Beirut: The Center for Women in Business (CWiB) at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), hosted a public conversation featuring Sara Minkara, former US Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. The discussion focused on her leadership journey and insights into diplomacy, inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the critical role of inclusive leadership in fostering equitable and sustainable societies.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, director of the Center for Women in Business; Professor Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business; and Abir Chebaro, president of the Lebanese League for Women in Business. Dr. Khaddage-Soboh highlighted that hosting Minkara aligns with the center's mission to blend academic research, leadership, and policymaking to promote more inclusive business environments, driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Professor Sidani reiterated the commitment of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business and AUB to nurturing leaders who can create positive societal impact. He pointed out the faculty's dedication to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and innovation through education, research, and strategic partnerships that address the dynamic opportunities and challenges in today's business landscape.
Abir Chebaro emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event, pointing out that the partnership between the Lebanese League for Women in Business and the AUB Center for Women in Business aims to foster spaces where leaders from academia, professional fields, and thought leadership can engage in meaningful dialogue on leadership, inclusion, and innovation. Chebaro noted that Minkara's participation offered a chance to gain insights from a global leadership experience that highlights how vision and resilience can drive change across institutions and communities.
Moderated by Rana Ghandour Salhab, a board member of the Lebanese League for Women in Business and an executive at Deloitte Middle East, the conversation detailed Minkara's journey from her Lebanese roots to global leadership, emphasizing how personal experiences can incite change in public policy, business, and society. The discussion addressed the role of inclusive leadership in promoting innovation, the economic benefits of diversity, and women's leadership, stressing the need for governments and businesses to expand opportunities for all.
Reflecting on the dialogue, Rana Ghandour Salhab remarked that inclusion is now seen as a crucial element of effective leadership, governance, innovation, and economic competitiveness. She stressed the importance of collaboration among universities, businesses, policymakers, and women leaders in empowering women and developing future leaders.
The event concluded with an interactive Q and A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Minkara, followed by a networking reception that brought together academia, the private sector, and civil society. This reinforced AUB and the Lebanese League for Women in Business's commitment to promoting inclusive leadership, women's empowerment, and initiatives that translate knowledge into sustainable impacts for Lebanon and the region.