Board of Directors

BIO

Mazen Karnaby 

Mazen Karnaby is the Founder and CEO of Cedra pharmacy, a chain of Nationwide pharmacies operating throughout the United States. Mazen's other business ventures include Real Estate holdings and several restaurant group operations. Mazen graduated in 1999 with a B.S in Pharmacy from St Johns University. Mazen's commitment to the underprivileged pushed him to operate multiple pharmacies in the bronx and queens to provide a white glove service to the needy and vulnerable populations across New York City.  

 

Marwan Karnaby 

Marwan Karnaby is the chairman and founder of Cedra Holdings LLC. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy & Medical Technology from St. John’s University and is a prominent member of different charitable organizations with contributions to various vulnerable communities. 


Karen Khabbaz

Ms. Khabbaz is a Lebanese American and has lived between Beirut, London and New York City for the past 15 years. In New York, she is highly involved in the City’s philanthropic, arts and museum scene(s). Karen holds a BA in Economics and Political Science from The American University in Beirut (AUB), and a Masters from the Cass Business School at the City University of London. She has interned with the British Red Cross in London and at the United Nations in Beirut. She also held jobs in Finance in London and New York.

Mira Massoud

Mira kassar is a Lebanese Canadian and has lived between Beirut and London. 
Mira holds a BA in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut and a Masters in fashion promotion from Instituto Marangoni in London.
Mira is involved in philanthropic work with various charities in Lebanon and London.

 

Gilbert Sakr

An accomplished, dynamic Marketeer, business development, and general management professional with a successful career spanning 19 years with reputed multinational companies overlooking different regions in the Middle East and Africa. Previously employed by Red Bull as Regional General Manager Africa. Currently acting CEO for Business Set Up Consultants in Dubai and advisory board member for Cuemby, GigRonin, and Uwavee. Gilbert holds a BA in Business Marketing from the Notre Dame University in Lebanon and an MBA in Emerging Markets and International Business from the University of Liverpool.

Élise Younes Chagoury

Ms. Chagoury was born in 1983, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business studies and Marketing, from the Lebanese American University, Beirut.
After graduating in 2005, she joined her family's business , a leading furniture manufacturing and retailers in the Middle East based in Lebanon.
She led the business development team for the UAE and the gulf region.
She currently resides in Paris with her family.
Elise is involved with many charities in Lebanon, Nigeria and France. She helped fund a school in Lagos, Nigeria among many other initiatives she participated in.

Roberto Aboumrad Chedraui

Mr Aboumrad brings to the Board practical and extensive cross-sector business experience, including within financial and hospitality services. During his career, Mr Aboumrad has held both senior executive management roles and board responsibilities with companies spanning a number of different sectors, particularly within Mexico. Mr Aboumrad holds a Bachelor degree in architecture and a Bachelor degree in engineering from Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and attended the Singularity University Executive Program. Key Strengths: Senior executive (CEO-level) responsibilities, Board memberships spanning a broad range of sectors and industries

Farah Fawaz Nesr 

Ms. Nesr is French Lebanese and has lived between Africa, Switzerland and Lebanon for most of life.She has worked with their family business in Hospitality, trade and industry for several years.Whilst living in Angola, she was a member of an NGO called Amizade who’s main objective is to aid underprivileged children. 
In Lebanon she helped found Hocus Pocus an NGO that also provides assistance to those in need. She is also part of the youth committee of the Lebanese Welfare association for the handicapped (LWAH).Farah holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from The American University in Beirut (AUB), and an MBA from the Lebanese American University (LAU).

 
Michelle Maalouf Abou Samra
Michelle is currently based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she is spearheading the establishment of an industrial food business in partnership with a local conglomerate.
Michelle comes from a family of food entrepreneurs with a 10 years experience in setting up and operating one of the leading pastry chains in Lebanon.
Michelle is an interior architect by education, graduate of the Lebanese American University.
She believes that the active Diaspora is Lebanon’s safety net and is involved in various social and cultural initiatives in this respect.

Sam Sweiden 

Dr. Sam Sweidan is a lebanese american pharmacist and an entrepreneur .
Dr. Sweidan owns and operates pharmacies in New York state. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Montclair State University and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Touro College,NY.

 
Maria Kharrat Farhat

Maria is a Lebanese French, she holds a BA in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut and a Masters in Finance from the Cass Business School at the city University of London. Maria has 10 years of work experience in Investment Advisory at reputable financial institutions in Lebanon. She has been involved in charitable and humanitarian works over the past years. Maria believes that a simple act of kindness can have a great impact on society.