International Conference for Women in Education and Leadership (ICWEL)
We witnessed something unforgettable: a celebration of women who lead, educate, and inspire!
On April 28, 2025, the Faculty of Biotechnology at MSA University proudly hosted the International Conference for Women in Education and Leadership (ICWEL), a gathering that celebrated not only the accomplishments of extraordinary women but the values they stand for: resilience, courage, and determination.
Held under the auspices of Professor Ayman Diab, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Conference President, and brought to life through the dedication of Professor Gehan Safwat, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology, this event brought together distinguished female pioneers from across fields who have shattered barriers and led with distinction.
The presence of three remarkable keynote speakers elevated the conference to a moment of lasting significance:
H.E. Nabila Makram, Head of Technical Affairs and Executive Director of the National Alliance for Civil Development Action and former Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs, delivered a deeply powerful speech about her path to success and how determination anchors authentic leadership.
Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women, reflected on what it means to be a woman in leadership.
H.E. S. Sushma, Acting Ambassador of India to Egypt, added a powerful international dimension to the conversation.
As a tribute to the extraordinary power of women in education and leadership, Dr. Mona el Degwi was proudly announced as the “Woman of the Year”, an honorary award presented annually to a woman whose journey had inspired and uplifted others.
Throughout the day, attendees listened, reflected, and engaged with an extraordinary lineup of speakers, from leaders in academia and science to voices from diplomacy, economics, media, and social advocacy. Every talk offered something meaningful, and together they painted a vivid picture of what it means to lead as a woman in today’s world.
Distinguished speakers and guests included:
Prof. Nadia Zakhary – Former Minister of Scientific Research
Prof. Nadia El-Khouly – Cultural Counselor and Literary Scholar
Major General Tamer Shousha – Former Director of the National Defense College
Prof. Amal Asfour – Member of Parliament and Former Dean at AAST
Prof. Hala Yousry – Chair of the National Steering Committee for Women in Rural Development
Prof. Wegdan Lotfy – Director of International Cooperation, Ahram Canadian University
Prof. Olfat El-Sheity – Board Member, El Shoura Chemicals
His Excellency Mohab Nasr – Ambassador
Prof. Hanan Soliman – Senator and Former Dean, Beni Suef University
Prof. Zeinab Safar – Mechanical Engineering Professor, Cairo University
Dr. Heba Malegy – Clinical Psychologist and Certified Energy Healing Trainer
Prof. Rabab El-Sharif – Dean, Nanotechnology Graduate School, Cairo University
Prof. Hala Eissa – Dean, Faculty of Biotechnology, MUST
Prof. Nabila Abdel-Maksoud – Professor and Chair of Community Development Initiatives
Prof. Mona Mostafa – Head of Cancer Biology Research Lab, Cairo University
Ms. Abeer Saleh – CEO, Misr Takaful Insurance
Dr. Mai Hassan – Expert in Intellectual Property and Digital Asset Growth
Dr. Habiba Mohamed Ali – 3-time African Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion
Ms. Lobna Ramz El-Din – Young Media Figure and Program Coordinator
Colonel Omar Tuaima – Military and Government Relations Coordinator, Faculty of Biotechnology
The speeches and enlightening discussions did not just spark hope—they offered blueprints of different successful stories for young girls and women.
MSA University extends its deepest gratitude to GL Scientific, our official sponsor, for supporting this empowering initiative.