording can be found here. 

On Wednesday, October 30, Minister Nasser Yassin, Lebanon's Emergency Committee Coordinator and caretaker Minister of Environment, provided an overview of the Lebanese Government’s Emergency Response Plan, as well as a briefing on the pledges and commitments from the Paris Conference. 

On October 17th, LebNet and LIFE Lebanon hosted a dynamic Pitch Night at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in New York. The evening brought together founders, investors, and community members, highlighting the entrepreneurial talent within the Lebanese community.

The event kicked off with a panel featuring accomplished founders Alice Nawfal, Khaled Kteily, and Patrick Obeid, who collectively raised over $70 million. Moderated by Habib Kairouz, the discussion set the stage for an engaging night of pitches.  

Alice Nawfal shared her thoughts on the event, saying, "Thank you for planning and inviting us to speak! The startup pitches were great, and the audience enjoyed the networking a lot. I heard great feedback from everyone, including some who said it was their favorite event to date."

Founders and Pitches:

Eight selected founders delivered compelling presentations to a packed room of VCs, community members, and a review panel featuring Andrew Komery and Raida Daouk El Jisr. After the event, Andrew expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for having us! I really enjoyed it and look forward to being more involved going forward."

Meet the Founders: 

• Alaa Safa
• Marc Ayoub
• Souraya Eid, CFA
• Karim Choueiri
• Fadwa Mohanna
• Jad Rizk
• Majd Maksad
• Anthony J. Wehbe

Featured Startups:

• lineup
• SAILE App
• Maera
• WECHEER
• One37
• ASAI Technologies
• TruAgents
• SENA Health

The energy was high as each founder showcased their innovative startups. 

Special Thanks:

• Marwan Azzi for hosting and E14 Fund and Rho Capital Partners, Inc. for sponsoring.
• LIFE Lebanon Team: Zeina Mhanna, Karine Barakat, Tana Haidar, Zayd Hammam.
• Selection Committee: Daniel Ghanem, Maher Abdel Samad, Widad Machmouchi, Youssef Mouawad, Zayd Hammam.
• Mentors and outreach partners: AUB Alumni, BDD, Endeavor, LAU NY, Viaka.
• LebNet NY Leadership Team: Marwan Madi, Osman Ghandour, Amali N, Yasmina Noueihed, René Sultan.

The night was a testament to the strength and resilience of Lebanese entrepreneurship, filled with innovation, networking, and inspiration.

On October 10th, LebNet organized a webinar on Navigating AI in EdTech for Arabic Language and Culture Learning, moderated by Alefb's founder, and featuring leaders from Ostaz, QCRI (Qatar Computing Research Institute), Falafel Games, and KamKalima.

Jeanine Akiki, Executive Director of LebNet, opened the session by acknowledging Lebanon’s challenges and encouraging continued support from the LebNet community. 

Michelle Tager stressed the importance of persevering despite regional challenges and expressed excitement about moderating the panel, since Alefb will likely be using GenAI to enhance Arabic learning while preserving cultural heritage. She emphasized involving all stakeholders—teachers, students, administrators, and parents—to ensure AI fosters individuality and diversity rather than uniformity.

The panel explored how AI, Gen Ai, gamification, and innovative tools are transforming Arabic language learning while addressing linguistic and cultural challenges, as well as privacy, authenticity, accuracy, regulations, and readiness in education.

 Audrey Nakad highlighted how AI has streamlined processes at Ostaz, reducing onboarding time and costs while enhancing educational content.

Vincent Ghossoub discussed how Falafel Games uses AI for adaptive learning and content creation in educational tools.

Natasa Milic-Frayling of QCRI emphasized the importance of culturally relevant Arabic data in AI models. She also shared two AI-powered applications: QVoice, which provides feedback on Arabic pronunciation, and NUMUe, which facilitates personalized learning and helps teachers with lesson planning via generative AI. The AI assistant Sidr further supports students during their practice.

Nisrine El-Makkouk of KamKalima explained how AI tools like Fahim, an intelligent assistant, help students learn modern standard Arabic. 

The panel also addressed challenges such as limited Arabic data and the need to upskill teachers, emphasizing the importance of creating learning ecosystems that balance modern technology with cultural preservation.

The webinar provided a well-rounded discussion on AI's evolving role in EdTech and its impact on Arabic language and culture learning, giving attendees valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges ahead. Watch the full webinar here.

The audience was very engaged and expressed a desire for more tools to preserve the Arabic language language and culture. 

As a special offer for the LebNet community, Michelle Tager shared exclusive resources from Alefb:

• Free 30-minute Arabic lesson with an expert tutor by messaging Alefb with the subject "FreeTrial."
• 15% discount on Arabic learning programs with code WEBINARAI2024.
• Free access to interactive storybooks and learning activities.

On September 18th, LebNet hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion with Charbel Atala, Managing Partner and Founder of Talent Gurus. Charbel led an engaging conversation focused on self-branding and professional development, encouraging participants to prioritize authenticity over traditional thought leadership. He emphasized the importance of being original and purposeful when shaping personal brands, while also stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptability throughout one's career.

The session sparked insightful discussions on how personal branding can help navigate the North American job market. Charbel offered practical advice on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, writing personalized cover letters, and using narrative-driven approaches in job applications.

The conversation also touched on talent acquisition, with Charbel highlighting the value of cultural fit and growth potential, particularly for small and mid-sized companies. He advocated for transparency in salary discussions and pledged to share self-discovery questionnaires to help participants further their personal growth. Charbel concluded the session by offering one-on-one guidance and introducing Talent Gurus' career development programs—Step, Climb, and Rise—designed to help professionals advance their careers.

Additionally, Charbel recommended books aligned with the event's themes:

1. “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport: Emphasizes mastering valuable skills over simply following passion, perfect for those looking to refine their craft and stand out.
2. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson: Focuses on prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of societal expectations, resonating with our conversation on being authentic in personal branding.
3. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon: Encourages borrowing inspiration and remixing ideas in a unique way, which ties into our discussion on creative self-expression and narrative-building in applications.

These books offer additional insights and inspiration for participants as they continue developing their personal brands and careers.

You can catch the full recording of the session here. A special thank you to Charbel for generously sharing his time and expertise with the community!

The Bay Area LebNet community gathered for a special evening to honor four distinguished award recipients: Abdo George Kadifa (Lifetime Achievement Award), Sassine Ghazi (Executive of the Year), Aya Mouallem (Mentor/Youth Champion), and Hadi Salman (Young Scientist). The event included a networking session, a panel discussion, and the Bireme Award ceremony, all set against a backdrop of Lebanese heritage, complemented by wine, refreshments, and traditional Lebanese Mezza.

Panel Discussion
Moderated by Sam Azar, VP of SW Engineering at Nvidia, the panel explored each honoree's professional journey and the influence of their Lebanese roots on their careers:

• Abdo George Kadifa reflected on pivotal moments that shaped his leadership across major global companies, emphasizing how his Lebanese heritage fostered global connections and advocacy for Lebanese professionals in tech.

• Sassine Ghazi, CEO of Synopsys, shared key experiences that prepared him for his role, highlighting how his background has shaped his leadership style, particularly in managing tough decisions and effectively handling stress.

• Aya Mouallem, who joined via Zoom due to illness, shared her journey from co-founding All Girls Code to empowering underserved students through the LebNet Tech Fellows Program, driven by her desire to offer others opportunities she was fortunate to have.

• Hadi Salman shared insights from his groundbreaking AI research, emphasizing the importance of community building through his Lebanese in AI Slack channel, which fosters connections and knowledge sharing among Lebanese AI professionals worldwide.

A special thank you to Sam Azar for expertly moderating the panel.

Awards and Testimonials
Each honoree received heartfelt tributes from family and friends, recognizing their significant achievements, contributions, and the inspiration they provide. Video messages from loved ones added a personal and emotional touch, showcasing their impactful work and the pride they instilled in their families, along with their deep connection to their Lebanese roots. To honor their lasting impact, a cedar tree was planted in Lebanon in each honoree's name, symbolizing their enduring legacy.

This event powerfully showcased the fusion of excellence in technology and Lebanese cultural pride, uniting the community in celebrating shared accomplishments. A heartfelt thank you goes to our honorees for strengthening our Lebanese tech community, fostering a spirit of giving, and creating a lasting impact that benefits us all.

Acknowledgments and Gratitude

Additionally, a huge thank you to the Bay Area community for showing up in force to support the event! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and dedicated LebNet supporters. Special appreciation goes to the LebNet Bay Area Leadership team—our fearless leader and sponsor, Jibran Jahshan, along with Karim Ahmad and Nathalie Saade—for organizing this memorable event.

Special thanks to Château Bellevue from Bhamdoun, Lebanon, for generously donating the wines for the evening. If you enjoyed the wine, please consider joining their Wine Club!

Thank you to White & Case for supporting this event and providing the amazing venue.

This evening was truly a celebration of connection and inspiration!