Leila Solh Hamade

Previous Professions

  • Vice President, 2003 - present, Al-Waleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation.
  • Minister of Industry, 2004, Lebanon.

Major Achievements

  • Nominated Businesswoman of the Year by Middle East magazine in 2009.
  • Appointed First Female Minister in Lebanon in 2004.

Field(s) of Expertise

Management of a Humanitarian Foundation

Philanthropy

Publications

  • Solh Hamadeh, L. (2009). Les élections de 2009, les enjeux culturels [2009 elections, cultural issues]. L'Orient - Le Jour [Special Edition].
  • Solh Hamadeh, L. (2008). Un Liban à retrouver [A return to Lebanon]. L'Orient - Le Jour [Special Edition].

Education

  • Undergraduate studies, Oriental Studies, Saint Joseph University, Lebanon.

Distinctions

  • Honorary doctorate, humane letters, Lebanese American University, 2006.
  • Honorary doctorate, humane letters, Notre Dame University, 2009.
  • Order of the Cedars of Lebanon from the Union des Français de l'Etranger, 2009.

Awards

  • Awarded the "Legion of Honor" from the French President Nicholas Sarkozy for her continuous efforts in promoting diversity in Lebanon and the Francophone culture through the activities of Al-Waleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation.
  • Pontifical Medal by Pope Benedict XVI, 2008.
  • Gold Medal from H.H. Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, 2008.
  • Arab Women Medal from H.H. Sheikha Sabika bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa during first meeting of the Arab Women Organization, 2006.
  • Honorary trophy from the Arab League, 2008.
  • High recognition award from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the Arab Tender Forum in Abu Dhabi, 2008.
  • Vermeil medal of the French Academy, from Saint Joseph University, 2008.