Mona Itani

Mona Itani is a highly respected public speaker and a prominent woman social entrepreneur and changemaker from Lebanon.

With a solid educational background in computer and communications engineering, which includes a PhD in Management from the University of Leicester, a Masters in Engineering Management from the American University of Beirut, and a BE in Computer and Communications Engineering also from AUB, Mona started her career in multinational telecommunications companies before transitioning into academia.

Currently, she holds the position of Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Olayan School of Business at AUB, where she imparts knowledge on ethics, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She has also served as the coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Initiative at AUB.

Mona is a well-known figure in the entrepreneurship and innovation space, having co-founded Girls got IT, an initiative that has trained over 3000 girls in technology and engineering. She is also the founder of Riyada for Social Innovation SAL, a social enterprise focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Her achievements include being recognized with prestigious awards such as the Inspiring IEEE Women in Engineering Member of the year honorable mention award, and being a finalist in the McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders award. She has also been a fellow in programs like She Entrepreneurs, UNLEASH, and WE Empower Challenge.

With a wealth of experience in various roles and organizations including being a former CEO of Riyada for Social Innovation, a former Ambassador with UNLEASH, and a former Chairperson of IEEE Women in Engineering Lebanon Section, Mona has made significant contributions to the fields of entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and engineering education.

Mona's research interests are diverse and encompass topics such as entrepreneurship, women, ethics, and engineering education. Her PhD thesis titled 'How women entrepreneurs disrupt the traditional culture and economy: the case of women tech-entrepreneurs in Lebanon' showcases her dedication to exploring important societal issues.

She is also the Content Lead at Shabab Lab, an e-learning platform promoting social innovation in the Arab world. Leveraging partnerships with multinational companies and iNGOs, Mona continues to drive impactful initiatives that empower youth to develop solutions for real social problems using technology.

As a sought-after public speaker, Mona has shared her insights and expertise at numerous conferences and events, inspiring audiences with her knowledge and passion for creating positive change through entrepreneurship and innovation.