NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2026
CWiB HIGHLIGHTS
THE HUMAN RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE (HRIC)
April 9-11, 2026
From 09 to 11 April 2026, the Center for Women in Business (CWiB) at OSB, AUB, participated in the Human Resources International Conference (HRIC) in Bangalore, India, organized by the Human Resources Division of the Academy of Management and hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
During the conference, the center's director, Dr. Khaddage-Soboh, presented the research titled “From Talent Development to AI Advantageousness: Implications for Job Engagement, Job Insecurity, and the Moderating Role of AI Trust,” on behalf of the co-authors Dr. Rola Chami-Malaeb, Dr. Elena Antonacopoulou, and Professor Pawan Budhwar.
The research explored the impact of artificial intelligence on talent management, job engagement, and job insecurity in the MENA region and aligned with this year’s conference theme, “Sustainable Human Resource Management in the Age of Disruption.” Dr. Khaddage-Soboh also moderated a Professional Development Workshop alongside Professor Pawan Budhwar and Professor Jyotsna Bhatnagar, focusing on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in talent management, recruitment, employee development, retention, performance evaluation, and employee engagement.
SEMINAR: MINDFUL EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
January, 2026
At the start of 2026, Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, Director of the CWiB, delivered an inspiring session titled “Mindful Emotional Intelligence” at the Health and Wellness Center at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC).
Creating a meaningful space for learning, reflection, and connection, Dr. Khaddage-Soboh guided attendees to explore how deeper emotional intelligence can positively transform both professional practice and personal interactions. The seminar equipped participants with valuable insights and practical approaches to navigate workplace relationships, lead with emotional clarity, and remain grounded under pressure.
WHO GETS TO LEAD THE FUTURE?
January, 2026
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 , the Center for Women in Business (CWiB) at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, rea rms its commitment to help bridge the gap in women’s underrepresentation in STEM careers, leadership roles and scientific entrepreneurship, while designing a smarter, more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone. Through research, leadership development and new initiatives, and focusing on the key pillars of education, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship, the Center transforms education into capabilities and ideas into action, while strengthening economies and building resilient communities.
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EVENTS
CWIB CATALYST CIRCLE NETWORKING & LAUNCH EVENT
January 29, 2026
The Center for Women in Business (CWiB) o cially launched the CWiB Catalyst Circle at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB), American University of Beirut. Held at the Maamari Auditorium, the event introduced a platform dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and professional growth through networking, learning, and cross-sector dialogue.
The event opened with remarks by Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, Dean Yusuf Sidani, and Associate Vice President Salma Dannawi-Oueida, who emphasized the significance of the initiative within OSB and AUB. Dr. Khaddage-Soboh presented the Catalyst Circle as a space for collaboration, leadership development, and collective impact. Dean Sidani rea rmed OSB’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership, while Ms. Dannawi-Oueida highlighted the importance of networks and institutional ecosystems in creating opportunities.
The event also revisited the Center’s impact during 2024 and 2025, highlighting its work in training, research, conferences, and women’s economic empowerment initiatives. Ms. Dalia Mahmoud formally introduced the Catalyst Circle’s vision, mission, principles, and engagement platforms.
A fireside chat, introduced by Ms. Mira Machmouchi and led by Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, featured Ms. Lana Medawar, who reflected on storytelling, leadership, self-expression, and the role of media and technology in shaping voice and influence.
Following the launch, registration o cially opened for individuals interested in joining the Catalyst Circle community.
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“VOICES OF VALOR” PODCAST
In 2026, the Center for Women in Business continued its “Voices of Valor” podcast series, which highlights the personal and professional journeys of women leaders from Lebanon and the Arab region. The series serves as a platform for sharing experiences, leadership insights, and reflections across diverse sectors and industries.
The newsletter highlights the launch of the first episode featuring H.E. Yasera Ghosheh, with additional episodes to be released in the coming months featuring Randa Na a, Eng. Ruba Al-Zoubi, Reem Badran, Dr. Sawsan Gharaibeh, and Dr. Dana Shuqom.
“VOICES OF VALOR” PODCAST
In 2026, six episodes of the “Voices of Valor” podcast were filmed at the Jordan Media Institute (JMI) in Amman, Jordan. The interviews feature leading women who spearhead various roles, organizations and initiatives in politics, development, civil society, and academia, impacting Jordan and beyond.
NEW EPISODE LAUNCHED – HE. YASERA GHOSHEH
In this episode of Voices of Valor, recorded in Jordan, the Center for Women in Business at the Suliman Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, welcomes H.E. Yasera Ghosheh, a distinguished Jordanian leader, former minister, and former senator whose career spans law, public sector reform, academia, governance, and national policymaking.
In conversation with Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, Director of the Center for Women in Business (CWiB), H.E. Ghosheh reflects on a remarkable professional journey shaped by education, resilience, and public service. With an academic foundation in law, commercial law, negotiation, and strategic leadership, she built a career dedicated to strengthening institutional performance and advancing excellence in governance.
The episode highlights Ghosheh’s contributions to Jordan’s public sector, including her role in reform initiatives, her leadership as the first Executive Director of the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence, and her service as Minister of Public Sector Development and later as a Senator.
This episode holds particular significance for women and emerging leaders across the region, demonstrating how leadership grounded in integrity, knowledge, and public service can drive meaningful institutional and social change. Her Excellency’s journey delivers a powerful message: women’s leadership remains essential to building stronger governance systems, advancing inclusive reform, and shaping a more sustainable future for business and public life.
WELL-BEING INITIATIVE
MINDFULNESS IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY A SPACE FOR OSB FEMALE STAFF
April 1, 2026
The Center for Women in Business at OSB, AUB hosted a women’s circle for OSB female sta during a period of ongoing uncertainty in Lebanon. The session created a space for reflection, support, and connection, recognizing the pressure many women continue to navigate during times of crisis.
Led by Coach Dana Abou Zeki, an OSB alumna and mindfulness coach, the initiative focused on stress management, emotional regulation, mindful communication, breathing techniques, movement, and self-care. Dean Yusuf Sidani opened the session by rea rming AUB and OSB’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive institutional community.
