PAST EVENTS RECAP

On April 22, the LebNet Bay Area community came together for a compelling and timely conversation on the future of artificial intelligence, featuring Matt Boulos, Head of Policy & Safety at Imbue, an AI lab pioneering next-generation AI agents. Expertly moderated by Luna Maroun, the event brought together a dynamic mix of technologists, professionals, and students.

The discussion delved into the transformative role of AI agents, systems that go beyond generating code to reasoning, acting, and reshaping how we engage with technology. Unlike traditional assistants, these agents are designed to bridge the gap between human intent and machine execution. But with greater capabilities come greater responsibilities and risks.

Highlights from the conversation:

From code to software: Generating a line of code is easy. Building modular, maintainable systems is not. Matt challenged the crowd to think beyond syntax and consider the design foresight embedded in human engineering.

The illusion of understanding: Even researchers are still unraveling how models work. Mechanistic interpretability is a promising path, but we remain largely in the dark.

When AI harms: From deepfake abuse to a tragic case where a chatbot was linked to a user’s suicide, Matt reminded us that safety failures aren’t theoretical. They’re happening now—and the question of accountability remains painfully unresolved.

Policy that grows with tech: We discussed the urgent need for regulations that are principle-driven, adaptable, and designed to evolve. Without this, we risk locking society into frameworks that can’t keep pace with innovation.

Equity and access: Matt posed a powerful question: Who gets to shape the future of AI? If development remains concentrated in a handful of well-resourced players, the public loses its voice in how this transformative technology unfolds.

As Kim Nasrala, an attendee and junior at the University of California, Berkeley, aptly summarized, the future of AI must be built with integrity, empathy, and accountability.

“Let’s build systems that don’t just perform tasks, but do so with foresight and care.” – Matt Boulos

A big thank you to Matt Boulos, Luna Maroun, and to everyone who joined the conversation. If this event made one thing clear, it’s that designing safe AI isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a societal one.

Following the discussion, attendees enjoyed an hour of networking over light refreshments, and joined together for a dinner in town continuing conversations sparked during the session.

LebNet Arizona is Back!

On April 3rd, we officially relaunched the LebNet Arizona community with a fun and energetic evening at Dave & Buster’s!

The event brought together a fantastic group of Lebanese professionals who came ready to reconnect, make new connections, and share ideas for the future. The night was filled with games, great conversations, and renewed energy for growing the Arizona chapter.

We were especially thrilled to see strong interest in joining the LebNet Arizona leadership team—a promising sign for what’s ahead in 2025!

Stay tuned for more events as we continue building a vibrant tech community in Arizona.

    

LebNet Montreal kicked off its 2025 programming on April 3rd with a lively and engaging social event that brought together Lebanese professionals in tech for an evening of networking, reconnecting, and idea sharing.

As the community’s first official gathering of the year, the event set the tone for what's to come. Attendees enjoyed meaningful conversations, met new and familiar faces, and offered valuable input on future events and initiatives. The energy in the room was warm, collaborative, and inspiring.

Feedback was very positive, with participants expressing excitement for the year ahead and gratitude for the opportunity to engage in person with the local tech community.

 

A big thank you to the Montreal Leadership Team, Maya Haddad, for

 organizing a fantastic kickoff, and to Montreal community members who joined us and made the night so memorable.

Stay tuned for more events coming soon, and if you missed this one, we can’t wait to welcome you next time!

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!