Manal Ammagui began her student affairs journey during her undergraduate years at the University of South Florida (USF), serving as a Resident Assistant and participating in numerous student affairs conferences. She went on to pursue a Master of Arts in French at USF, where she expanded her professional experience by holding two key roles: Assistant Residence Life Coordinator in her first year and the inaugural Graduate Assistant for Residential Student Success position in her second year, all while remaining a French Instructor both years.

Manal went on to Stetson University for two years, playing a pivotal role in shifting the institution from a programming model to a curricular model, building a more intentionally designed residential experience.

Her career then took her abroad, where she spent three years as the inaugural Residential Hall Coordinator at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) before becoming the first-ever Manager for Residence Education at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK). In this current role, Manal continues to shape a legacy of co-curricular education within residential communities, emphasizing holistic student development and engagement.

Manal has been actively involved in NASPA's MENASA Area since 2022, starting as a recruitment volunteer with the Professional Development Committee. She later served in the Conference Committee, first as the MENASA24 Programming Co-Chair, then as the MENASA25 Conference Co-Chair and MENASA26 Conference Chair. Manal is now the Special Projects Team Lead.

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.