Thomas A. Abraham

Founder and Chairman

Thomas A. Abraham, a Lebanese American business entrepreneur and avid runner, intertwines his business acumen with an unwavering dedication to philanthropy. Participating in numerous marathons over the years, he has championed causes that hold personal significance, notably those in his birth country, Lebanon, as well as others like the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1952, he was adopted at four by Genevieve and Anthony R. Abraham, respected for their entrepreneurial and philanthropic contributions. After immersing himself in studies at the University of Miami and the University of Denver during the 1970s, Thomas navigated his journey into various business and philanthropic engagements.

Currently, Thomas steers the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation as Chairman, a foundation inaugurated by his parents in 1976. He also chairs The Beirut Foundation - USA, which he established in 2021, and took the initiative in 2023 to found the Beirut Marathon Foundation. The latter harnesses the power of marathons worldwide, raising funds and awareness for various causes around the globe, with a particular focus on communities in the United States. Furthermore, Thomas is deeply embedded in several family enterprises, holding positions as president and partner.

In a historic move, the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, the National Governing Body for Paralympic blind soccer, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, appointed Thomas as a sport ambassador for blind soccer. This appointment, a testament to his philanthropic endeavors, marked an inaugural occurrence in the domain of U.S. Paralympic sports.

Additionally, Thomas contributes actively to numerous charitable organizations, holding positions as a Board Member at Camillus Health and House Concern, City Year, the Rene Moawad Foundation, and the American Task Force for Lebanon. His involvement extends to the Beirut Marathon Association and the Lebanese American University as a trustee, and he is an Emeritus Board Member for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In a fusion of his affinity for arts, sports, and charitable initiatives, Thomas founded the StarArt Foundation in Miami. This non-profit melds the creativity and star power of international artists, athletes, and entertainers with corporate sponsorship to spearhead projects benefiting various charities and humanitarian causes, capitalizing on the synergies between sports, music, and art industries.

A particular endeavor that holds a special place in his heart is the "Help Us Rise"; relief initiative, managed by The Beirut Foundation and backed by the support of the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation. This initiative extends a compassionate hand to those impacted by the harrowing explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020, by directing funds into projects and supporting local NGOs. It provides essential aid to a city and its inhabitants profoundly shaken by one of the most catastrophic explosions in recorded history.

Enriching the world through philanthropy, particularly within sports and arts, Thomas A. Abraham remains committed to endorsing initiatives and causes that catalyze positive transformation. His dedicated efforts not only embody his personal mission but also serve to inspire and establish a legacy of transformative positive impact.

Mo’ath Alkhawaldeh

President

Mo’ath Alkhawaldeh, a distinguished figure in the world of running and sports, serves as the President of the Beirut Marathon Foundation. Currently employed at Princeton University in Washington DC as the Regional Manager for MENA programs, Mo's impact on the running community has been acknowledged globally. He has been featured in Runner's World as one of the top 50 Most Influential People in Running worldwide and is a recipient of the 2017 Athletes in Excellence Award from the Foundation for Global Sports Development. His achievements extend beyond his professional responsibilities, as he actively participates in mentorship and community outreach as a Beirut Marathon Ambassador. Mo’s dedication to sports is evident through his impressive marathon achievements, representing Jordan in major international races. He is committed to enhancing access to sports for underprivileged youths in the Middle East and North Africa. Currently, he is training rigorously to represent Jordan in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

May El Khalil

Founder & president, BMA, Lebanon

May El Khalil is the Founder and President of the Beirut Marathon Association and creator of the Beirut International Marathon, an IAAF-accredited race that draws tens of thousands of runners from over 100 countries. After surviving a near-fatal accident in 2001, she dedicated herself to uniting Lebanon through running, notably leading the 60,000-participant “United We Run” event after the 2005 assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.

El Khalil has been recognized with major honors, including the AIPS Power of Sport Award, the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award, and Lebanon’s National Order of the Cedar. Her widely viewed 2013 TED Global talk highlights sport’s role in peacebuilding. She is a mother of four and grandmother of four.

Rashal Baz Zureikat

Treasurer

Rashal Baz Zureikat is a seasoned corporate attorney and nonprofit leader with a strong commitment to advancing mission-driven work through strategic legal counsel, operational insight, and community engagement. She currently serves as corporate counsel at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where she supports business and strategy objectives that amplify the hospital's lifesaving mission. Her work includes national regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and legal support for global partnerships and market research initiatives.

Ms. Zureikat brings a diverse legal background to her nonprofit work. She began her career clerking in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and later worked in SAP's legal department, focusing on data privacy and corporate compliance. She then joined Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago, representing management across multiple industries in complex labor and employment matters, including class action litigation and workplace discrimination cases.

In addition to her legal career, Ms. Zureikat is the founder of the Lebanon Relief Project, an emergency relief initiative that successfully delivered over $50 million in medical supplies to hospitals in Lebanon in the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Her leadership in crisis response, global logistics, and stakeholder collaboration exemplifies her dedication to humanitarian impact.

A passionate advocate for equity, health access, and cross-cultural collaboration, Rashal Baz Zureikat brings legal acumen, governance experience, and a deep understanding of nonprofit operations to her board service. She is based in Michigan and remains actively engaged in initiatives that bridge legal strategy with meaningful social impact.

Zeina Khoury Debs

Secretary & Executive Director

Zeina is a motivated professional with strong communication, organisational, and time-management skills. Experience includes volunteer leadership, administrative support in a medical office, and coordination of construction and property projects. Brings a journalism background, active lifestyle, and dedication to community engagement, including contributions to Lebanese-American cultural initiatives, while successfully managing multiple responsibilities as a mother of three.

Carla Hamade

Carla Hamade is a dynamic marketer and community advocate dedicated to strengthening wellness, resilience, and social impact across the Lebanese and international diaspora and whose journey bridges Beirut and Miami. A graduate of IC and LAU, she founded the LAU Fashion Club to support emerging Lebanese creative talent and provide students with a platform for early visibility. She began her career on the marketing team at ACC, contributing to the company’s first corporate participation in the Beirut Marathon, and later joined BBAC, where she supported digital transformation initiatives that modernized customer experience. After relocating to Miami, she joined LVMH in sales and marketing, and following her experience there, she transitioned into leading a luxury fashion concept in Sunset Harbour; an epicenter of Miami’s wellness culture, deepening her belief in movement and wellbeing as catalysts for unity, resilience, and social connection. As a U.S. board member of the Beirut Marathon Association, she promotes running as a platform for wellbeing, empowerment, and meaningful community impact.

Chirine Njeim

Chirine Njeim, a versatile athlete with an impressive Olympic background, is a member of the Beirut Marathon Foundation's Board. Originally from Lebanon, Chirine has competed in three Olympics (2002, 2006, 2010) in Alpine skiing, showcasing her exceptional athletic prowess. Post-2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, she relocated to Chicago, where she transitioned from skiing to marathon running, inspired by her sister Nesrine who us a competitive runner. Her debut in the Chicago Marathon was a remarkable success, finishing with a time of 3:07, which ignited her passion for running. Chirine’s performance in the Beirut Marathon was outstanding, recording a top time of 2:49, establishing her as Lebanon's premier long-distance runner. Her dedication and talent led her to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics with a time of 2:44 in the Houston Marathon. Chirine stands out as a rare athlete who has competed in both the Winter and Summer Olympics, continuing to train and compete with dedication and fervor.

Micheline Nader

Micheline Nader is a distinguished healthcare entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in her fields of expertise.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the American University of Beirut, and a Doctoral degree in healthcare management from Paris Dauphine University, Micheline's educational background reflects her commitment to healthcare.

Driven by her passion for healthcare and entrepreneurship, Micheline founded and led the Blue Dolphin Healthcare Group, focusing on compassionate care and improving the lives of seniors. Her dedication and hard work resulted in the successful acquisition of the group by a prominent public healthcare organization. Furthermore, Micheline is a bestselling author in the fields of leadership and self-development. Her work continues to inspire individuals worldwide, with her latest international bestseller, Leap Beyond AI- Reinventing Leadership and Human Intelligence, offering practical insights on navigating disruption through human leadership and artificial intelligence.

Currently, Micheline serves as the President of the Jesra Foundation, where she spearheads innovative health and education initiatives. Her dedication to philanthropy extends beyond her family foundation, as she serves on national and international boards, including Fairleigh Dickinson University and Takreem America, actively working to empower women through leadership and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Micheline's outstanding contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards, such as the esteemed Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Her unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in healthcare and education solidifies her status as a visionary leader and an inspiration for future generations.

Salim M. Sessine, P.E.

Salim Sessine was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1979. Salim Sessine received a Masters of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and is a Registered Professional Engineer for the State of Michigan. Salim Sessine is currently the Owner and President of MA Engineering and EAM Engineers, Inc., privately held consulting engineering firms, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Salim Sessine's Cultural and Humanitarian Activities include:

Vice President for the Lebanese American Council for Democracy (LACD).

Parish Council Chairman for St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Livonia, Michigan.

Board Member of Trustee for the Christian Lebanese Foundation of the World (CLFW).

Member of the Advisory Board for ACCESS Community Organization.

Board Member of the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL).

Previous Board Member with the Auxilia Foundation.

Entrepreneur of the Year (2024) by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.

Lifetime Achievement Medals of Honor Ellis Island.

Salim Sessine was awarded an Honorable Mention at the first annual New Americans Appreciation Gala, which featured Governor Rick Snyder as its keynote speaker, for having made significant contributions to the community.

Salim Sessine is a driven visionary who established himself as a respected businessman and trusted neighbor in the Metro Detroit Area. Salim Sessine embraces the future with his forward thinking and enthusiasm for the possibilities that lay ahead.

Salim Sessine resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan with his family.

Yasmine Shouhayib Troy, MI

Yasmine Shouhayib, originally from Aley, Lebanon, Yasmine Shouhayib was born to Fouad and Layla Daou of the Chouf region. She completed her education at the French “Rahbat” school in Aley before marrying Kamal Shouhayib and relocating to the United States in 1979.

After dedicating herself to raising four children, Yasmine joined Kamal in their real estate management firm, The Choice Group. Together, they have built and overseen a wide portfolio of properties across the country. Their collaborative success and community impact earned them the Rotary International Crystal Award.

Outside of work, Yasmine cherishes time with her family—especially her seven beloved grandchildren—and enjoys exploring the world alongside Kamal.