ILMAUSA Foundation: Our Mission and Background
Our Mission
The ILMAUSA Foundation is dedicated to improving lives by supporting patients and strengthening healthcare in Lebanon and the United States. Through compassion, innovation, and global collaboration, we invest in medical education, empower research, and provide resources that bring lasting impact to communities in need.
Background
The ILMAUSA Foundation was established in early 2021 through the dedicated efforts of the ILMAUSA community, creating a charitable and educational platform aimed at making a meaningful impact. Guided by a committed board of nine ILMAUSA members and five esteemed volunteers from the broader community, the Foundation strives to fulfill its mission of support and collaboration.
Supporting Lebanese Medical Students.
The ILMAUSA Foundation is dedicated to empowering Lebanese medical students through various initiatives:
ILMA-USA Research Fellowship Program
Since 2022, the ILMA-USA Foundation has supported Lebanese students pursuing medical research at the University of Kansas. Launched at the Beirut Conference in 2024, the program awarded $275,000 in fellowships through the ILMA-KU Research Fellow Program—created by the ILMA-USA Kansas Chapter in partnership with KU School of Medicine and Lebanese community donors—funding seven Lebanese students in one-year research positions. In 2025, it expanded with $300,000 secured to support five new fellows. This is the first and only program of its kind in the U.S., offering outstanding Lebanese students a unique path to advance their research careers. Looking ahead, ILMA-USA is working to build a permanent endowment to sustain these opportunities for generations. → [Donate to Research Fellows Program]
ILMA-USA DMV Chapter Scholarship: Launched in Beirut
During the ILMA 2024 Conference in Beirut, the ILMA-USA DMV Chapter awarded $22,000 in excellence scholarships to 22 outstanding Lebanese medical students. At the ILMA 2025 Conference, this commitment grew with $42,000 awarded to 42 students. The DMV Chapter Scholarship Fund helps aspiring physicians cover the cost of the USMLE exam — a vital step toward earning medical licensure. → [Donate to DMV Scholarships]
ILMA-USA Academic & Mentorship Programs
We also actively support the ILMA-USA Academic Committee and the ILMA-USA Mentorship Committee to enhance educational experiences for medical students. The Academic Committee fosters excellence in medical education, research, and mentorship by connecting students with mentors, providing research stipends, and facilitating opportunities for students to present their work globally. The Mentorship Committee pairs students and graduates with expert mentors across specialties, offering career guidance, valuable resources, and networking to shape the next generation of medical leaders. → [Donate to Academic & Mentorship Programs]
Delivering Critical Aid to Lebanon
ILMAUSA Foundation’s Response to Lebanon’s Crisis: In response to the ongoing healthcare crisis in Lebanon, the ILMAUSA Foundation has mobilized resources and partnerships to deliver urgent aid. We supported the Lebanese Red Cross and sent over $400,000 worth of essential medical supplies and medications to Lebanon, now in use at the Franciscaines de la Croix du Liban, serving patients across the country. To continue this vital work, we invite you to support our Emergency Fund and help those most in need by [donating here].
Advancing Global Health Together
ILMA-USA launched its Global Health Committee to advance global health with a special focus on Lebanon. The committee strengthens healthcare access, supports public health in Lebanon and the USA, and promotes collaboration between local and international experts. Through sustainable projects—including primary healthcare initiatives, quality improvement programs, and university-affiliated partnerships—the committee works to improve health equity and medical education for underserved populations. We collaborate with organizations such as the Rotary Club of Lebanon and GLSN-USA, and invite clinics, institutions, and global health advocates to join us in this mission → [Apply Now]
Chapter Fundraising Events
Planning a fundraising event for the ILMA-USA Foundation? This form lets ILMA-USA Chapters and members share the details of their events so the Foundation can stay informed, offer guidance or support if need be, and help make your event a success.
Click here to complete the Fundraising Event Form
If your event includes a live performance, please also complete the Performance Cost Estimate Form to outline all related expenses such as artist fees, technical setup, and travel arrangements.
Educational Events and Networking
ILMAUSA Foundation-Led Fundraising for Education and Healthcare Support: The ILMAUSA Foundation organizes and leads annual fundraising initiatives through its chapters across the United States—including Kansas, DMV, Florida, New York, New Jersey, New England and others. These efforts provide scholarships for Lebanese medical students and fund essential medications for clinics in need. Through events such as charity dinners, the Foundation ensures a coordinated, impactful approach to advancing education and healthcare for individuals facing financial and medical challenges.
DMV Chapter – Through ILMAUSA Foundation fundraising, scholarships are provided to empower the next generation of Lebanese medical students.
Kansas Chapter – Led by the ILMAUSA Foundation, this initiative supports Lebanese students through the Research Fellowship Program.
Florida Chapter – The ILMAUSA Foundation, with the Florida Chapter, raises funds to deliver critical medical aid to those in need.
New England Chapter – ILMAUSA Foundation fundraising helps bring essential medical supplies and medications to Lebanon.
New York Chapter – The ILMAUSA Foundation supported a social event that fostered new connections and strengthened community ties.
Become a Friend of ILMAUSA Foundation
You don’t have to wear a white coat to make a real difference—just passion and purpose. Whether you’re in the U.S. or Lebanon, you can support our mission and help transform healthcare. [Apply Now]
Board of Directors – Meet Our ILMA Foundation Members
Nayla Abuhamad, MA | Educator, Interpreter, and Advocate – President
Nayla Swidan Abuhamad is a multilingual educator, interpreter, and advocate based in Bakersfield, California. She holds a Master’s in Foreign Language Education, a Graduate Certificate in Global Studies, and a BA in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut. Nayla runs an interpretation business, partners with organizations like PLAN and Global Arena, and supports refugee families through AJAPO. She also leads fundraising for Lebanese schools, organizes cultural exchanges, and advocates for education access in underserved communities.
Mimi Wakim | Office Manager, Wakim Dentistry; Businesswoman – Vice President
.Mimi Wakim is the wife of Dr. Tony Wakim and the proud mother of four accomplished children: two dentists, a neurosurgeon, and a composer. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma. Since 1988, she has supported her husband as Office Manager of Wakim Dentistry, helping build a thriving practice with 17 staff members, including four doctors, serving the community for over 30 years. Mimi has led marketing efforts for the practice, creating commercials and managing social media, and has served on the Opera Board and marketing committee. She has also managed successful productions for her composer son, Alex Wakim, including sold-out shows in New York City and Wichita, and organized impactful projects, such as record-breaking silent auctions.
Chady Sarraf, MD, MHCL, SFHM, HM | Medical Director – Treasurer
Dr. Chady Sarraf studied medicine at the Lebanese University in Beirut and completed his internal medicine residency at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He earned a master’s degree in healthcare leadership from Friends University. Dr. Sarraf serves on several boards, including the Advisory Board of the Society of Hospital Medicine of Kansas and the National Steward Committee of Ascension. He is the President-Elect of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County, Vice Chair of the Medicine Department, and co-founder/past president of ILMAUSA.
Mathilda El Hachem, JD | Immigration and Corporate Law Attorney – Secretary
Mathilda el Hachem is an immigration and corporate law attorney with over 10 years of international experience across the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. An immigrant herself, she is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of immigration law. Mathilda holds law degrees from Lebanon and the University of Houston, specializing in Immigration Law. She is fluent in Arabic, French, and English and is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Beirut Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Elie Ramly, MD | Chief Resident, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School – Member at Large
Elie Ramly, MD, is a Chief Resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School. He is also a board-certified general surgeon. His training includes research fellowships in trauma surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and face and hand transplantation at NYU Langone Health, contributing to the world’s first combined face and bilateral hand transplant. Dr. Ramly has over 85 publications and serves as a peer reviewer for surgical journals. He is involved in outreach for cleft lip and palate care in underserved areas. Outside of work, he enjoys music, painting, and spending time with family.
Georgina Nouaime Aoun, MD, MBA, MPH – Member at Large
Georgina Aoun Nouaime, MD, MBA, MPH, is a medical professional with a diverse background in healthcare and public health. She earned her MD degree from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon in 1996 and became board certified in Internal Medicine in the USA in 2001. She later completed an MBA in 2005 and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in 2023. She is also a Fellow in Disaster Medicine and began working as a virtual hospitalist at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) in 2023. Dr. Aoun Nouaime’s professional interests include global health, disaster medicine, and exploring how technology can influence and improve both fields.
Maya Mouawad, BPharm Owner and Pharmacy Manager at Sudley Pharmacy – Member at Large
Maya Mouawad is a licensed pharmacist in Washington, D.C., with over 15 years of experience across retail, hospital, and pharmaceutical manufacturing settings. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Lebanese American University and is certified in pharmacist-based immunization delivery. Since 2016, she has owned and managed Sudley Pharmacy in Manassas, Virginia, overseeing operations, patient care, and compliance. Maya’s career reflects a strong commitment to quality healthcare, clinical excellence, and community service.
Dijana Mitrovic, MBA | Founder & CEO, DM Global Consulting LLC – Member at Large
Dijana Mitrovic, Founder and CEO of DM Global Consulting LLC, has over 20 years of experience in international trade and economic development. As West Rural Export Center Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce, she supports export market growth. Dijana has held key roles, including International Division with Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, advancing global trade and fostering partnerships for the U.S. business communities.
Karine Nabbout, PhD | Healthcare Innovator and Clinic Director – Member at Large
Karine Nabbout, a healthcare innovator and entrepreneur with a PhD in psychology, leads two internal medicine clinics in Boston, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. She holds a U.S. patent for the Open Front Hospital Gown, recognized for improving patient comfort since 2018. Featured in Forbes and acknowledged by Star Jones for her COVID-19 healthcare innovations, Dr. Nabbout exemplifies leadership in the field. As a member of the American Counseling Association and UNICEF, she remains dedicated to advancing global healthcare solutions.