Meet AFA’s Team
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Angela El-Jazzar
President & Founder
In memory of her father, Angela founded Aid from Abroad, dedicated to providing support to families in Hamat, Lebanon. Angela initially organized quarterly fundraisers to address the pressing needs of these families just a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication and commitment fueled by a passion to deliver significant sources of aid, transformed her tribute into a meaningful global impact. Through the contributions of thousands of citizens in the United States of America, Aid from Abroad has become a beacon of hope and assistance for those in Lebanon.
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Michel Sakr
Treasurer
If someone asked Michel to introduce himself in a couple of sentences, his first thought would relate to home and where he grew up. Its trees, its roads, its valleys, its houses, and its people kept him in a state of nostalgia. On his visits, a random encounter with a resident of Hamat fills up his heart with warmth triggering all the childhood memories that built up who he is today. With the economic crisis closing in on the Lebanese, acts of kindness and support from our organization are how we will put a smile on the faces of our once neighbors. Why? A smile on one child’s face in Hamat will always keep Micho’s existential belief in love- the true driver of his life and faith in humanity.
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Sarah Lawton
Clerk
From Boston, Massachusetts, Sarah is a recent graduate of Suffolk University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Black Studies. Sarah’s extensive and diverse experience in employment, community service, education, nonprofits, and the field of history brings a unique addition to the Aid from Abroad Board of Directors.
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Georgio El-Jazzar
Board Member
Georgio jumped at the opportunity to join the Board of Directors for Aid from Abroad Inc., an organization brought together in honor of his father's legacy. Drawing on his passion and dedication to helping others, Georgio is committed to advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring that its initiatives have a profound and positive impact on the lives of those facing hardships.
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Mariam Diab
Board Member
Mariam grew up in Hamat with Angela and left Lebanon for the U.S. to pursue higher education. While abroad, Mariam felt the emotional and mental turmoil caused by what was happening in her beautiful country, and she aimed to help her own family and those in need. Mariam has always loved helping her community— especially while practicing in the field of medicine. Mariam joined this board because she also shares a passion for giving back to underserved families in a village that gave her so much growing up while never asking for anything in return. Mariam is committed to supporting the team with all the work there is to get done to help others.
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Elie Merheb
Board Member
Elie grew up in the beautiful town of Hamat in Northern Lebanon. His family moved to the United States shortly after he graduated from high school. After his college education, he started his career and had the opportunity to travel to many countries. The more he traveled the more he realized how beautiful Lebanon and Hamat are. A few years ago, he got together with a few friends and started raising funds to support educational and healthcare projects in Hamat. Elie is very excited to expand the reach for donors as well as the scope of future projects in Hamat and beyond.
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Matthew El-Jazzar
Board Member
Matthew El-Jazzar is passionate about empowering the youth through programs that focus on sports and education. His plans to contribute to this organization aim to create opportunities that foster growth and success among young people in our father’s hometown and our home country. For Matthew, joining this organization was a natural choice fueled by a desire to honor his father’s legacy of commitment and service. Through initiatives, he is dedicated to ensuring that we support and uplift the next generation to continue to thrive.
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George Yeghyayan
Board Member
George is a Lebanese-Armenian who was born in Beirut and raised in Boston, where he currently resides. With over six years of experience in fundraising and managing aid programs across various regions, George is eager to apply his expertise to support AFA. In addition to his work in the energy sector, George also runs his own small business. He is most excited about the opportunity to join the team and contribute to its mission in any way he can.
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Anthony Haddad
Board Member
Anthony, based in Hamat, Lebanon, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our non-profit organization. His extensive background in business development and a strong network of local contacts will be instrumental in advancing our mission. Anthony’s deep understanding of the socio-economic and cultural dynamics in the Middle East will guide our initiatives and help us solidify impactful partnerships.