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.

"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."

Dr. Janelle Rahyns serves as the senior director for global impact at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She supports the association's international initiatives such as NASPA's Global Division, the MENASA Advisory Board, the MENASA NASPA Conference, the Global Summit on Student Affairs and Services, the International Symposium, the International Exchange Program, and assists in the support of the Latin America and the Caribbean Advisory Board. Prior to joining NASPA, Janelle served as the Assistant Dean at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, and the Resident Director at the University of California Los Angeles. Her research interests focus on African American college students, comparative study abroad experiences, international student affairs, and race and ethnicity in study abroad. Janelle holds a Ph.D. in Social Science & Comparative Education with a concentration in International & Comparative Education from the University of California Los Angeles, an M.Ed in Student Personnel in Higher Education and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida.