Israa, a mechanical engineering graduate of the American University of Beirut, has built her career around solving complex energy and infrastructure challenges. With SoHF support and guidance, she completed a Master’s in Sustainable Energy and Policy at Carleton University in Canada, strengthening both technical expertise and strategic leadership. Today, she is a Director at Alvarez and Marsal (Infrastructure and Capital Projects) in Dubai, helping clients deliver complex, large-scale capital projects across infrastructure and renewable energy, with experience across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. She is committed to mentoring young women in engineering and championing inclusive energy planning so that the next generation of women leaders can shape the global energy transition.

She says, “The Spark of Hope Foundation has not only helped me financially but more importantly, has helped me discover my potential. By mentoring me throughout the different stages in my career path, from helping me figure out which university to attend for my postgraduate studies to securing significant scholarships and financial assistance at Carleton University to guiding me through the visa application process, to connecting me with professionals to guide me though my career goals, the Foundation has been an integral part in every success through my academic studies and now my career.

My education prepared me well for a smooth transition from university in Lebanon to graduate school in Canada to a consulting career by providing me with the skills necessary to succeed. My engineering degree with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering prepared me well for work in sustainable energy. The six years I spent pursuing both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies have opened many opportunities for me to pursue a rewarding career.

I want to become a major player in my team at a senior level, boldly setting directions for companies. Women are underrepresented in this role. I want to be more involved in organizations that support women from an earlier age in North America and in my home country of Palestine to help them set clear goals for their future. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire them and help more young women dream bigger and achieve the impossible.”