On March 27, LebNet DC hosted an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion on the evolving role of AI and IT, examining both the transformative potential and the challenges these technologies bring. Rosy Khalife Tyan, our moderator, set the stage with a powerful opening statement: “AI has the potential to both empower and disrupt entire industries. How do we leverage it as a tool for good while minimizing potential harm?”

With 45 attendees, including many new faces eager to explore the topic, the discussion featured expert insights from Bassel Haidar, Samia Melhem, and Samer Halawi, each offering unique perspectives from their respective industries.

The conversation kicked off with Bassel providing an overview of the current state of AI and its role in bridging gaps in global connectivity, healthcare, and education. Samia then shifted the focus to Lebanon, sharing insights on AI adoption in the country and its future trajectory. Samer highlighted how AI is transforming the satellite industry, offering a glimpse into broader industry trends.

The panel delved into critical topics, including global AI adoption, the ethical challenges of AI training, and the potential risks of automation on jobs. Bassel explored the "bad and ugly" aspects of AI, emphasizing the need for responsible development. Samer addressed concerns about job displacement, discussing strategies for companies to prepare for workforce transitions in the AI era.

The event sparked insightful discussions on AI’s role across industries, from software and telecom to aerospace, while also touching on ethics, equity, and unintended consequences. Attendees were highly engaged, with many excited about the discussion and eager for more events from LebNet DC.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible panelists and moderator for an insightful discussion, and to the LebNet DC leadership team, Maya Reslan, Moukhtar Nsouli, Wissam Yafi, and Janice Antonios, for making this event a success! We also extend our gratitude to the LebNet DC community for your enthusiasm, participation, and valuable feedback. A special thank you to Zazzy for hosting us and providing generous and delicious food and drinks. Stay tuned for more exciting events!

LebNet NY hosted a successful Iftar gathering on March 25th at Balade Restaurant, bringing together 26 attendees for a memorable evening of connection and celebration. The event was a sellout, and the atmosphere was vibrant, with both new and familiar faces coming together to enjoy the evening.

Guests were treated to a carefully curated menu featuring a selection of delicious Lebanese dishes, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees shared that the food was fantastic, and the conversations flowed freely, with everyone enjoying themselves. By the end of the evening, the group mingled and built new connections, leaving with smiles and a sense of community.

A special thank you to the LebNet NY leadership team for their passion and dedication in making this event happen! And thank you to all those who attended and contributed to its success. Looking forward to more LebNet NY opportunities to connect and celebrate!

On March 20, LebNet’s Early in Career community hosted an engaging webinar on entrepreneurship, featuring Lebanese technology professionals who shared their experiences, challenges, and insights into launching and scaling startups.

Key Highlights

The event opened with a warm welcome, acknowledging the panelists, moderator, and attendees. The host introduced LebNet’s mission, highlighting its 25-year journey in building a thriving community that supports Lebanese professionals in technology.

Panel Discussion: From Idea to Startup

Moderated by Karim Tabaja, the discussion featured insights from four successful Lebanese entrepreneurs:

• Patrick Obeid – Co-founder of Tracera, focused on ESG reporting

• Aceil Halabi – Co-founder of Bloomer Tech, leveraging AI for women’s healthcare

• Alice Nawfal – Co-founder of Notabene, a fintech compliance platform

• Anthony Tayoun – Co-founder of Dexai Robotics, a startup serving the food industry

Key Insights from the Panelists

• Aceil Halabi: Inspired by personal family health challenges, she founded Bloomer Tech to improve cardiovascular health solutions for women

• Alice Nawfal: Emphasized optimism and resilience, noting that early-stage entrepreneurs often don’t realize the challenges ahead

• Patrick Obeid: Transitioned from consulting to entrepreneurship building on his passion for sustainability

• Anthony Tayoun: Highlighted the critical role of customer feedback in refining product development

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Building a Strong Foundation

✅ Idea Validation – Conduct customer interviews to assess market demand
✅ Building an MVP – Start with a simple prototype before full-scale development

Mindset & Resilience

✅ Iterative Process – Entrepreneurship is non-linear—adapt, persist, and refine
✅ Focusing on Inputs – Control what you can; don’t stress over uncertain outcomes
✅ Emotional Flexibility – Adjust to different situations, from pitching to leading a team
✅ Celebrating Small Wins – Acknowledge milestones to maintain motivation

Giving Back to the Community

The panelists emphasized the importance of supporting Lebanese talent by:

• Hiring and mentoring individuals from Lebanon
• Utilizing Lebanese resources for business operations
• Engaging in entrepreneurial initiatives to foster growth and funding opportunities

Gratitude

A huge thank you to our panelists for generously sharing their expertise and time with the LebNet community. We’d also like to express our gratitude to LebNet’s Early in Career community and Karim Tabaja for hosting this insightful discussion. The webinar offered invaluable strategies for navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship, highlighting the power of community, mentorship, and resilience in building successful businesses

You can catch a recording of the full event here.

Stay connected with LebNet for more opportunities to engage with Lebanese entrepreneurs and industry leaders! 

On March 20, LebNet Bay Area hosted a special Iftar gathering, bringing together 35 attendees for an evening of delicious food, meaningful conversations, and community bonding.

The event provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where attendees had the opportunity to connect, share stories, and engage in enriching discussions. The diverse group included professionals from various industries, including law and biotech, fostering new connections and potential collaborations.

Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
⭐ “Amazing.”
⭐ “Engaged.”
⭐ “People mingled.”
⭐ “Several want to help and join.”

This gathering was a testament to the power of community. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success. We look forward to seeing you at future LebNet Bay Area events!

The LebNet Boston Space Panel, held on March 8th in celebration of International Women's Day, brought together distinguished speakers to share their insights and experiences in the space sector from a Lebanese perspective. This inspiring event highlighted pioneering contributions to cutting-edge advancements in space exploration and technology. Expertly organized and moderated by Dr. Maya Nasr, Scientist at Harvard University and the Environmental Defense Fund, the discussion offered a compelling look at the impact of Lebanese professionals in the field.

Meet the Panelists: 

Dr. Charles Elachi: Former Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech Professor. He shared his journey from Lebanon to leading pivotal space missions.

Doris Daou: Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters, she highlighted her passion for space, career milestones, and her role in missions like the Hubble Space Telescope.

Patrick Zeitouni: Chief Strategy Officer at Hawkeye 360, he discussed his shift from engineering to aerospace business strategy and emphasized innovation and entrepreneurship.

Maria-Gabriela Sarah: European Space Agency (ESA) representative, she provided insights on international collaboration and her career trajectory across Europe.

Panel Highlights

Personal Journeys

Dr. Elachi recounted his educational journey from Lebanon to France and his rise at JPL, emphasizing the crucial role of passion, commitment, and boldness in the space sector. Doris Daou shared how the Moon landing inspired her career, highlighting the importance of mentorship and seizing opportunities, which ultimately led her to work on key NASA missions. Patrick Zeitouni, who experienced part of his youth in Lebanon during the civil war, underscored the value of hands-on experience and encouraged young Lebanese to explore commercial space ventures. Maria-Gabriela Sarah discussed her engineering background and collaborations with ESA, urging Lebanese companies to engage in global space initiatives.

Advice for Aspiring Space Professionals

• Seek mentorship to navigate career paths effectively.

• Embrace boldness and resilience; learning from failure is key.

• Explore commercial opportunities in the expanding space industry beyond traditional government roles.

• Engage with international organizations like the International Astronautical Federation to build networks and collaborations.

Future of Lebanon in Space Exploration

Dr. Elachi proposed that Lebanese universities take the lead in small spacecraft projects, leveraging local talent to drive innovation. Patrick Zeitouni suggested that Lebanon’s constraints could serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial initiatives in space technology. Maria-Gabriela Sarah emphasized the importance of regional and international partnerships to support Lebanon’s space ambitions, while Doris Daou highlighted the potential of public-private collaborations to develop the country's resources and talent in the sector.

Conclusion

The LebNet Boston Space Panel showcased the immense potential for Lebanese professionals in space exploration. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, Lebanese talent can contribute significantly to the global space industry. The discussion served as an inspiration for attendees, reinforcing that with passion and perseverance, opportunities in space are within reach.  

Missed the event? Watch the full recording here.

Acknowledgements:

Our heartfelt thanks to the panelists and moderator for an enlightening session. We are grateful to the MIT Lebanese Club for their valued partnership and support. Special appreciation goes to the LebNet Boston Leadership team, Maya Nasr, Omar Tantawi, and Mitri Abou Rizk, for their dedication. Lastly, thank you to everyone who joined us, both in person and online, for making this event a success.

Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, held a Zoom meeting on March 10 with LebNet, a leading network of Lebanese expatriates in technology and AI across the United States and Canada. The network brings together distinguished Lebanese experts in these fields.

Shehadi highlighted the ministry’s role, particularly amid Lebanon’s economic challenges, and explored ways to leverage the expertise of Lebanese expatriates to support technological innovation and development in Lebanon.

During the two-hour meeting, he outlined his ministry’s national strategy, soon to be presented to the government, and emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in driving impactful technological projects for Lebanon and its diaspora.

The LebNet LA/OC Hike was a fantastic way to kick off 2025, bringing together about 20 members of our community for a scenic trek to the Hollywood Sign. We enjoyed breathtaking views, engaging conversations, and the opportunity to strengthen connections within our vibrant network. A huge thank you to Chris BouSaab and Kareem Dibs from the LebNet LA/OC leadership team for organizing, and to everyone who joined and made the event such a success!

We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events. stay tuned for more exciting events throughout the year!

Trivia Night in San Diego was a fantastic evening of friendly competition, lively conversations, and meaningful connections!

Jean Abou Rahal led the charge on trivia, while everyone enjoyed a fun and engaging atmosphere. A huge thank you to Cynthia Jereige from the San Diego Leadership Team for organizing, and to the 30+ attendees who made the night so memorable.

Another successful LebNet San Diego event.  Stay tuned for more exciting events ahead!

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.

On February 20th, the LebNet Bay Area community successfully relaunched its monthly happy hour series n San Francisco. This recurring event, alternating between San Francisco and the South Bay, aims to bring together Lebanese professionals in tech for networking and community-building.

With 25 attendees, the event had a well-balanced mix of seasoned professionals, mid-career experts, and students/Early in Career members, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. Conversations flowed effortlessly, fostering new connections and strengthening existing ones.

We’re excited to continue this series, stay tuned for the next happy hour, and we hope to see even more of you there!