With more than 29 years of experience in education across international universities and secondary schools, Dr. Sara L. Montero has served as Dean of Student Affairs at the American University in Dubai since 2019.

In this role, Dr. Montero leads a broad range of student services and advocates for student well-being, engagement, retention, and success. Drawing on extensive experience guiding students and teams through change and uncertainty, Dr. Montero will share practical insights on navigating uncertain periods while continuing to support students. Dr. Montero holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from Gwynedd Mercy University and a master’s in human relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Malak Elmoh is a Career Services Program Manager in the Office of External Relations at Georgetown University in Qatar. In her previous role as a Student Development Officer in the Office of Student Affairs, she played a key role in designing and implementing student programming, while also mentoring and advising student clubs, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the broader student community. A proud GU-Q alumna, Malak also holds a Master of Public Policy from Hamad bin Khalifa University, where she concentrated on education policy. Her experience extends beyond academia, having worked on high-profile events like the Doha Forum and with Memac Ogilvy's Public Relations team, where she developed a robust network in Doha. In her current role, Malak focuses on supporting students and recent graduates through career coaching and graduate school advising as well as further departmental initiatives such as professional development workshops, employer events and career fairs.

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.