PAST EVENTS RECAP

On October 2nd, LebNet Montreal hosted a vibrant Social Evening that brought together around 20 Lebanese professionals in tech. The gathering provided an excellent platform for members of the community to connect, network, and engage in meaningful conversations in a welcoming and relaxed setting.

The event combined both fun and substance, with moments of laughter and light-hearted exchanges alongside a more structured tour de table that allowed each participant to introduce themselves, share what they do, and express what they might need from the community.

One attendee captured the spirit of the evening by sharing: “Awesome vibes, truly! A mix of fun, laughs, and some serious/official tour de table for everyone to know what the others do and need.”

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Montreal community for showing up with such energy, and to Lynn Doughane, from the LebNet Leadership Team, for her outstanding effort in organizing this successful gathering.

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

LebNet Bay Area was thrilled to host its 6th Bireme Award Ceremony on Tuesday, September 30th, bringing together nearly 70 members of our community for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and connection. 

This year, we proudly honored:

• Simon Kalouche, Entrepreneur of the Year, Founder & CEO of Nimble, a robotics company valued at over $1B and shaping the future of automation.

• Alaa Khaddaj, Young Scientist of the Year, PhD candidate at MIT specializing in trustworthy AI and machine learning.

Both awardees shared their journeys, highlighting pivotal moments in their careers, the influence of their Lebanese heritage, the challenges they faced, and their vision for the future of robotics, AI, and entrepreneurship. Their stories inspired a room filled with students, young professionals, and seasoned leaders alike.

The evening featured a panel discussion moderated by last year’s Bireme awardees, Aya Mouallem and Hadi Salman, who guided an engaging and thoughtful conversation with Simon and Alaa. The discussion explored:

• Building world-class startups and navigating early-stage challenge

• The role of Lebanese heritage in shaping innovation and leadership.

• The future of robotics, automation, and trustworthy AI 

In her remarks, LebNet’s Executive Director captured the spirit of the evening:

“The ties that bind us as Lebanese stretch across oceans and generations, uniting us no matter where we are born or where life takes us. Simon and Alaa are proof of that truth, one born in the U.S., one in Lebanon, yet both deeply proud of their homeland, our tiny country that continues to astonish the world with extraordinary talent, boldly navigating, connecting, and leaving their mark.”

The event drew record attendance for a Bay Area gathering, with a strong showing from the younger generation eager to connect, learn, and contribute to the community. The energy in the room reflected both pride in our shared heritage and a commitment to supporting the next wave of Lebanese talent.

We received wonderful feedback from attendees:

“Heartfelt and inspiring—I was blown away by the talent and ethos of the awardees and everyone I met. A powerhouse in all respects.”
“A record number of attendees, especially from the younger generation. The content and delivery were perfect—bravo!”
“The energy, organization, care, discussion, and attendance were tops. What an event you put on—thank you!”

The unanimous feedback was that participants left inspired, and that they will definitely be at the next event!

A special thank you goes to the LebNet Bay Area Leadership Team: Jibran Jahshan, Nour AbiSamra, Murad el Haj, Luna Maroun, and Ali Thabet, for organizing this memorable evening, and to Paul Klimos and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton for generously hosting us.  We are also grateful to the five members of the LebNet Board who attended in person to show their support, underscoring the importance of this event for the entire organization.

We also extend our gratitude to Château Belle-Vue (Bhamdoun, Lebanon) for donating their wines for the evening. We encourage you to explore their Wine Club.

Finally, thank you to our community for showing up in full force to support this milestone event. Together, we are building a vibrant community where one connection can change a career, a life, and a future.

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, LebNet Chicago hosted AI in Action, a fireside chat with Malek El Khazen, Principal AI Architect at Microsoft, and Kam Ghossaini, Director of Supply Chain Management at SAP, on how AI is reshaping work, transforming the labor force, and redefining the future of computing. Over 50 attendees gathered at Libanais in Lincolnwood to enjoy a delicious Lebanese lunch of hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh, shish kafta, shish taouk, and more, while diving into one of today’s most transformative technologies.

The discussion covered a wide range of timely topics, including how AI is used in daily work, Microsoft Copilot and other AI applications, the future of jobs and skills in an AI-driven workforce, and the environmental challenges of powering massive data centers.

The event was highly interactive, with attendees asking thoughtful questions throughout the chat. The engaging format sparked dynamic exchanges on both the practical and ethical implications of AI, keeping the conversation lively and collaborative. One participant captured the spirit of the day best: “Thank you LebNet, great talk, delicious lunch and amazing people. Keep them coming. And for the people who missed this, you really missed out.”

A huge thank you to Malek, Kam, and our Chicago community for making this a memorable afternoon of learning, connection, and authentic Lebanese hospitality. Special thanks as well to the entire LebNet Chicago Leadership Team, who were all there in person to support the event! The enthusiasm was so high that attendees were already asking when the next event will be.

We look forward to bringing more thought-provoking conversations, networking opportunities, and moments of Lebanese hospitality to the Chicago tech community very soon.

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

On September 17th, LebNet, in partnership with the IEEE USC Student Chapters, hosted an engaging “Introduction to Semiconductors” seminar in person at USC with the option to join via Zoom.

The session was led by Fram Akiki, President & Co-founder of Joun Technologies, Adjunct Instructor at Clarkson University and Cal State University, and member of the LebNet San Diego Leadership Team. Fram guided attendees through the semiconductor industry from the ground up, covering its size, segments, major players, and how chips are designed, manufactured, and applied across industries.  He also shared insights into the latest trends shaping this dynamic field.

Over 50 participants joined in person and online, sparking lively discussions around #AI, new materials, sustainability, and more. Fram enjoyed connecting with students afterward over pizza and informal conversations.

Special thanks to the local undergraduate and graduate chapters of IEEE, and the University of Southern California for hosting and sponsoring the event. A big shoutout to Michella Rustom for organizing this fantastic seminar!

It was an inspiring session for both students and professionals, highlighting how semiconductors power the modern world and the opportunities available in this exciting industry.

On August 31, 150+ attendees joined the LebNet San Diego End-of-Summer Picnic, hosted in partnership with the House of Lebanon San Diego! The 90-degree heat didn’t slow anyone down and the park was filled with laughter, new connections, and incredible energy.

From volleyball and soccer to family games spread across the park, it was wonderful to see community members of all ages enjoying themselves. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many asking for more events like this!

A heartfelt thank you to the House of Lebanon San Diego for flawlessly managing the food planning and execution, from logistics to preparation to cooking. HOL also generously donated their share of the proceeds back to LebNet in recognition of our impact on the community, especially the youth. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful gesture and proud of our strong partnership.

Finally, a big thank you to the community and the leadership teams of both organizations for making this gathering such a success.

Here’s to more events that bring us together, strengthen our bonds, and celebrate the best of our Lebanese spirit!

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

As part of its mission to empower Lebanese in tech, LebNet partnered with Step San Francisco for the second year in a row, sponsoring 4 showcase spots for entrepreneurs and securing 2 all-day access passes, offered exclusively to LebNet paid members, at one of the Bay Area’s most dynamic global tech festivals.

Spotlight on Our Founders

Three LebNet entrepreneurs showcased their startups:

Henry Khalife – GWApps: No-code solutions accelerating digital transformation for SMBs, helping them build apps faster and cut costs by 80%.

Marc Khamis – Zyra: AI to help Gen Z navigate life’s big decisions.

David Munir Nabti – Bloom.pm: Supporting startups and social enterprises with training, acceleration, and access to funding.

In Their Own Words

Henry Khalife (GWApps): “Thank you, LebNet, for the opportunity to showcase our startup at Step SF 2025! What an incredible event—we connected with visionary founders, inspiring innovators, and forward-thinking investors.”

Marc Khamis (Zyra): “It was great! I got to pitch,
showcase, meet investors, and network with amazing founders and incredible Lebanese people. Thank you, LebNet!”

David Munir Nabti (Bloom.pm): “It was super interesting, very helpful, I met some great people, and reconnected with old friends and connections. Big thanks to Step & LebNet!”

Community Connections

Beyond the showcases, Michel Khoury maximized the all-access experience, while Jibran Jahshan, our Bay Area community leader, connected with entrepreneurs and members on the floor, strengthening ties across our network.

By fostering global opportunities for founders and exclusive access for members, LebNet continues to create real value, showcasing Lebanese talent in North America.

Our second event in the New York Summer Networking Series was sold out, drawing strong interest from our community. While heavy rain kept a few from attending, those who made it enjoyed an evening of connections, conversations, and delicious manoushe. The energy was warm and engaging, and everyone had a great time.

A big thank you to our LebNet NY leadership team for organizing this event and to our community members for attending and making it such a success. This event continues to build momentum for our growing NY chapter.

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

On July 28th, LebNet Toronto’s summer social event sold out, welcoming 50 Lebanese professionals for an evening of vibrant networking and connection in the heart of the city.

The event brought together a diverse mix of attendees, with a strong focus on tech, including software engineering, data, cybersecurity, product management, and MedTech. Others represented fields such as finance, education, media, and consulting, showcasing the breadth and depth of Toronto’s Lebanese professional community.

The energy in the room was reflected in the feedback:

“It was great meeting so many of you in person. Great stories to cherish! Looking forward to your future successes!”

“A fantastic networking event full of wonderful people! Thanks to the LebNet Toronto leadership team for organizing such a successful evening. Looking forward to the next one!”

The event was led by Richard Saliba and Claudia Saikali Hotson from the LebNet Toronto leadership team, with support from the entire leadership team, whose combined efforts created a welcoming space for all.

“We met numerous people, formed beautiful connections, and added many to our WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups. Onwards and upwards! Let’s go, LebNet!” – Richard

“ Exciting times for growing the LebNet community!” – Claudia

Most attendees were newcomers to Canada (within the past 5 years), and the majority are already professionally established, an encouraging sign of the community’s strength and momentum.

With an enthusiastic crowd, authentic connections, and growing excitement for upcoming events, LebNet Toronto is on the rise. Stay tuned for even bigger things ahead!

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

On Thursday, July 10, LebNet Bay Area hosted a lively in-person social and networking event at Arcana in San Francisco. The gathering brought together Lebanese tech professionals, predominantly young adults aged 25–35, including several summer interns new to the Bay Area.

With many first-time attendees, the event created an energizing atmosphere for expanding networks and sparking engaging conversations across various tech roles, from engineering and research to sales and marketing. This fresh influx of participants also helped boost the event’s visibility within the community.

We’re grateful to everyone who came out and contributed to the energy and warmth of the evening, and special thanks go to Luna Maroun, a leader of the LebNet Bay Area community, for her dedication and efforts in organizing this successful gathering.

This event highlighted LebNet’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful connections and supporting Lebanese professionals as they grow and thrive in the tech industry. Stay tuned for our next networking event!

Check the full event album by clicking on the photo below!

On July 15, LebNet hosted a well-attended and highly impactful webinar on navigating U.S. immigration challenges, featuring seasoned immigration attorney Haitham Ballout. With a background in engineering and extensive experience supporting immigrants from the Middle East, Haitham provided clear, actionable insights for professionals dealing with complex immigration pathways.

The off-the-record session, moderated by LebNet Board Member and Bay Area Community Leader Jibran Jahshan, fostered a safe environment for open discussion and anonymous Q&A, a feature attendees greatly appreciated. One participant shared, “The conversation was super timely.” Another expressed, “Big thanks for organizing the session this afternoon,” while a new community member noted, “I've recently become a member and look forward to being part of this ecosystem.”

Key takeaways from the session included:

• Entry into the U.S. is never guaranteed, even with a valid visa.
• Border officers may review social media, private messages, and inspect electronic devices without a warrant and at will.
• Social or family connections and/or participation in certain events can impact decisions made by consulates and USCIS.
• Representation by an attorney is not allowed at U.S. borders or airports.
• Additional scrutiny is conducted before granting permanent residency (adjustment of status).
• Criminal acts, or even accusations, can lead to visa revocation.
• Failure to disclose material facts on immigration or consulate applications can cause denials or revocation of benefits or visas.

Haitham illustrated these challenges through real-life cases and offered practical strategies to help minimize risks.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Haitham Ballout for generously sharing his time and expertise, to our community members for their thoughtful engagement, and to Jibran Jahshan for his support in organizing and moderating the session.

This webinar exemplifies LebNet’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members by providing timely, relevant guidance and cultivating a strong professional network.

For more events and resources, visit www.lebnet.us.