A professor, mother, and entrepreneur’s call for a new era of education. Every day, I watch my 11-year-old son navigate a digital world with ease. He video-calls friends to solve homework problems, books pizza online, orders toys from AliExpress and tracks the shipment, finds his uncle’s street in Paris on Google Maps, reads stories with ChatGPT, takes online piano lessons, and even films, edits, and uploads his own stop-motion videos to YouTube. When he doesn’t know how to do something, he simply searches for instructions and teaches himself while surfing in a safe, child-friendly space that his dad and I prepared for him. From educational apps we approve to games and YouTube channels that are child-safe. This is his world: connected, interactive, and full of possibility because we taught him how to use the internet for his own benefit. And yet, every morning, that same boy carries a heavy backpack full of books to a classroom that looks exactly like the one I sat in thirty years ago. One teacher lectures to thirty students, delivering the same lesson at the same pace, regardless of who is struggling or who is ready to fly ahead. He comes home bored, unseen, unmotivated—and burdened with homework that often makes little sense to him, because let’s face reality, Gen Alpha is very different from us millennials and Gen X, and yet they are treated like an old generation. This glaring gap between the lives of our children and the education we offer them has catastrophic consequences. Students are not prepared for the real world. They are not learning how to compete in an ever-changing environment. And worst of all, many are losing their love of learning before they’ve even had a chance to discover it. The Case for Educational Technology The solution is not to ban technology, but to embrace it with purpose. Educational Technology—EdTech—is not just about screens. It’s about using computer hardware, software, and digital platforms (from learning management systems to AI tutors, AR, and VR) to make learning personal, interactive, and meaningful. When used wisely, technology can: But this integration cannot be blind. With power comes responsibility. Teaching Ethics in the Digital Age Our children are growing up with AI, AR, and VR. These tools can be extraordinary learning partners—but only if we teach students how to use them ethically and safely. Without ethical instruction, the risks are enormous: cyberbullying, exposure to fake news, manipulated photos and videos, privacy breaches, and even cyberattacks. Left alone, children can quickly become overwhelmed, misled, or harmed by the very tools meant to empower them. With guidance, however, they become digital citizens—responsible, discerning, and capable of harnessing technology to create, innovate, and solve real-world problems. The Teacher’s Evolving Role This doesn’t mean teachers are being replaced. Quite the opposite. In fact, technology allows teachers to step into their most essential role: the human facilitator. Teachers are the ones who transmit emotional intelligence, who listen, who guide, who inspire. AI can personalize a math lesson for each child, but only a teacher can see the fear in a student’s eyes and offer encouragement. A Future Within Reach This vision is not science fiction. Platforms like Khan Academy are already integrating AI instructors. Finland is experimenting with EdTech-driven personalized learning models. The evidence is clear: students engage more deeply, understand more fully, and prepare more effectively for the world ahead. So let us not fear technology. Let us teach it. Let us guide our children not only in how to use digital tools, but how to question them, shape them, and improve them. A Call to Action As a professor, a mother, and an entrepreneur who built an educational app Ata3allam, that teaches Arabic for kids, I believe this is our responsibility. If we continue to teach our children in outdated ways, we fail them. But if we equip them with both the tools and the ethics to use technology wisely, we empower them to become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Technology is not the enemy. Ignorance is. The earlier we teach our children to embrace technology ethically, the stronger, smarter, and more resilient they will be. Stay Connected: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_aouad https://www.instagram.com/ata3allam https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_ https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen Read more articles: https://executive-women.global/en/award-winning-arab-women-entrepreneurs-in-2025/
Schools Are Stuck in the Past. Our Kids Aren’t. – By Jennifer Aouad
Do You Really Need Weight Loss Medications?- by “Lara Kabalane”
Weight is not always easy. For many people, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help. But sometimes, lifestyle changes alone are not enough. This is when weight loss medications might be considered. But are they the right choice for you? Let’s break it down. Why Weight Matters for Health? Overweight and obesity have become global health problems. Doctors use body mass index (your weight divided by your height squared) to define them as overweight: BMI between 25 Kg/m2 and 29.9 Kg/m2 and obesity: BMI of 30 Kg/m2 or higher. Moreover, carrying excess body fat increases the risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver problems, sleep apnea, and even some cancers. The good news is that losing even 5–10% of your body mass can improve health. In fact, this means better blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and reduced cholesterol levels. What Are Weight Loss Medications? Prescription weight loss medications are not magic pills. They don’t replace healthy eating or exercise. Instead, they help your body in specific ways: Currently, six medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use: Additionally, you might also hear about drugs like Ozempic. While it was originally designed for diabetes, doctors sometimes prescribe it “off-label” for weight loss because it also reduces appetite. When Is Medication for Weight Recommended? Guidelines suggest that weight loss medications can be considered if: Importantly, medications are meant to support, not replace, lifestyle changes. Indeed, research shows that using them for at least one year can help people lose 3–12% more body mass compared to lifestyle changes alone. Although this might sound small, even modest weight loss can have a big impact on health. Who Can Prescribe Them? These medications are available only by prescription. In other words, a healthcare provider must decide if they are safe and appropriate for you. Therefore, they are not the same as over-the-counter “diet pills” you might see in stores or online. How Effective Are They? Not all medications work the same way, and not everyone responds the same. Among them, GLP-1 agonists (such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound) have shown the best results in helping people lose significant body fat. Nevertheless, even with medication, weight loss depends on many other factors such as: what and how much you eat, your level of physical activity, your overall health and lifestyle habits. What About Side Effects Like all medicines, weight loss drugs can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Fortunately, these usually improve over time. However, some medications may carry specific risks: This is why it’s important to use these drugs under medical supervision. Lifestyle Still Matters Even if you take medication, healthy habits are key. Eating nutritious foods, staying active, and practicing moderation will make a big difference. For example, some simple tips include: The Bottom Line Weight loss medications are not a quick fix. Rather, they can be useful tools for people who struggle with obesity and its related health risks, especially when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. But remember, they work best when combined with healthy eating, physical activity, and long-term behavior changes. Therefore, think of them as a support system, not a replacement. Finally, before considering these medications, always talk to your healthcare provider. Together, you can decide if they are the right choice for your health and goals. References Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 29). Pros and cons of weight-loss drugs. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832 Safety and effects of anti-obesity medications on weight loss, cardiometabolic, and psychological outcomes in people living with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis Liu, Leiling et al. eClinicalMedicine, Volume 79, 103020 UC Davis Health. (2024, August 28). Can weight loss medications really help you lose weight?: Cultivating health. Cultivating health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/can-weight-loss-medications-help-you-lose-weight/2024/08 https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_ https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen
Nada Itany: Leading Media Trainer for Voice,On-Camera Confidence & Executive Presence
Nada Itany is a renowned media training expert and the founder of Beyond Performance by Nada Itany. This specialized coaching space is dedicated to helping professionals, content creators, and brands own their voice, master their on-camera presence, and communicate with confidence and clarity on stage, on screen, and across digital platforms. With over 21 years of diverse experience in television, radio, podcasting, voice-over, dubbing, and content writing, Nada has collaborated with the region’s most prominent media networks and production companies. Expertise & Specializations: A Career Bridging Performance and Coaching: Nada’s unique career seamlessly blends her practical experience as a broadcaster and voice artist with her passion for coaching and media development. She is committed to empowering individuals and teams to refine their voices, enhance their executive presence, and deliver their messages with impactful, creative, and professional flair. Select Client & Collaboration Portfolio: Stay Connected: https://www.instagram.com/nadaitanyofficial https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_ https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen Read more articles: https://executive-women.global/en/empowering-women-in-middle-east-family-businesses-overcoming-challenges/
Turning Pain Into Power: How Alia Dernaika Transformed Anxiety into Advocacy
In a digital world often criticized for its superficiality, some voices cut through the noise with a message of profound authenticity and resilience. Alia Dernaika, a proud Lebanese influencer and burgeoning actress, is one such voice. Her journey is not one of overnight fame or curated perfection, but a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to transform deep personal struggle and anxiety into a source of strength and inspiration for millions. The Silent Shadow: A Battle With Anxiety For a long time, anxiety was Alia Dernaika’s constant, unwelcome companion. This was not the everyday nervousness everyone experiences, but a pervasive shadow that colored her world. It was a silent, internal battle invisible to the outside eye, yet it profoundly shaped her reality. This anxiety bred relentless self-doubt, causing her to question her own voice, her talents, and her inherent worth. It created a filter of fear through which she viewed her potential, constantly whispering that she wasn’t strong enough, good enough, or brave enough to step into the light. This internal struggle was cruelly compounded by external forces. Alia faced targeted bullying both in person and online. The hurtful words and actions were designed with a clear purpose: to break her spirit, to make her feel small and insignificant. For a while, the combination of her internal anxiety and these external attacks succeeded. She retreated, as many do, into a shell of self-protection, wondering if this pain was to be the defining narrative of her life. The Pivotal Choice: Refusing to Be Defined The turning point did not arrive with a fanfare or a sudden miracle. It came with a quiet, yet fierce, decision. Alia made a conscious choice: she refused to let her struggles define her. Instead of allowing the pain to hold her back, she resolved to alchemize it into her greatest strength. She began to reframe her narrative, realizing that every anxious moment had taught her empathy, every hurtful word had revealed the power of language, and every challenge had been a grueling but necessary preparation for her rise. This was the moment she began turning pain into power. It was a conscious process of reclamation, taking the very things meant to weaken her and forging them into an unbreakable foundation. She understood that her vulnerability was not a weakness but a source of deep connection, and her scars were not blemishes but proof of her survival. Finding Purpose: The Platform as a Pulpit Driven by this newfound resolve, Alia discovered her passion and purpose. She chose to step into the world of influencing, but with a mission that far transcended vanity metrics and follower counts. Her platform became her pulpit, a place to inspire others who were trapped in the same darkness she had once known. She wanted to be the visible proof that no matter how hard life tries to silence you, your voice matters. Her content shifted from what was trending to what was true, open discussions about mental health, messages of body positivity, and raw, honest accounts of overcoming adversity. Alia’s authenticity resonated deeply. Followers weren’t just engaging with a personality; they were connecting with a person who understood their pain. She built a community, a digital family bound not by geography, but by shared experience and mutual support. Her influence is measured not in likes but in the messages she receives from young men and women saying that her story gave them the courage to seek help, to speak up, or simply to hold on for one more day. The Stage of Healing: Embracing the Art of Acting Parallel to her digital journey, Alia sought another avenue for expression and healing: the acting studio. Enrolling in acting classes was a transformative decision. The stage and the screen became her laboratories for emotional exploration. Acting provided a powerful outlet to channel her experiences, to give form to feelings that were once too complex to articulate. It taught her profound confidence, demanding she stand firmly in her own skin while embodying another. It unlocked her creativity, showing her the beauty of storytelling, not just her own, but the stories of countless others who need to be heard. Through roles and characters, she continues to process her past and articulate the universal language of human emotion, further solidifying her path from personal pain to empowering artistry. The Resilient Light: A Message of Hope Today, Alia Dernaika stands stronger than ever. The anxiety and bullying that once threatened to consume her did not defeat her; instead, they were the fire that forged her resilience, ambition, and radiant light. She is a multifaceted force: an influencer with a mission, an actress with a depth of feeling, and a symbol of hope for her generation in Lebanon and beyond. Her journey teaches a crucial lesson: your struggles are not the end of your story. They can be the raw material for a beautiful beginning. Alia Dernaika’s life is a powerful reminder to never stop believing in your own strength. She is living proof that we are all far more powerful than we think, and that our greatest challenges can become the source of our most meaningful power. Stay Connected: https://www.instagram.com/aliadblogger https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_ https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen Read more articles: https://executive-women.global/en/the-world-revolves-around-you-by-cosette-awad/
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