MENASA Women Wednesdays: Empowering Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities - Mona Agha Maktabi
Includes a Live Web Event on 11/18/2026 at 8:00 AM (EST)
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MENASA Women Wednesdays are monthly one-hour member engagement sessions (in English or Arabic) highlighting the voices of women in student affairs from around the world. Through this online series of discussions, MENASA members will have the opportunity to gain various perspectives of the student affairs profession through the varying lenses of women in the field. Session presenters will share their story of how they have come to hold their current position in higher education, lessons learned along the way, insights they have gained, and a time for participants to ask questions.
Next Step: From Inclusion to Independence and Employment
Established in 2016 at the American University of Beirut (AUB), the Next Step Program is a three-year American inclusive, university-based life-skills and vocational program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Operating under the Office of the Provost, it is built on a fundamental belief: every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, contribute, and belong. Through individualized learning, students develop essential life skills, functional academics, communication, social competence, and vocational readiness. Their learning extends beyond the classroom through university activities, community engagement, and workplace internships tailored to their strengths, interests, and support needs.
A defining feature of Next Step is its integration within the AUB community. By engaging faculty, physicians, students, staff, families, and external partners, the program creates opportunities for meaningful interaction, challenges stereotypes, and fosters a deeper understanding of inclusion. Workplace partnerships further support students in developing professional skills and accessing practical employment experiences, helping bridge the gap between education and the world of work.
As Next Step celebrates ten years of progress, its mission remains clear: to move beyond inclusion as an ideal and make it a lived reality—one in which young adults with intellectual disabilities are recognized for their abilities, empowered to make choices, and supported in contributing meaningfully to society.
The experience of Next Step demonstrates that when individuals are given the right opportunities and support, inclusion benefits not only students but also universities, workplaces, families, and the wider community.
Mona Agha Maktabi
Director of the Next Step Program
American University of Beirut
Mona Agha Maktabi is a Lebanese educator and advocate for inclusive education, serving as Director of the Next Step Program at the American University of Beirut. Her work is driven by a commitment to ensuring that young adults with intellectual disabilities have meaningful opportunities to learn, develop independence, and participate in society. Through Next Step, she advances inclusive university experiences, vocational preparation, and pathways to employment, promoting a vision of inclusion grounded in dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
Elma Atic
Section Head of Academic Advising Development
Qatar University
Elma Atic is a Student Affairs practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, with a particular focus on academic advising and student success. At Qatar University, she works closely with academic advisors, Student Affairs professionals, and university stakeholders to continuously improve advising services and the overall student experience. Her work also includes mentorship, staff development, assessment, and strategic initiatives supporting student success.
Beyond Qatar University, Elma is actively involved with MENASA NASPA, contributing to initiatives that connect, develop, and support Student Affairs professionals across the region. Her professional interests include academic advising, mentorship, student success, professional development, and the evolving role of data and technology in higher education.
Heba Shaheen
Senior Manager, Student Organizations
The American University in Cairo
"Passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential, Heba Shaheen is dedicated to supporting student leaders in creating meaningful and lasting impact throughout their experiential learning journey at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and within their wider communities.
With over 16 years of professional experience, Heba began her career as a Quality Control Analyst in a multinational company after earning a BSc in Chemistry with a minor in Psychology. She later transitioned into higher education, pursuing her passion for student development, leadership, and well-being. She currently holds two master’s degrees and is pursuing a PhD in Global Public Health at AUC, with research interests focused on policy management and workplace well-being. Heba holds an MSc in Organizational Psychology from the University of London, with a focus on women’s leadership, workplace gender equity, and well-being, as well as an MA in International & Comparative Education from AUC, concentrating on research and policymaking, with a focus on Education for Sustainable Development. She is also a Certified Student Affairs Educator from the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs, with a concentration in Campus Activities. She is also a professional trainer and practitioner in personality, interest, and strengths assessments.
Heba’s career journey from Chemistry to Higher Education reflects her belief in the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Through the challenges and rewards of career transition, she continues to inspire others to embrace growth, resilience, and lifelong learning."
Wadad El Housseini
Consultant to Vice President - Student Affairs, Director - MENASA Area
Qatar University
Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.
Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.
Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.