ILMAUSA and ILMAUSA's Foundation Mission is to support healthcare entities and patients both in Lebanon and the USA through strategic investments in medical education and research.
ILMAUSA Foundation: Our Story and Mission
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.
Our Mission
The mission of the ILMAUSA Foundation is to support healthcare initiatives and educational programs benefiting both American Lebanese communities and those in Lebanon. By assisting healthcare entities and patients in urgent need, we aim to enhance access to medical care and foster a spirit of collaboration between the United States and Lebanon.
Education: Supporting Lebanese Medical Students.
The ILMAUSA Foundation is dedicated to empowering Lebanese medical students through various initiatives:
ILMA-USA Scholarship Program: Launched at the Beirut Conference, this program has allocated $275,000 in scholarships for students to study and conduct research in the U.S. Seven research fellows have been granted one-year positions through the ILMA-KU Research Fellow Program 2024, established by the ILMA USA Kansas Chapter in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Medicine and generous donors from the Lebanese community.
ILMA-USA DMV Chapter Awards Excellence Scholarships: The ILMA-USA DMV Chapter awarded excellence scholarships to 22 outstanding Lebanese medical students from various universities across Lebanon.
We also actively support the ILMA USA Academic Committee and the ILMAUSA Mentorship Committee to enhance educational experiences for medical students.
Educational Events and Networking:
Chapter-Led Fundraising for Education and Healthcare Support: ILMAUSA chapters across the United States, such as Kansas, DMV, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and others, organize annual fundraising events to support vital initiatives. These efforts are dedicated to providing scholarships for students in Lebanon and funding essential medications for clinics in need. Through community-driven events like charity dinners, each chapter plays a crucial role in advancing education and healthcare, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing financial and medical hardships.
Upcoming Educational and Fundraising Event: We are starting to plan a significant upcoming event in Las Vegas, featuring CME conferences and networking opportunities. This event will also serve as a fundraiser to establish a lifetime research position at the University of Kansas, reinforcing our commitment to advancing medical education and research for Lebanese students.
ILMAUSA’s Response to Lebanon’s Crisis
In response to the ongoing healthcare crises in Lebanon, the ILMAUSA Foundation has mobilized resources and formed partnerships to provide critical aid:
Support for the Lebanese Red Cross: We encourage donations to the Lebanese Red Cross, which is delivering essential medical and emergency relief services. Your contributions can help provide immediate aid to those in need. Donations can be made directly through this link.
Medical Supplies and Medication: In collaboration with Lebanon’s Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Abiad, we are addressing the urgent medical needs identified by the Ministry. Our efforts focus on:
Expanding healthcare capacity to accommodate more patients.
Ensuring transparency in the distribution of medical supplies, with all donations processed free of customs fees.
We encourage you to support our emergency fund to help those in need by donating Here.
Logistical Support: Middle East Airlines (MEA) generously transports donations free of charge, ensuring critical supplies reach their destination efficiently.
Critical Teams for Lebanon’s Crisis Response: We have established three key teams to support Lebanon. The Resource Team manages medication and supply requests, ensuring essential resources are distributed effectively. The Human Resources Team offers telehealth services, providing remote medical assistance to those in need. Lastly, the Educational Committee focuses on training healthcare providers, helping to enhance their crisis response capabilities.
Upcoming Collaboration with Primary Healthcare Centers in Lebanon will be announced soon.
Collaboration with LebNet and LIFE Lebanon: ILMAUSA is collaborating with LIFE, Lebnet, and supporting organizations and NGOs to leverage the global Lebanese diaspora’s resources for impactful support in response to the current crisis in Lebanon.
LebNet A nonprofit organization, empowering Lebanese tech professionals, particularly women, through innovation and leadership programs.
Life Lebanon A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of the Lebanese community through healthcare, education, and social development initiatives.
Support Us:
We invite you to contribute to the ILMAUSA Foundation’s mission. Your donations play a vital role in our efforts to provide healthcare and educational support.
Meet Our ILMAUSA Foundation Members
Abouchakra Nora, MBA | Founder and CEO, VIPMINDS
Nora Abou Chakra is an entrepreneur and founder of VIPMINDS, a marketing agency with offices in Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, and Beirut. She has represented Forbes Middle East in Lebanon and served as the Agency of Record for Growth Holdings. As a UN Global Compact Ambassador, she champions Sustainable Development Goals, featured in her documentary The Exceptional Few. Nora played a key role in establishing the Lebanese Consulate branch in Nevada and leads "Vegas Meets World," fostering cultural exchange. She co-founded the "School of Life," an innovative educational program, and supports humanitarian initiatives through the Ziade Foundation, helping thousands of families in need.
Abuhamad Nayla, MA | Educator, Interpreter, and Advocate
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.
Aoun Nouaime Georgina MD, MBA, MPH.
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.
Ead Rouba, PharmD | FDA fellow, Global Director, Patient Safety
Rouba Ead is an expert in pharmacovigilance and clinical pharmacy. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy from Midwestern University, a fellowship from the U.S. FDA, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Mass College of Pharmacy. She is pursuing a Master’s in Global Clinical & Pharmacovigilance Regulations at Temple University. Rouba oversees compliance audits and inspections as the Global Director of Patient Safety. She previously led pharmacovigilance operations for Bausch Health in the Middle East and Africa and co-founded the School of Pharmacy at the Lebanese International University, where she served as Associate Dean.
El Hachem Mathilda, JD | Immigration and Corporate Law Attorney
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.
Mitrovic Dijana, MBA | Founder and CEO, DM Global Consulting LLC
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.
Nabbout Karine , PhD | Healthcare Innovator and Clinic Director
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.
Ramly Elie, MD | Chief Resident, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School
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.
Sarraf Chady , MD, MHCL, SFHM, HM Medical Director
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.
Wakim Mimi | Office Manager, Wakim Dentistry & Businesswoman
.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.