1. What drew you to the Women Leaders Association, and how does it align with your mission? Founding the Women Leaders Association came from a deeply personal conviction. Over the years, whether in leadership roles or as Vice President of the Lebanese Franchise Association, I kept noticing the glaring absence of women in economic and leadership spaces. I remember standing in a room filled with 300 people, and only 6 or 7 of them were women. That moment stayed with me. The WLA was born out of the urgent need to change that reality. It aligns with my mission to create real, structural opportunities for women, to educate, train, connect, and empower them to step into decision-making spaces. We also work closely to support women to invest and scale their ventures. Together, we’re building an ecosystem where women can lead, invest, and thrive. 2. What kind of impact has the association had on women’s leadership in Lebanon and the region? The association has become a vital platform for connection, education, and growth. Through our training programs, conferences, mentorship initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we’ve opened doors for women to grow their businesses, take on public roles, and expand regionally. It’s also a space where women are seen, their voices amplified. Our flagship conference, Ana Lubnaneya Arabeya, has become a landmark initiative, spotlighting women’s contributions to both national and regional progress. The impact is real: more women in leadership, more women investing, and more women boldly claiming their space in sectors where they were once invisible. 3. In your view, what’s the biggest barrier women still face in stepping into leadership roles? The most significant barriers remain both structural and cultural. We’re dealing with political systems that lack gender equity, outdated societal mindsets, and limited access to networks and capital. Many women aren’t encouraged to take risks or see themselves as decision-makers. In politics, especially, the system still revolves around party loyalty and power plays, not values. But women bring something different to the table: integrity, collaboration, and long-term vision. It’s time we reimagine the system to allow those values to shape the future. 4. Can you share a story or moment from the association that deeply moved you or shifted your perspective? After the Beirut explosion, we launched an emergency fundraising initiative to support our affected members, many of whom had lost their shops, offices, and sources of income. The turnout, the solidarity, and the strength these women showed in the face of tragedy deeply moved me. That moment gave birth to a new chapter: Jazzmin. I remember gathering with the board and telling them: this is not just about survival or money, it’s about rewriting the way we do business, with values at the core. Despite the financial collapse, frozen accounts, and national trauma, they said yes. They showed up, trusted the vision, and invested. That experience changed me. It was a message of hope, collective resilience, and love for our country, through action, not just words. 5. What inspired the creation of Jazzmin, and what does it represent to you personally? Jazzmin was a dream I held for years, a space for Lebanese brands and women entrepreneurs to thrive. But it truly came to life in the aftermath of the Beirut blast, when we had to do more than offer support—we had to build new solutions. Jazzmin represents continuity, hope, and a new way of doing business. Personally, it’s a success story I briefly stepped away from, but it flourished because the women behind it made it their own. It’s proof that when women unite around a mission, they can build something lasting, even during the darkest times. 6. How does Jazzmin empower women differently than traditional platforms? Jazzmin meets women where they are. Unlike traditional platforms that demand full-scale operations or capital upfront, Jazzmin offers visibility, opportunity, and community, without requiring perfection. Many women have the product, the creativity, and the drive, but not always the resources or infrastructure. Jazzmin bridges that gap. It’s more than retail. It’s a space for emotional and economic empowerment. A place where women can sell, learn, grow, and most importantly—belong. 7. Do you see Jazzmin and the Women Leaders Association as complementary missions, and if so, how? Absolutely. They’re two sides of the same mission. WLA provides the ecosystem support, mentorship, visibility, and advocacy. Jazzmin is the platform where that mission becomes tangible. Many of our WLA members are now part of Jazzmin, and many Jazzmin entrepreneurs have become part of WLA. One offers the vision and the tools; the other offers the application and the results. Together, they form a full-circle journey for women in business and leadership. 8. What qualities do you believe define a powerful woman leader today? A powerful woman today leads with values. She has clarity of purpose, speaks with honesty, and builds genuine trust. She uplifts others, leads without ego, and faces adversity with grace. She doesn’t mimic traditional power, she redefines it. She stays grounded, listens more than she speaks, and leads from within. That’s the kind of leadership the world needs now. 9. What advice would you give to a young woman who wants to lead but doesn’t know where to start? Start with your passion. If you believe in something, follow it, even when it’s hard. Failure isn’t shameful. It’s part of growth. No one gets it right the first time. Keep showing up. Surround yourself with people who reflect your values. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And when someone tells you, “This is good,” believe them. Grab that opportunity. Be bold. You don’t have to be loud, but never, ever shrink yourself. 10. Looking ahead, what is your hope for the next generation of women in Lebanon? I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of women in Lebanon. I see a generation that’s already pushing boundaries, breaking silence, and showing up in spaces where they weren’t always welcome. My hope is that they continue to rise, despite everything we’ve been