LAUREATES 2025
Alaa murabit
Dr. Alaa Murabit is a global expert in health, sustainable development, and inclusive security. A medical doctor and strategist, she has shaped policies across 193 countries, influenced UN Security Council resolutions, and mobilized over $25 billion in health, sustainability, and security financing—directly impacting billions of lives. At 21, amid Libya’s civil war, Alaa founded the Voice of Libyan Women, pioneering a movement that redefined security and policy. Her Noor Campaign engaged faith leaders to advance women’s rights, shifting global narratives on gender equality. By 25, she had successfully negotiated key UN resolutions, shaping the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. She has served as the UN High-Level Commissioner for Health, Employment, and Economic Growth, CEO of IMPACT2030, co-founder of Phase Minus 1, and Director at the Gates Foundation, where she managed a $350 million global portfolio spanning maternal and child health, climate security, and innovation. She has also worked with leading global organizations, designing policies and strategies to enhance sustainable development and security frameworks.
Beyond her executive leadership, Alaa is an influential advocate for community-driven solutions. As Board Chair of Girls Not Brides, she leads efforts to end child marriage and promote systemic change. She also serves on the Women for Women International Board and previously served on the Malala Fund and Gavi Boards. A TIME100 honoree, Forbes 30 Under 30 leader, MIT Media Lab Fellow, and WEF Young Global Leader, her work has been featured by TIME, CNN, BBC, and The New York Times. She has delivered keynotes at TED, the UN, the World Economic Forum, and Harvard. Recognized with the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Alaa holds an MD from Zawia University and an MSc in International Strategy and Diplomacy from LSE. She is a Harvard Radcliffe Fellow.
Reem Acra
Reem Acra is a globally celebrated fashion designer known for her exquisite Bridal and Ready-to-Wear collections, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Her designs, distinguished by intricate craftsmanship and luxurious details, have set new standards in the fashion industry. In 1997, Acra launched her eponymous label, Reem Acra New York, gaining immediate recognition in the bridal market. Building on this success, she expanded into Ready-to-Wear in 2003, solidifying her reputation as a visionary in high fashion. Her creations, worn by A-list celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Kate Hudson, have graced the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes, among other prestigious red-carpet events. Of Lebanese heritage, Acra earned a Business Degree from the American University of Beirut (AUB) before pursuing her passion for fashion at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Paris’ École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode (ESMOD). Acra’s influence extends beyond fashion, earning her global recognition. Forbes named her one of the 10 Most Powerful Arab Women, alongside Amal Clooney, Nemat Shafik, and Zaha Hadid. She has received numerous accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Building Bridges Award, recognizing her efforts in strengthening relations between the Middle East and the U.S.. In 2012, the United Nations honored her for supporting the 66th UN General Assembly session. A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Bridal Council of America, Acra also serves on the International Advisory Council of AUB and the Honorary Board of the American Foundation for Saint George Hospital. In 2019, she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Tamanna, a nonprofit granting life-changing wishes to critically ill children in the Middle East. For four consecutive years, Acra has mentored emerging designers as the host of the hit reality TV show Fashion Star Middle East, further cementing her status as a leader in the fashion industry.
Charbel Farhat
A pioneer in computational mechanics, fluid-structure interaction, and high-performance computing, Charbel Farhat has made groundbreaking contributions to aerospace engineering, defense technologies, and computational modeling. His research has advanced computational fluid dynamics, aeroelasticity, reduced-order modeling, and physics-based machine learning, influencing both industry and government applications. With over 650 refereed publications, his work has shaped the future of engineering innovation and high-performance computing. Farhat has played a key role in major research and defense initiatives. He directed the Stanford-King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Center of Excellence for Aeronautics and Astronautics (2014–2024) and the Army High Performance Computing Research Center (2007–2018). He has advised the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security’s Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee, and the Space Technology Industry-Government-University Roundtable. Recognized for his contributions to national security and innovation, he was awarded the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship by the U.S. Department of Defense. Farhat is a member of three prestigious national academies—the National Academy of Engineering (USA), the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), and the Lebanese Academy of Sciences. He is also a Fellow of seven professional societies, including AIAA, ASME, SIAM, IACM, and USACM. His numerous accolades include multiple Docteur Honoris Causa titles from leading European institutions, the Medal of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques from France, and high-profile awards from AIAA, ASME, IEEE, and IACM. At Stanford University, Farhat is the Vivian Church Hoff Professor of Aircraft Structures and a Professor in the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering and holds editorial roles in several leading scientific journals. His research, supported by NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Boeing, Toyota, Volkswagen, and other global institutions, continues to drive advancements in aerospace engineering, supercomputing, and computational modeling.
Rabi Mohtar
A global leader in environmsental sustainability and resource conservation, Prof. Rabi Mohtar has pioneered innovative solutions to address the complex interconnections between water, energy, food, and health security. His groundbreaking research integrates green water accounting, dynamic soil hydro structural modeling, and Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus tradeoffs, providing sustainable strategies for managing natural resources in a rapidly changing world. Prof. Mohtar’s work bridges science and policy, influencing global sustainability efforts through research, governance, and capacity building. He serves as a Governor of the World Water Council and an Executive Board Member of the International Water Resources Association, leading initiatives to modernize integrated water resources management (IWRM). His expertise is sought by policymakers in Lebanon and worldwide to develop sustainability frameworks, reform academic and research models, and enhance science-to-policy connections. At the forefront of academic innovation, Prof. Mohtar has shaped water and environmental research at Texas A&M University, where he is a Senior Advisor for the WEF Nexus Initiative at the Energy Institute. He also holds professorships in Biological & Agricultural Engineering and Civil & Environmental Engineering, with adjunct roles at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Purdue University. His leadership extends beyond academia, fostering global partnerships and cross-disciplinary collaborations to address emerging environmental challenges. Prof. Mohtar’s contributions have earned international recognition. He has received the Hancor Award from ASABE for excellence in soil and water engineering, the Kishida International Award for global food security advancements, and a dedicated symposium in his name by the American Chemical Society. A Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, he was also honored as the Ven Te Chow Memorial Lecturer for IWRA. Committed to driving sustainable solutions, Prof. Mohtar continues to influence research, policy, and practice, ensuring the resilience of water, food, and energy systems for future generations.
Joseph Geagea
Joseph (Joe) Geagea is a highly accomplished global energy executive with a 40-year career at Chevron Corporation, retiring in June 2022 as Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chairman and CEO. As a key member of Chevron’s Executive Committee, he played a critical role in overseeing technology, capital projects, cybersecurity, digital transformation, corporate procurement, process safety, environmental management, and talent selection for the company’s worldwide operations. Previously, Geagea served as President of Chevron Gas and Midstream, where he led the company’s natural gas commercialization, shipping, pipeline, power, and trading businesses. He was also responsible for Chevron’s upstream operations in Southeast Asia, as well as downstream activities in East Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. A strategic leader, Geagea played an instrumental role in Chevron’s $13 billion acquisition and integration of Noble Energy, helping drive business growth and maximize shareholder value. He is credited with developing and executing Chevron’s corporate transformation strategy, modernizing its culture, structure, and digital capabilities, and implementing enterprise-wide cost-saving initiatives that delivered multibillion-dollar efficiencies. CEO Mike Wirth described him as one of Chevron’s most accomplished global business leaders, recognized for his ability to lead turnarounds, drive revenue growth, and navigate complex geopolitical and commercial landscapes. Beyond his executive leadership, Geagea has extensive experience in international business, emerging markets, and commercial negotiations, particularly in energy transitions, sustainable solutions, and global partnerships. His expertise has helped shape long-term industry strategies, ensuring resilience in a rapidly evolving energy sector. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering, Geagea is actively involved in industry and policy advisory roles. He serves as Chair of the Civil Engineering External Advisory Board and holds board positions at Houston Grand Opera, the Middle East Institute, the American Task Force on Lebanon, and Worley Group of Companies.
Samia Farouki
Samia Farouki is the Chairman of HII-Finance Corporation, a global investment company she founded in 1989 in Washington, DC. The firm is responsible for originating and overseeing women-owned businesses, facilitating their growth across national and international markets. Outside her career, Samia has dedicated her time, efforts, and energies to the fields of education, arts, and women’s empowerment. She has served as a board member or advisor for some of the world’s most respected institutions, including The Middle East Institute, Georgetown University’s Center of Contemporary Arab Studies, The Kennedy Center’s International Committee on the Arts, and Vital Voices. She has led major fundraising campaigns for organizations such as The Folger Shakespeare Library, The Lab School, and The Washington Opera. A longtime Washingtonian, Samia has spent decades bridging the Arab world and the United States. From 1982 to 1993, she founded and oversaw the Arab American Cultural Foundation/Alif Gallery, the first U.S.-based platform dedicated to showcasing Arab art and culture. In 2008, she co-chaired the Kennedy Center’s International Committee on the Arts, playing a pivotal role in Arabesque, a festival and multi-year program celebrating the region’s rich visual and performing arts traditions. Her philanthropic work extends globally, supporting initiatives such as The King Hussein Cancer Center, The Aspen Institute’s Middle East Program, and The Corcoran Gallery of Art. She has also been a Trustee at Planet Word Museum, Teach for America’s Washington regional board, The King Hussein Foundation, and The World Conference on Religions for Peace. Through her leadership in finance, arts, and philanthropy, Samia has been a driving force in fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting education, and empowering women in both business and society. Her efforts continue to create a lasting impact across multiple fields and regions.
Michael and Hoda Kardoush
For Michael and Hoda Kardoush, the path to a better world is paved with proactive action and unwavering hope—values they live by each day. Michael was born in Nazareth, Palestine, and witnessed the onset of the Nakba, the mass displacement of Palestinians. Forced to flee his homeland on foot, his early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to justice and resilience. Hoda’s upbringing in Cairo, Egypt, fostered a deep love for learning, which earned her a place at the prestigious American University in Cairo. The couple met unexpectedly in December 1966, and their swift marriage marked the beginning of a journey that took them from Germany to Canada, and ultimately to the United States, where they built their home and legacy. Their philanthropy is deeply rooted in Arab heritage and civic responsibility. In Houston, Hoda chaired the first fundraising gala for the Arab American Cultural and Community Center (ACC), raising seed funding that helped the center flourish. The Kardoushes also support the National Arab Orchestra, promoting Arabic music and culture worldwide, and the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU), which advances accurate, fact-based coverage of Middle Eastern issues. After the heartbreaking loss of their son Paul to cancer, Michael and Hoda created the Paul Kardoush Memorial Endowed Lecture Series at the University of Houston to foster critical conversations around the Arab world. Their work with the Leonard Education Organization (LEO) provides scholarships for Palestinian students to pursue higher education globally. Michael’s distinguished engineering career led him to establish American Middle East Consulting, Inc., while Hoda, after a successful banking career at Price Waterhouse, fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning her master’s degree at age 52. Their legacy of generosity lives on through their son Mark, daughter-in-law Adriana, and grandchildren Paulina, Natalia, and Gracie. The Kardoushes remain beloved pillars of the Houston community.
Richard and Kaye Westmark
Drs. Richard and Kaye Westmark are a power couple whose groundbreaking contributions in medicine, finance, and philanthropy have positioned them as leaders in their respective fields. With a shared commitment to innovation, education, and social impact, they have transformed industries, empowered communities, and championed meaningful change on a global scale. Dr. Richard Westmark is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Westmark Enterprise, a global family office and multi-asset manager, as well as Managing Partner and CIO of Triple V Management, an alternative investment advisory firm. In addition to his business acumen, he is a Global Board Member and Texas Regional Director of the Hedge Fund Association. A prolific author, Richard has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed scientific literature and renowned neurosurgery textbooks, with groundbreaking research on spinal cord injuries at the University of California, San Francisco. His book, My Back Hurts!, brings his medical expertise to a wider audience. As a sought-after lecturer, he is a frequent guest at international universities and forums. Dr. Kaye Westmark is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where she educates young residents and fellows on clinical radiology and the physics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Her expertise has taken her to institutions worldwide, including MD Anderson, UTHealth Neurosciences, and Rashid Hospital in Dubai. She is the author of Incidental Findings in Neuroimaging and their Management, a collaborative effort involving experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth. Beyond medicine, Kaye plays a pivotal role in managing the real estate division of Westmark Enterprises and facilitates charitable giving from their family office, reflecting the couple’s deep commitment to philanthropy. Through their exceptional careers and humanitarian efforts, Drs. Richard and Kaye Westmark continue to push boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on their professions and inspiring future generations.