TEDxMUBS

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Anthony Hamawi

  Lebanese Improv Comedian, Musician, Writer, and Mechanical Engineer

  Anthony Hamawi is a Lebanese improv comedian, musician, writer, and mechanical engineer. His work spans live performance, Lebanese television, film, and digital comedy, with a focus on how people think, connect, and adapt in real time. Across comedy and performance, he explores spontaneity, resilience, and the human ability to rise when life goes off script.

• Arz Zahreddine

  International Paralympian & a Trailblazer in Track & Field

  Arz is a Lebanese International Paralympian & a trailblazer in Track & Field, specializing in the 100m & 200m sprints. After losing his right leg in a car accident at the age of three, he transformed his greatest challenge into his greatest strength living by the belief that “the only disability is in the mind.” A two-time Paralympian, representing Lebanon in Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024, Arz is recognized as the fastest sprinter in the 100m & 200m across Francophone nations, West Asia, & the Arab world. Ranked among the top 10 sprinters globally, he has secured multiple medals at World Continental Championships, Grand Prix, with his list of achievements continuing to grow. Arz holds a degree in Sports Management & Marketing. This unique blend of athletic excellence & professional expertise positions him not only as a champion on the field, also as a powerful ambassador for sport, culture, & national identity.

• Dani Bliek

  MUBS Alumnus, MUBS Staff, Researcher, Technology Educator Specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT)

  Dani is a researcher and technology educator specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). He holds a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and has over four years of experience teaching advanced computing and emerging technology courses. Dani is the author of two research publications presented at IEEE conferences, where his work explores innovative applications of intelligent systems and modern computing technologies. His academic and professional interests focus on bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, particularly in AI-driven systems, secure digital infrastructures, and connected technologies. Through teaching, research, and public engagement, Dani is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators and promoting the responsible development of emerging technologies that are shaping the future of our digital world.

• Georges Mrad

  social Entrepreneur and the Founder of the Volunteering Marathon, Consultant and Instructor in youth and civic engagement

  Georges Mrad is a purpose-driven social entrepreneur and the founder of the Volunteering Marathon, the largest volunteering initiative in the Arab world. What began as a simple idea to mobilize youth for good grew into a movement that has led more than 250 social missions across four countries, engaging over 12,000 volunteers and generating more than 84,000 hours of service. Georges works as a consultant and instructor in youth and civic engagement, empowering young people to take initiative and drive positive change in their communities. His work has been featured in more than 50 local and international media outlets, and he has spoken at dozens of forums and public platforms in the MENA region and Europe.

• Hady Akiki

  Hady Akiki is a Lebanese magical entertainer and educator who transforms the art of illusion into meaningful experiences. He has performed on international stages, including Expo 2020 Dubai and the Gala International de Magie in Switzerland, and so he has mastered the art of creating moments of wonder and connection.

• Haneen Merhi

  International FIFA Referee-MUBS Alumna

  Haneen Merhi is an international FIFA referee, football coach, and sport teacher who has built a career defined by discipline and a commitment to developing the next generation of athletes. She became a referee with the Lebanese Football Association in 2018, earned her international FIFA referee badge in 2025, and has been coaching since 2018. A graduate of the AFC Referee Academy, Haneen believes in "shaping the next generation of athletes and using sport as a tool for growth and empowerment."

• Johnny Daou

  Johnny Daou is a 13 -year- old pianist who has discovered his voice through classical music. Inspired by the timeless elegance of composers like Mozart and Beethoven, he brings classical pieces to life with creativity, emotion, and passion. Through the timeless composition Summer from Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, he revives the energy, emotion, and beauty of classical music.

• Karem Salman

  MUBS student with visual impairment, mild cognitive disability, and fine motor skill challenges, Cancer survivor

  Karem Nadim Salman was born on 29 October 2006. In 2007, he was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumor, which led to several challenges, including but not limited to, total visual disability, mild intellectual disability, and difficulties with fine motor sensors. Despite undergoing 2 major craniotomy surgeries and more than 600 chemotherapy sessions, Karem demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. In 2025, he successfully passed the Lebaneese Baccalaureate official exams (SE). He is currently enrolled in the first year of Social Work at Modern University for Business and Science, aiming to contribute positively to society and support persons facing challenges.

• Layal Adnan

  NLP Coach and Practitioner

  Layal was featured on MBC 1’s "Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab," sharing insights on the power of appreciation and the impact of maintaining a positive mindset. · Educational Workshops: Designed and led transformative workshops for parents and school teachers, specifically focusing on inclusive education and conscious parenting strategies. · Student & Parent Advocacy: Extensive experience in student consulting and parent coaching, providing actionable tools for building stronger, more empathetic relationships. · Youth Mentorship: Actively involved in conducting training sessions for teenage students, helping them develop the emotional intelligence and leadership skills necessary for the modern world. · Student Trainer at Abu Dhabi University

• Omar Al Awar

  A Lebanese Neurosurgeon

  Dr. Omar is a Lebanese neurosurgeon recognized for his contributions to clinical neurosurgery, academic medicine, and patient-centered care. Practicing in Lebanon, he is affiliated with leading medical institutions including the Mount Lebanon Hospital University Medical Center and Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui University Medical Center, where he provides specialized care in neurological and spinal disorders.  Dr. Al Awar has been actively involved in both surgical practice and academic work. He serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Balamand, contributing to the training of future physicians and advancing neurosurgical education in Lebanon.

• Rudy Shoushany

  Author, 9xAward-winning Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, Technology Strategist

  Rudy Shoushany Author, 9xAward-winning Keynote speaker, Entrepreneur, Podcaster & technology strategist with 25 years of experience in Digital Governance, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity, with a focus on Digital Transformation & Strategies. Member of Forbes Technology Council. Member of Harvard Business Review Board Member of ISACA Mentor at AUB Innovation Park Speaker | Mentor | Advisor | Investor. Author of the Ruling the world in my Pajamas UN ESCWA Judge for Digital Arabic Content part of AFSD for the year 2022- 2023- 2024-2025 UN ESCWA International consultant on Blockchain Technology in Trade Facilitation. Represented the Arab world in 2022 in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development HPLF on the Digital agenda. Recently selected as one of the top 50 Global Thought leaders and influencers in Technology, Top 100 Leaders in Governance in digital transformation innovations, and Best Podcast in the Middle East.

• Samer Tawk

  A Lebanese Olympic Cross-Country skier, Coach

  Samer is a Lebanese Olympic cross-country skier, coach, and speaker driven by resilience and purpose. He made history representing Lebanon as the first Lebanese cross-country skier to participate at the Winter Olympics PyeongChang-2018, he did it one again representing Lebanon at the Olympic games Milano-Cortina-2026 after surviving a near-fatal 14-meter fall that doctors said would end his athletic career, he fought his way back to elite competition through years of relentless rehabilitation and discipline. Beyond sport, Samer is a coach and advocate for youth empowerment, using his journey to inspire others to overcome adversity, believe in their potential, and pursue excellence. His story is not only about performance at the highest level, but about redefining limits and turning setbacks into a mission. Today, he continues his path toward the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, carrying with him a message of courage, faith, and perseverance.

• Souraya Nasser

  Souraya Nasser joined toastmaster in 2014 to get over my fear of public speaking. She has a degree in computer and communication engineering. I spent 8 years working as software developer in the banking & shipping sector before she transitioned to project management and discovered that her true passion is working with people. She has 12 years of experience in leadership and communication; she is a trainer and a mentor who helps individuals reach their full potential.