On World Cities Day, we proudly celebrate the global journeys of our Ahliah School alumni, individuals who have carried the values of excellence, resilience, and compassion from the heart of Beirut to every corner of the world.
From law and medicine to finance, aviation, education, hospitality, linguistics, music, and biomedical research, our graduates are leaving their mark in cities as diverse as New York, Brussels, Milan, Toronto, Michigan, Texas, Moscow, Berlin, Doha, and beyond.
Their stories reflect more than academic and professional achievement, they are stories of courage, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to growth. Whether leading global companies, pursuing advanced degrees at world-renowned universities, or launching innovative projects that connect communities, Ahliah alumni continue to embody what it means to be true citizens of the world.
Ahmad is a post-graduate researcher in biomedical sciences and tissue engineering in Belgium, focusing on studying bones and cartilage in the spine through both laboratory experiments and computer modeling. His global journey includes earning a Master’s in Bioengineering from Osaka University (Japan, Class of 2021), and he is now completing a double PhD in Medicine (KU Leuven) and Engineering (ULiège), to be awarded in 2026. Ahmad actively publishes research and presents at international conferences worldwide.
After completing his studies at Ahliah School in downtown Beirut, Ahmad attended the United World College in Bosnia and Herzegovina before earning a BA in Public Policy Analysis and Visual Arts from Bennington College.
Since graduating in 2020, Ahmad has built a dynamic career in Bennington, Vermont, focusing on community development, art, and media. He currently serves as Marketing Manager at Vermont News & Media, collaborating with local and regional brands, while also editing GreenMountain, a special publication, and Vermont Country, a tourism supplement. In addition, he is the Director of the North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS), an annual exhibition celebrating public art and the region’s vibrant artistic community.
Ahmad’s achievements have been recognized with several awards, including Young Business Person of the Year by the Southwest Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Vermont’s 40 Under 40 by VermontBiz, and the New England Newspaper Award by NENPA. His work reflects a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and commitment to community impact.
Lyn recently took a big step by relocating to the United States. After serving as a nurse in Lebanon for four years and continuing her nursing career in the U.S., she is now pursuing a Master’s in Health Informatics at Weill Cornell Medical College. Ranked among the world’s leading medical schools, Weill Cornell is renowned for its cutting-edge research and advanced healthcare programs, making Lyn’s admission a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication.
Her success highlights the strength of the foundation built at Ahliah School, where resilience, academic excellence, and a global outlook are deeply instilled. Lyn’s journey from Beirut to one of the most respected medical institutions in the world reflects the caliber of Ahliah graduates and the limitless opportunities they continue to pursue.
Najla Makki (Class of 2012) has built a distinguished career in education over the past eight years at Princess Noura University in Saudi Arabia, where she serves as an ESL instructor. Holding a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics, Najla is committed to fostering language learning and academic excellence among her students.
In addition to her teaching, she recently completed a fellowship with UK Advance HE, further enhancing her expertise in higher education and professional development. Najla’s journey reflects dedication, continuous learning, and the global outlook instilled during her time at Ahliah School.
Ali is currently based in Doha, where he works as a Sales Manager for a leading Qatari holding group. He oversees the sales of 12 subsidiaries across Engineering EPIC, MEP, ELV, and Technology, with a strong emphasis on cloud solutions and cybersecurity. His role enables him to drive business growth, foster strategic partnerships, and contribute to innovative projects that strengthen Qatar’s engineering and technology sectors.
Ayman works as a trainer at IntellectEU, leading onboarding for banks and financial institutions on SWIFT projects. His role allows him to manage global financial messaging systems and enjoy the flexibility of working remotely from anywhere in the world. His advice to Ahliah students:
From the heart of Beirut to the creative pulse of Detroit, Layan is composing an extraordinary journey through music, culture, and research.
Currently in her final year of graduate school at Wayne State University, she is earning her Master of Music degree while serving as Assistant Student Conductor for the university choirs.
Beyond academia, Layan is an Artist in Residence with Artists at Work in partnership with the Arab American National Museum, and she continues to innovate through her Arabic electronic and experimental music project.
Her series “40 Minutes With”, weekly interviews with Arab American musicians exploring identity, heritage, and sound earned her the 2025 Arab American Cultural Heritage Research Award from Wayne State University.
Across continents and careers, one thing unites all our alumni, the spirit of Ahliah. From the classrooms that nurtured their curiosity to the communities they now serve, each journey is a testament to the school’s legacy of shaping learners who think critically, act ethically, and lead with empathy.
Yasmin’s journey reflects the strong foundation she received at Ahliah School, which provided her with the opportunity to attend United World College (UWC). Building on that experience, she went on to pursue her undergraduate studies at New York University (NYU), where she is currently completing her degree. Today, she is based in New York City, continuing to grow academically and professionally while carrying the values and spirit of Ahliah with her.
After completing his studies at LAU in Beirut, Louay pursued his dream of studying in Europe. He learned Italian and is now completing his master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism at a university in Italy. Currently, he is gaining hands-on experience through a stage in a hotel in Milan. His proudest achievement: becoming fluent in English, Arabic, and Italian.
A law graduate of Newcastle University (LLB) and The University of Law (LPC & MSc in Law, Business and Management), Mohamad is currently pursuing accreditation to the New York Bar. His journey spans from policy work with the Office of the Lebanese Minister of Administrative Reform to corporate and finance law in private practice.
Jad has already carved out an impressive career path, currently serving as the Regional Director of Operations at American Airlines in Dallas, Texas. In this leadership role, he oversees airport operations across the region, ensuring efficiency, safety, and an exceptional travel experience for passengers. Jad is also deeply committed to building and guiding high-performing teams, recognizing that strong leadership and collaboration are at the core of successful operations.
Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Jad takes pride in fostering a culture of mentorship and professional growth. One of his proudest achievements has been advancing operational excellence while elevating customer care across the region, all while mentoring the next generation of leaders in the aviation industry. His work reflects not only a dedication to the airline’s mission, but also a broader commitment to shaping the future of aviation through innovation, service, and people-centered leadership.
Ghida is pursuing Business Psychology at SRH Berlin, where she explores how people think and behave in organizations and markets. Her studies combine economics and psychology with practical skills in organizational psychology, consumer behavior, marketing, and HR development. This path is preparing her for future opportunities in management consultancy, human resources, and marketing, fields where her expertise will be in high demand.
Across continents and careers, one thing unites all our alumni, the spirit of Ahliah. From the classrooms that nurtured their curiosity to the communities they now serve, each journey is a testament to the school’s legacy of shaping learners who think critically, act ethically, and lead with empathy.
As they shine in cities around the world, our alumni carry with them the same purpose that defines Ahliah: a belief in education as a bridge between people, cultures, and generations. On this World Cities Day, we celebrate not only where they are, but who they’ve become.
