NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LebNet proudly celebrates Lynn Doughane, Montreal Steering Committee member & COO of Juno Technologies, for being named one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants! She’s the only honouree from Quebec and the 4th Lebanese recipient in 17 years, proudly raising the Lebanese flag on a national stage.

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards honor the perseverance, impact, and accomplishments of outstanding immigrants across Canada.

✨ Congratulations, Lynn Doughane, on this remarkable achievement!  

We are thrilled to welcome Raja D. Yanni, Vice President of Global Tax at McAfee, as the new community leader of LebNet’s Pacific Northwest region,

Raja brings a wealth of global corporate experience and technical acumen to the role, instrumental in strengthening the local network. But what truly sets him apart is his commitment to giving back. Raja is driven by a deep desire to foster meaningful connections, mentorship, and professional growth within the Lebanese tech community.

A couple questions to get to know Raja:

Why LebNet? I envisioned that joining LebNet would allow me to connect with fellow Lebanese professionals in tech while fostering a strong sense of cultural pride. I also saw it as a meaningful way to give back to a community I deeply care about.

What's Your Vision for the Pacific Northwest Community?

As a proud member of the Pacific Northwest tech ecosystem, my vision is to cultivate deeper connections among Lebanese professionals, expand mentorship opportunities, and create a space where innovation and cultural heritage thrive together. I’m most excited to help grow our community, spotlight local talent, and build bridges between LebNet and the broader tech landscape.

Please join us in welcoming Raja to the team!

Hadi Salman is a rising leader in the global AI research community with an extensive record of influential publications in top-tier venues. His work has spanned diverse topics — from the robustness and reliability of AI systems to advancing large language models and improving their reasoning capabilities. At OpenAI, he leads a team pushing the boundaries of LLM research and development.

Hadi holds a PhD in Computer Science from MIT, a Master’s in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, and dual undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut.

Beyond his research, Hadi is deeply committed to community building. He founded the Global Lebanese AI Slack group, connecting Lebanese AI professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide to collaborate and exchange ideas.

As an Associate Board Member, he will help design programs for early-career professionals and strengthen connections across our global network. Please join us in warmly welcoming Hadi to the LebNet Board!

LebNet is frequently called upon to contribute to economic development efforts in Lebanon and to support the country’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem in ways that foster innovation and create job opportunities. While LebNet remains committed to engaging in initiatives that serve these goals, significant structural challenges—particularly in infrastructure—continue to present serious obstacles. Many of these issues require urgent government action.

In light of this, LebNet felt compelled to formally appeal to Lebanon’s Ministry of Telecommunications on behalf of the Lebanese tech diaspora.

On July 29th, 2025, Habib Haddad, Chair of LebNet’s Board of Directors, personally delivered the following open letter to Minister of Telecommunications Charles Hage:

Your Excellency Minister of Telecom Charles Hage,

We, members of LebNet, a collective of professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and development advocates from Lebanon living abroad, write with an urgent and heartfelt appeal. With the Lebanese diaspora accounting for more than 30% of Lebanon’s GDP, and as citizens deeply committed to the advancement of our homeland, we are ready and willing to contribute our expertise, networks, and capital to support Lebanon’s national development. However, we cannot do so effectively  without a robust and modern broadband infrastructure which, in turn, is critically dependent on efficient and cost-effective electric power distribution, trust through transparency, best practices in cybersecurity, and democratization of access and competition.

The Challenge

Reliable, high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury - it is a critical enabler of economic growth, education, governance, innovation, and inclusion. Unfortunately, broadband access in Lebanon remains extremely limited and users today pay some of the highest data rates compared to the region and Europe. This digital bottleneck is stifling entrepreneurship, deterring investment, limiting youth potential, and seriously undermining our country's ability to compete in today's digital economy.

The Opportunity

Investing in broadband infrastructure will create a multiplier effect across multiple sectors including:

• Enabling Lebanon’s public and private sectors the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, the Artificial Intelligence fundamental transformations.
• Entrepreneurship and job creation through online businesses, digital money exchanges, remote work, and innovation hubs.
• Attract foreign capital and encourage investments by multinationals seeking new growth markets.
• Expanded access to quality education and global knowledge, especially in rural areas.
• Improved healthcare delivery via telemedicine and digital health systems.
• Enhanced agricultural productivity and industrial competitiveness through digital tools.
• Direct diaspora engagement in development efforts offering mentorship, launching businesses, and attracting global investment.

Our Position

We are prepared to channel our resources - financial, intellectual, and institutional - into projects that support inclusive, tech-driven growth. However, this is only viable with functioning, scalable digital infrastructure efficiently run by accountable and professional organizations. Without a national broadband backbone, our ability to contribute will remain limited to symbolic rather than transformative engagement.

Current Situation

We understand this to be as follows:

• Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry Of Telecom (MOT) and licensed Data Service Providers (DSP) for joint use of conduits, revenue share, access to Central Offices etc. as well as subject matter decrees and protocols are already in place.
• Fiber deployment in 2017 with OGERO and licensed Data Service Providers (DSP) initiating fiber deployment in various areas including the greater Beirut, Metn and Tripoli to corporate and end users with very good high speed internet service. Unfortunately, this deployment was halted thereafter in 2020.
• Proliferation of illegal and unlicensed internet service providers, locally known as “cable distributors”, using public, state-owned infrastructures, to deploy their own fiber and collect from an estimated 700,000 to 1 million end users for poor internet and pirated satellite TV services, thus depriving the Lebanese state millions of dollars in lost revenues as well as breaking the law.

Our Appeal

We respectfully urge the government to make broadband infrastructure a national priority by developing a master plan that includes the following elements:

• Expanding broadband access to fiber in the major metropolitan areas. This includes quick implementation by the Ministry of Telecom of the existing decrees, protocols and Memorandum of Understanding between OGERO and licensed DSPs.
• Urgently rolling out country-wide mobile 5G
• Unlocking government exclusivity on International connectivity
• With the Ministry of Telecom approval, resuming fiber deployment through OGERO and the licensed private sector. It is our understanding that with many buildings already connected to fiber, broadband footprint deployment could be increased by at least 400,000 subscribers in an expedited time table.
• Developing concurrently a clear, time-bound National Broadband Strategy involving the Telecom Regulatory Authority and implementing telecom law 431 passed in 2002 and addressing the unsustainable status of the estimated thousands of illegal and unlicensed “cable distributors” pursuant to best practices for an economy our size.
• Incentivizing private sector participation through transparent public-private partnerships.
• Expeditiously introducing Starlink services with competitive negotiated rates and within proper regulatory and commercial frameworks. This will provide much needed redundancy for businesses as well as being a catalyst for overall competitive data rates.
• Creating a competitive, innovation-friendly regulatory framework and ensuring affordability and quality of service for end users.

In response to meaningful progress on that master plan reviewed through regular quarterly touch points, We would commit to convening a Diaspora Technology & Investment Forum within the next 6 months to align diaspora capacity with the government's digital goals.

Conclusion

The future of Lebanon will be defined by its connectivity not just physical infrastructure, but digital inclusion. We stand ready, willing and able to help build this future. Let us work together to ensure our country is not left behind in the digital century.

With respect and commitment,

LebNet Board of Directors

Visiting Lebanon this summer? LebNet has partnered with Beirut Digital District (BDD) to provide paid LebNet members with free and discounted coworking access!

✅ Enjoy 2 weeks of free hot desk access — available on a first-come, first-served basis, while space lasts. This includes high-speed internet and unlimited coffee — all in a professional, collaborative environment. 

✅ After the two free weeks, LebNet members receive a 30% discount on BDD’s coworking packages, listed here:
https://beirutdigitaldistrict.com/coworking-space/

Not sure which option is right for you?
A hot desk gives visitors access to one of three shared open areas, where they can sit based on availability and preference — it’s a flexible, collaborative option.
In contrast, a dedicated desk is an assigned workstation in a quiet, dedicated-access area that you can keep for as long as needed. It includes access to a locker and phone booths for calls, offering more privacy and consistency.

LebNet members can also access the following discounted short-term coworking options:

Subscription Type	1 Day Pass (Hot Desk)	1 Week Pass (Hot Desk)	1 Day Pass (Dedicated Desk)
Access	1 day/month	1 week	1 day/month
Event Spaces Discount	N/A	N/A	N/A
High-Speed Internet & Unlimited Coffee	Yes	Yes	Yes
BDD Rates	$15	$55	$22
LebNet Rates	$10	$40	$15

This collaboration helps foster deeper connections between the diaspora and Lebanon’s tech ecosystem while giving members a comfortable, productive place to work. A big thank you to BDD for their generous support!

If you're interested, please fill out this form to request access.

The Early-in-Career (EiC) community at LebNet supports students and young professionals with five years or less of experience in tech. With over 150 active members across the U.S. and Canada, EiC offers mentorship, networking, and career-building opportunities to help members grow and connect.

Led by a dedicated steering committee, EiC organizes webinars, panels, and community events tailored to early-career needs. We connect members with experienced mentors, collaborate with universities to share job and internship opportunities, and support youth in Lebanon through fellowship and mentorship initiatives.

Our work closely aligns with LebNet’s mission to empower the next generation of Lebanese tech talent and foster global success.

Meet the Steering Committee

The EiC Steering Committee is made up of passionate professionals from a range of tech fields and backgrounds. Each member brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected community.

Stephanie Ferzli

Transportation Engineer at HNTB, focused on emerging mobility and digital infrastructure. She earned an MS from Ohio State University. Stephanie joined LebNet to connect with the Lebanese tech community and currently leads the Early-in-Career Steering Committee.

Rebecca Adaimi

Research Scientist at Apple in the Machine Intelligence Neural Design group. She holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UT Austin and has experience at Oura, Google X, and Intel. Rebecca joined LebNet to build a community focused on mentorship, networking, and empowering the youth.

Samer Akiki

Software Engineer at Marvell Semiconductor. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Clarkson University. Samer joined LebNet to give back to Lebanon and help students transition into careers and life in North America.

Teresa Bismar

Strategy Consultant at Mastercard with a passion for Payments and FinTechs. A graduate of UofT, she currently serves on the EiC committee where she supports young graduates through mentorship and career guidance.

Yves Georgy Daoud

Solutions Engineer at Agility Robotics, focused on integrating humanoid robots in warehouses and logistics. He holds a bachelor’s from AUB and a master’s in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. Yves joined LebNet to give back through mentorship and technical workshops.

Joseph Jabbour

Quantitative Analyst at RBC Capital Markets. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science. Joseph joined LebNet after seeing its impact and now contributes to the EiC Committee to help grow a strong, supportive community.

Tony Shara

Engineer at HRL Laboratories. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from UC Berkeley and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from USC. Tony joined LebNet to connect with the Lebanese tech community and helps organize student engagement initiatives.

Karim Tabaja

Leads Strategic Projects at City Football Group. He is a graduate of AUB and Stanford and has worked at Roland Berger and the NBA. Karim joined LebNet to support rising talent and helps organize programs for the EiC Committee.

Get Involved

If you're a recent graduate, or early-career professional looking to grow your network, gain valuable insights, or simply connect with others in the Lebanese tech community, we’d love to have you join us. The EiC community is open, welcoming, and always looking for new members to participate in events, mentorship opportunities, and leadership initiatives.

To learn more or get involved, reach out to LebNet's Executive Director, Jeanine Akiki, at [email protected]. We’re excited to meet you!

The story of LebNet Chicago started with a spark of inspiration.

Jad Dibs, a computer science student at Northwestern University, reached out with an idea: build a Lebanese tech community in Chicago. Inspired by his brother Kareem, a member of the LebNet LA/OC leadership team, Jad saw the impact LebNet was having and wanted to bring that same energy to his city.

We challenged him to identify a core group of local Lebanese professionals and uncover at least 30 Lebanese in tech in the area. He delivered!

Thanks to Jad’s initiative and the incredible team he brought together, LebNet Chicago is officially launched, and we’re thrilled for what’s to come.

If you're in Chicago and passionate about tech and community, we’d love to have you be part of this exciting journey! Email us at [email protected]

Lynn Doughane – Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Lynn Doughane is an electrical engineer by training and Master’s graduate from Polytechnique Montréal. She’s also the co-founder and COO of Juno Technologies, an award-winning medtech startup revolutionizing menstrual pain management. Drawing on her diverse background and heritage, Lynn is dedicated to driving change in women’s health, where research and innovation are greatly needed.

1. What inspired you to launch your own startup, and how has your Lebanese background influenced your journey as a founder?

What inspired me to start this company was a shared frustration with my co-founder. We couldn’t find an effective, drug-free solution for managing menstrual pain. This motivated us to leverage our knowledge and create a new approach.

My Lebanese background has given me resilience and ambition, qualities that have been essential in overcoming the many challenges of building a startup.

2. Tell us about your startup and what are some of the challenges you are facing with it? How do you plan to overcome them?

My startup, Juno Technologies, has developed a patent-pending medical device that has demonstrated a 79% reduction in menstrual pain in pilot studies, offering a drug-free and side-effect-free alternative.

As we are approaching the commercialization phase, it comes with its own set of challenges. We’re focused on building strong partnerships and securing the necessary resources to support a successful launch and sustainable growth.

3. What advice would you give to other aspiring founders looking to make an impact in their industries?

Focus on the problem, not just the solution. Take the time to understand what people are struggling with because that’s what will help you create something they actually need.

Rami Monla – Bridging Cognitive Science and Technology

Rami Monla is a recent graduate from McGill University with a degree in Cognitive Science, an interdisciplinary field that combines computer science, linguistics, neuroscience and psychology. His academic background, at the intersection of technology and the humanities, provides him with a unique perspective on how people and technology interact. Rami is passionate about exploring the applications of cognitive science in today’s digital landscape and looks forward to contributing to the LebNet community through mentorship and innovative projects.

1. How have your studies in Cognitive Science shaped your perspective on technology?

Cognitive Science taught me to approach technology not just as a technical tool, but as something deeply connected to how people think, behave, and interact. The interdisciplinary nature of my degree, blending computer science, neuroscience, psychology and linguistics, forced me to have a more expansive view of tech. This is all the more relevant in the age of AI, where putting humans at the center of technology is a priority.

2. Can you share an experience where your interdisciplinary knowledge provided a unique solution to a technical challenge?

I’ll use my favourite Covid project to answer this question! At the height of the pandemic, small businesses were struggling worldwide, including in my hometown of Montreal. With lots of time on my hands, I developed a chatbot that would recommend small businesses, nice parks and local spots to users. While programming skills are certainly necessary in a project like this, I really couldn’t have done it without my knowledge of linguistics. Understanding users’ prompts was a real technical challenge that required knowledge from a non-technical field. I should note, this was before the ChatGPT days.

3. What are your aspirations within the LebNet community, and how do you plan to bridge the gap between cognitive science and technology?

My motivation for joining LebNet is to connect with like-minded Lebanese people, from students and early-career professionals to seasoned experts across the tech world. As someone just starting out, I’m excited to grow within this community, learn from others’ experiences, and eventually give back by contributing my own perspective. I hope to bring fresh energy and initiative to LebNet!

With a background in Cognitive Science, I’m especially interested in bridging the gap between human understanding and technological development. Whether it’s through discussions around ethical AI, user-centered design, or interdisciplinary collaboration, I’m happy to help bring a more human lens to the technologies we create and use.

Rhéa Tabet – Empowering Businesses with AI Solutions

Rhéa Tabet is a pharmacology graduate from McGill University - now an Account Executive at Botpress, where she specializes in helping businesses integrate cutting-edge AI technologies. With a deep interest in leveraging artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems, Rhéa is passionate about building smarter customer engagement solutions. Her connection to her Lebanese roots drives her commitment to community and innovation, reflecting the spirit of resilience and progress.

1. How has your work at Botpress shaped your understanding of the role of AI in transforming customer experiences?

Working at Botpress has placed me at the forefront of the AI revolution. I’ve seen firsthand how intelligent automation can transform customer experiences and drive measurable business value. Guiding clients through full implementations - identifying high-impact use cases and optimizing workflows - has deepened my understanding of how AI can meaningfully increase productivity and scale support functions without compromising quality.

2. Can you share a memorable project where you helped a business harness AI to overcome a significant challenge?

One standout project involved helping a company struggling with an overwhelmed support team and high volumes of repetitive inquiries. We deployed an AI agent on their technical support portal, which significantly reduced their manual workload. As a result, their team could focus on more strategic initiatives. The collaboration was smooth, the impact was immediate, and it remains one of the most rewarding projects I've been part of.

3. How has your Lebanese heritage influenced your approach to technology and innovation?

My Lebanese heritage has instilled in me a strong sense of community, adaptability, and people-centric thinking, traits that serve me daily in business development. Being naturally relationship-driven and solution-oriented helps me connect meaningfully with clients and navigate challenges with creativity and resilience. Growing up in a culture that values connection and resourcefulness has shaped both my communication style and my approach to innovation.

We’re thrilled to welcome Bassel Haidar to the LebNet DC leadership team! Bassel leads AI for the civilian sector at Booz Allen and is a seasoned tech executive who has spearheaded major AI initiatives across federal, state, and local governments. With deep expertise in AI, analytics, and software development, Bassel is widely recognized as a thought leader in the space, and we’re excited for the insights he’ll bring to our community.

We asked Bassel two questions to help you get to know him better:

Why did you choose to get involved with LebNet, and what does this community mean to you?

"Success means more when it’s shared. LebNet is a launchpad where Lebanese tech talent lifts one another higher, where “we” towers over “me.” I’m here to pay forward the mentorship that propelled me and ignite the next wave of innovators with our hard-won lessons."

What opportunities or trends in AI and technology are you most excited to share with the LebNet community?

"Every industry is being rewritten and reimagined with AI. Picture waking up to find your “digital co-workers” have shipped code, balanced the books, and mapped tomorrow’s marketing plan while you slept. I’m eager to swap blueprints for building, scaling, and governing these agents responsibly, and to ignite bold, brain-sparking conversations with the powerhouse talent of LebNet."

Please join us in welcoming Bassel to the team!

We are thrilled to welcome Ghada Saliba-Malouf to the LebNet Board of Directors. Ghada is a distinguished legal executive with over three decades of experience in corporate law, financial services, and social impact. She most recently served as Managing Director and Associate General Counsel at Wells Fargo, where she led high-impact legal teams and initiatives focused on employee development and engagement.

A passionate advocate for mentorship, women’s rights, and the Lebanese diaspora, Ghada has also served as Board Chair of Equal Rights Advocates, Chair of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, and is currently Vice-Chair of the Board of the Arab Film and Media Institute.

Ghada’s deep ties to Lebanon and long-standing support for nonprofits reflect her unwavering commitment to giving back. As a LebNet Board member, she will help guide our strategic direction and champion opportunities for Lebanese professionals in tech and beyond.

Please join us in welcoming Ghada Saliba-Malouf to the LebNet Board of Directors!