3:00 PM Beirut Time (8:00 AM EST)

Welcome to the Summit | Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Michael Muhanna is the Founder & Executive Director of afikra, a global organization that aims to promote intellectualism and the diversity and richness of the Arab world’s cultures and histories. Previously, he was a director at the Muhanna Foundation, as well as worked on Morgan Stanley’s alternative asset management team in New York City and was part of the actuarial consulting practices at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in New York and AonBenfield in Chicago. A former Teach For America corps member, Michael has remained heavily involved in education. He sits on the Board of Trustees for both the American Community School at Beirut and on the NYC education nonprofit, COOP*ERATE. Mikey graduated with a Bachelor’s in Economics from Duke University.

3:00- 3:40 PM Beirut Time (8:00 - 8:40 AM EST)

Consulting & Finance

This session bridges the gap between strategic consulting, financial frameworks, and professional services. Our panelists will dissect what it means to advise major organizations, manage high-stakes projects, and navigate the complex financial landscapes that drive global business. Whether looking at the built environment or corporate strategy, this discussion offers a roadmap for understanding how top-tier consulting firms operate. Attendees will gain insight into client management, strategic problem solving, and the evolving role of the consultant in a data-driven economy.

Rabia Mourad is a seasoned investment leader currently serving as the Head of Middle East & Africa at Fidelity International in Dubai. In this role, he oversees the firm’s strategic growth across the region, driving business development for both wholesale and institutional clients.

With nearly two decades of experience in wealth management and private banking, Rabia has held senior positions at top-tier financial institutions, including Elyseum Capital Partners, Emirates NBD, and Standard Chartered Bank. He began his career in risk services at EY. Rabia holds an MSc from Cass Business School (City, University of London) and is a graduate of the American University of Beirut.

Rose Farah is a student at Harvard Business School and an incoming MBA Associate at Morgan Stanley. Prior to Harvard, Rose worked on the investment advisory team at CrossBoundary, facilitating private investment into emerging and frontier markets. Earlier in her career, Rose was a strategy consultant at The Bridgespan Group in New York and Singapore, where she helped launch the firm’s presence in Southeast Asia. Rose serves on the Board of Directors at Jusoor, an international NGO focused on education and entrepreneurship for Syrian youth. She graduated from Duke University as a Robertson Scholar.

Tania El Alam is an architect and urban planner turned strategy consultant, advising public sector and urban development organizations across the GCC. She brings a systems-level lens to shaping cities, informed by experience working in Beirut, New York, and Dubai. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from AUB and a Master in City Planning from MIT.

This session is moderated by Qais Dabbakeh.

3:45 - 4:25 PM Beirut Time (8:45 - 9:25 AM EST)

International Law

In an increasingly interconnected world, international law dictates the flow of commerce, justice, and environmental policy. This panel brings together legal experts to discuss the realities of practicing law across borders. From the intricacies of antitrust litigation and foreign investment in New York to the critical frameworks governing climate change and food regimes in Geneva, our speakers will reveal how legal systems adapt to global challenges. This is an essential primer for anyone interested in the intersection of policy, corporate responsibility, and human rights on the world stage.

Ahmed A. Elsisi is a leading figure in international dispute resolution, currently serving as Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP in New York. With nearly two years of experience spanning the judiciary, international organizations, and private practice, Ahmed specializes in representing sovereign governments and multinational corporations in high-stakes cross-border disputes.

His career includes service as a Judge at the Egyptian Council of State (Conseil d'État) and legal counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (The Hague), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). An Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, Ahmed holds an LL.M. from Stanford Law School and is dual-qualified in New York and Egypt.

Anne Saab is an Associate Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Geneva). Specializes in international law, climate change, food regimes, and emotions in international law. She holds a PhD from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Hani Bashour is an Associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. His practice focuses on litigation, antitrust, and foreign investment review (including CFIUS matters). He holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.

This session is moderated by Yassna Khosravi.

4:30 - 5:10 PM Beirut Time (9:30 - 10:10 AM EST)

AI & Engineering

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is reshaping the engineering landscape today. This session dives deep into the technical and practical applications of AI within the built environment. We will explore how data analytics is optimizing construction planning, reducing inefficiencies, and predicting outcomes in complex infrastructure projects. Our expert will discuss the transition from traditional engineering methods to tech-forward solutions, offering a glimpse into the skills required to thrive in the new era of "Construction Tech" and engineering analytics.

Mohamad Tassabehji is a civil engineer with 15 years in the engineering, design and construction industry working on heavy civil, oil and gas, mining and metal and energy projects. currently as Planning Analytics Managers, managing risk on a portfolio of projects and explore the use of technology in construction. A part time instructor at Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute of Technology. And an avid storyteller in his free time.

Saeed Amen is the co-founder of Turnleaf Analytics and the founder of Cuemacro, specializing in systematic trading strategies and quantitative market analysis. With over 15 years of experience at major investment banks like Lehman Brothers and Nomura, he focuses on developing algorithmic trading models and commercial macro forecasting products.

This session is moderated by Yamam Saleh.

5:15 - 5:55 PM Beirut Time (10:15 - 10:55 AM EST)

Student Opportunities/Internships for Next Steps

Breaking into competitive industries starts with the right foundation. This dynamic session features various internship opportunities available to students exploring various avenues on their journey to discover their passion. The session also features a "Global Connect" spotlight, providing tactical strategies for networking and lead generation. This is a practical, no-nonsense guide to bridging the gap between academic study and the professional workforce.

Joyce Rafla is a research professional working at the intersection of education, social policy, and systems change. Her work spans research and program design, with a focus on translating evidence into clear, actionable insights. Joyce has collaborated with international organizations and education-focused initiatives across the Arab region, contributing to learning frameworks, evaluation efforts, and strategy development.

Abby Kahn oversees a variety of programs supporting motivation and access to Arabic learning opportunities beyond the classroom for K-12 students. Before joining QFI in 2025, Abby worked as an intern at the National Museum of Asian Art and as a program associate for the American University Honors Program. Abby holds a BA from American University in International Studies with concentrations in Arabic, French, and identity. She studied abroad in Amman, Jordan.

Dalia Gaafar is a higher education strategist at The American University in Cairo, where she leads the planning, operations, and growth of Summer@AUC, a year-round program within the Academy of Liberal Arts. She brings extensive experience in academic administration, budgeting, assessment, marketing, and faculty and student services across multiple AUC academic units. Dalia holds an MBA from AUC with specialisations in Leadership and Marketing, and a BA in Business Administration with a focus on Finance and Psychology.

This session is moderated by Noor Fahs.

6:00 - 6:40 PM Beirut Time (11:00 - 11:40 AM EST)

Filmmaking

Film is a powerful medium for cultural expression, social documentation, and visual storytelling. This panel features accomplished directors and creatives who are redefining the narrative for the SWANA region and beyond. From high-budget commercial work with global brands like Netflix and Apple to independent, festival-winning documentaries that explore intimate human dynamics, our speakers will share their creative processes. They will discuss the business of production, the art of directing, and the responsibility of the storyteller in shaping public perception and cultural identity.

Randa Ali is a filmmaker and educator working between Egypt and the US. Her short films have screened at international and regional film festivals such as Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, Bilbao International Film Festival (ZINEBI), Cairo International Film Festival and Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur. Randa is a graduate of UCLA's Directing MFA program, where she was recipient of a full-ride scholarship offered to female filmmakers from the Arab world. She is currently developing her first feature film, Rock, Paper, Sea, the film is a 2025 recipient of the Doha Film Institute development grant.

Basma Khalifa is a Sudanese multi-disciplinary creative and filmmaker based in London. With a diverse background spanning Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and the UK, she spent a decade as a Fashion Stylist for titles like Vogue and Elle before transitioning to documentaries. Her debut BBC feature garnered over 10 million views and an Edinburgh TV Festival nomination. Basma has directed for brands including Meta, Apple, and Netflix, and collaborated with A-list talent like Alicia Keys. An accomplished writer for The Guardian and The Telegraph, she recently launched Zola Studios, a production house empowering storytellers from the SWANA region and beyond.

Yasmina Tawil is a Brooklyn-based film programmer and curator with a speciality in Arab cinema. She is currently a Film Programmer at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) and the curator of the Cinema Arabiyya series at Nitehawk Cinema. She was previously the Director of Film Programming at the Arab Film and Media Institute and also worked for the independent film distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Film and Television from Boston University.

This session is moderated by Noor Kafala.

6:45 - 7:25 PM Beirut Time (11:45 - 12:25 PM EST)

Medicine

The path to becoming a medical specialist requires rigor, empathy, and continuous learning. This session focuses on the journey of medical specialization, specifically within pediatrics and gastroenterology. Our speaker will discuss the realities of medical residency and fellowship in the United States, the nuances of treating complex conditions like motility disorders, and the balance between clinical research and patient care. This is a vital discussion for aspiring medical professionals looking to understand the trajectory from medical school to becoming a practicing expert in a top-tier healthcare system.

Liane Sadder is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist (MD) at Kaiser Permanente (Los Angeles/Woodland Hills, CA). She completed her medical degree at the American University of Beirut (AUB), followed by a residency and fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her interests include motility and neurogastroenterology..

Dr. Mo Sarhan is widely recognized for his forward-thinking approach to addiction treatment, including the integration of GLP-1 medications to manage cravings and metabolic health. He combines deep clinical expertise with a philosophy of patient empowerment, believing that education and "lifestyle as medicine" are critical tools for sustainable recovery.

He is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (FASAM) and a member of the International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous. Before focusing on addiction medicine, he served as a Lead Hospitalist at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia.

Lina Berika is a second year pediatric resident at the Medial College of Georgia, US. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology from the American University in Cairo (AUC) and earned her medical degree from the Lebanese American University (LAU) in Beirut. Interests include hospitalist medicine and medical teaching.

This session is moderated by Marly Meleka.

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