Dr. Rouba Mhaissen is a Syrian-Lebanese economist, community mobilizer, and development practitioner dedicated to addressing critical challenges across the MENA region. She is the Founder and Director of Sawa for Development and Aid (est. 2011) and Sawa Foundation UK (est. 2016), organizations that provide humanitarian aid, foster resilience, and advocate for displaced and vulnerable communities in Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe. Beyond humanitarian work, Dr. Mhaissen has been a key advocate for women’s leadership and political participation. She founded the Syrian Women Community Mediators Network (SWCMN) and co-founded the Syrian Women Mediators Network, platforms dedicated to peacebuilding and inclusive governance. She is also a founding member of the Syrian Women Political Movement and Madaniya, advancing democratic rights in Syria.

Dr. Mhaissen holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut (AUB), an MSc in Development from the London School of Economics (LSE), and an MPhil/PhD in Gender and Economic Development from SOAS, University of London. She also earned two degrees in Exponential Technologies from Singularity University in Silicon Valley. Her expertise spans policy development, conflict resolution, and economic empowerment, with a focus on integrating innovative solutions into humanitarian and development efforts. She has advised international organizations, governments, and academic institutions on strategies for sustainable development and crisis response, ensuring that interventions are both impactful and community-driven.

A recognized public speaker and trainer, she also taught at SOAS and AUB, contributing to academic discussions on gender, development, and economics. Her work has earned her international recognition, including the Rafto Prize for Human Rights, the DVF Award, and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2022.