Executive Team
Ali Dimashkieh, Chief Executive Officer
Although I studied Mechanical Engineering at the American University of Beirut (AUB), and I had my Masters Degree in Organization Management from Université du Quebec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), I spent a long period of my professional life as a Certified Microsoft Certified Trainer. I delivered professional IT training in Lebanon, Cyprus, Malta, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Driven by my passion for photography, I always liked to visit remote places around Lebanon and I always enjoyed interacting with locals, sharing their concerns and listening to their stories. That drove me to a career in public affairs, dealing closely with civil society and outreaching to youth activists all around the country.
Before TFL was officially established, I was actively involved, since 2006, in several discussions to test the possibility of implementing the “Teach For” initiative in the country. I worked closely with all stakeholders to brainstorm and shape the Teach For Lebanon model, and also worked with several university students in focus groups to understand their views and ambitions. That was all translated in the feasibility studies and planning stages of Teach For Lebanon.
Pamela Chemali, Program Manager
I graduated with a degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy and currently pursuing an MA in Public Administration at Notre Dame University. I have always been interested in civic movements and social work. My studies allowed me to participate in several leadership training institutes.
I must admit, though, I never truly appreciated what I learned until I was in the University Pastoral Work. It was there that I discovered that the value of leadership is not authority, but service and determination to create positive change.
Teach For Lebanon is, for me, the framework where the talented Lebanese youth will introduce change and empower themselves to become true leaders. And I trust in the TFL Fellows to instill this belief in their students.
Raissa Batakji, Recruitment & Communications Manager
I am a graduate from the Lebanese American University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts – Journalism Emphasis. I have been actively involved in the Lebanese civil society and gained certified leadership training. Beyond my passion for my field of study, not one day of my college years passed by where I was exclusively focused on academics. I have always looked forward to the challenges and subsequently, the change that lingers in the real world.
Recently, I came up with the personal conclusion that true leadership is in one’s choice of battles. By applying to TFL, fellows have chosen to lead the battle against education inequality. The challenges they will face in the underprivileged areas will not be ‘just another day in the office’, but will be their joy and pride because they are what will mold the change we at Teach For Lebanon chose to pursue.
Hadi Hindi, Education Manager
I obtained a Teaching Diploma in Geography from the Lebanese University and worked as a history and geography teacher. I also worked as a Research Assistant in the field of sustainable development where I became more convinced that education is an important element in this field. Being the Education Manager at TFL is an exceptional opportunity for me to be involved in its action aiming at introducing a positive change in the students’ life by approaching education with a different spirit.
Shaw once said: “What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child”. I believe this is at the core of what TFL Fellows are trying to achieve.
Maissam Nimer, Performance Manager
With a background in Public Health Nutrition from the American University of Beirut and University of Michigan, I have worked for 2 years in social research with Ipsos MORI in the UK. As a Performance Manager at Teach for Lebanon, I am involved in the design and implementation of a research plan to carry out outcome and process-based evaluation of the program, as well as providing ongoing support to fellows through the school visits.
I feel strongly about making a difference in Lebanon by working towards making the right to education respected and viewed as a necessity. I believe that Teach for Lebanon provides me with a great opportunity to contribute towards that goal.
Edward Bainton, Country Relations Manager - Teach For All
I work with Teach For Lebanon on behalf of Teach For All, the global network that Teach For Lebanon is affiliated to. My role is to ensure that Teach For All’s support accurately focuses on Teach For Lebanon’s priorities, and to share Teach For Lebanon’s experience with partner organizations around the world.
I have a background working in small NGOs, and also taught for five years in London. I believe in education for everyone. It is an injustice that while some children have access to an excellent education, children who are poor or who live in rural areas often don’t. I’m glad to be working with Teach For Lebanon to help end this inequality.