Official Positions:
- 2019: Minister of State for Administrative Reform (Lebanon).
Founder & President:
- 2017: Academy of Academic Learning (ALAC)
- 2011: May Chidiac Foundation
- 2011: May Chidiac Foundation - Media Institute
1. Teaching:
2005- Present: Full-time Associate Professor, Media Studies Department/Faculty of Humanities – Notre Dame University (NDU).
1999-2004: Part-time Lecturer, Media Studies Department/Faculty of Humanities – Notre Dame University (NDU).
2. Mass media:
a. Television:
2023-2024: Consultant to the CEO of International Media Investment – IMI.
2006-2009: Host of a weekly event program “Bikol Joraa” (With Audacity). She interviewed prominent figures such as the former Secretary of State of the United States Condoleezza Rice in Washington, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)’s chief investigator Detlev Mehlis in Berlin/Germany (Dr. Chidiac conducted one of the only two interviews he accepted to give).
2009: On the 3rd of February, May Chidiac decided to cease broadcasting of her acclaimed program as a protest to political interference in her work and the oppression of journalists.
1985-2005: LBC (Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation), Editor, Reporter, Talk Show Host, and News Anchor.
1998-2005: Host of a daily political talk show “Nharkom Saiid” (Good Morning Lebanon) on LBCI.
1991-1994: Host of a Weekly Talk Show “Kalam Mass’oul” broadcasted simultaneously on Lebanese Broadcasting Company (LBC) and on Radio Free Lebanon.
1990: Press Attaché-Lebanese Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
1989- 1990: She worked as a Press Officer.
b. Radio:
1991 - 1994: Editor and news anchor, RLL (Radio Free Lebanon).
1983 - 1985: Editor and news anchor, VDL (Voice of Lebanon)
c. Training
2025: Module II: Multi-Party Negotiations Training (UN Women)
2024: Module I: Two Party Negotiations Training (UN Women)
1994: One-month experience in BBC (Holland) in the frame of EuroMed-Media activities.
1982: Two-month experience at Magazine (Weekly French magazine)
d. Real Estate
1994-1998: Real Estate Officer.

2021 – Present: Advisory Board Member of G100
2017 - Present: Advisory Board Member of Women without Borders – Vienna.
2014 - Present: Member in International Press Institute (IPI) - Vienna , Austria.
2003 - Present: Vice-President in Association de Developpement de Gemmayze - Lebanon.

- Media & Journalism
- Broadcast Communication
- Political Journalism & Investigative Reporting
- Media Policy & Media Systems
- Academic Teaching & Media Research
- Public Administration & Administrative Reform
- Diplomacy & Press Relations
- Peacebuilding, Negotiation, and Conflict-sensitive Communication

- Chidiac, M. & Chidiac El Hajj, M. (2025). Women, Political Parties, and Media Influence: A Complex Interplay. Question(s) de management, 56(4), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.3917/qdm.236.0015.
- Chidiac, M. & Chidiac El Hajj, M. (2025). Structural Entropy: Digital Accountability and the Persistence of Political Inertia in Fragile States. To be published in the Public Administration Journal.
- Chidiac El Hajj, M., Chidiac, M., & Awdeh, A. (2024). Entrepreneurs signaling: Promoting equity crowdfunding in Lebanon. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, 40(3), 533-552.
- El Hajj, M.C. and Chidiac, M. (2024). Cultivating Sustainability and Resilience in Olive Heritage. Emerging Markets Case Studies, 14(3).
- Chidiac El Hajj, M., Chidiac, M., & Awdeh, A. (2022). Entrepreneurs signaling: Promoting equity crowdfunding in Lebanon. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences.
- Chidiac El Hajj, M., & Chidiac, M. (2022). Exploring the relationships between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists: Control and trust. Question (s) de management, (2), 55-66.
- Chidiac, M., & El Hajj, M. C. (2019). Digital Media and Freedom of Expression: Experiences, Challenges, Resolutions. Global Media Journal, 17(32), 1-8.
- Chidiac, M., & El Hajj, M. C. (2018). Top management diversity: A survey of Lebanese journalists in top media teams. Corporate Ownership and Control, 16, 40-49.
- Chidiac El Hajj, M., Abou Moussa, R., & Chidiac, M. (2017). Environmental sustainability out of the loop in Lebanese universities. Journal of International Education in Business, 10(01), 49-67.
- El Hajj, M. C., Abou Moussa, R., & Chidiac, M. (2017). Board gender diversity and CSR in Lebanese banks: Rhetoric or action. Corporate Ownership and Control, 15(1), 161-173.
- Abou Moussa, R., Chidiac El Hajj, M., & Chidiac, M. (2016). Change management beyond adaptability: emotional intelligence and auto learning in NGOs. Question (s) de Management, (2), 87-100.
- Hajj, M. C. E., Moussa, R. A. Chidiac, M. (2017). Building the Responsible Leader in Universities: An Integrated Model. In Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship as Driving Forces of the Global Economy: Proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ICLIE) (pp. 275-295). Springer International Publishing.
- Seeds of Sustainability in the Lebanese Universities: An empirical study. Chidiac El Hajj, M., Abou Moussa, R., et Chidiac, M. (2017). Springer proceedings in Business and Economics. Modernizing academic teaching and research in business and economics. Editors : Jorge Marx Gomez; Marie Abou Jaoude; Khalil Feghali and Tariq Mahmoud. ISSN 2198-7246 ISBN 978-3-319-54419-9
- April 2014: Published a non-fiction work “La Télévision mise à nu” (Television Exposed) in French. The book was awarded the Phoenix Prize; 2014, which recognizes French books written by Lebanese writers.
- March 2007: Published an autobiography “Le ciel m’attendra” (Heaven can wait) in French, German, and Italian. This book received the “Prix vérité” (Cannet) 2007, awarded in Cannes,
- Eco-entrepreneurial Intention: The “Trigger” approach. Mireille Chidiac El Hajj, Richard Abou Moussa, May Chidiac, (2017), Revue de la Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion (RSEG) de l’université Libanaise. (In Print ; April, 2018) (Journal to be indexed in Scopus soon)
- Published a non-fiction work “La Télévision mise à nu” (Television Exposed) in French. The book was awarded the ""Phoenix Prize"" 2014, which recognizes French books written by Lebanese writers.
- Published an autobiography “Le ciel m’attendra” (Heaven can wait) in French, German, and Italian. This book received the “Prix vérité” (Cannet) 2007, awarded in Cannes, France.

Keynote Speaker:
- Keynote Speaker at the Annual Arab Media Conference held in Benghazi (2025).
- Keynote Speaker at theLebanese American Renaissance Partnership (LARP) Gala Dinner (2025).
- Keynote Speaker in the Women Lebanon Forum organized by the Lebanon Hub NGOs, which is an initiative that aims to connect organizations with trustworthy local partners who practice transparency (2025).
- Keynote speaker in a conference on Media Freedom; Human Rights at William and Mary Law School (Williamsburg, Virginia, USA); Human Security Law Center Mini- Symposium (2022).
- Keynote speaker at Washington DC Lebanese Conference (2022).
- Keynote Speaker in the “Justice et droit à l'information des citoyens: quels rôles pour les médias?” panel at the Webinar titled; “Médias, Pouvoir Judiciaire et Bonne Gouvernance- La Construction d'un Fragile Equilibre” organized by Université Saint-Joseph l’Observatoire de la Fonction publique OFP-KAS (2020).
- Keynote Speaker at the Tirana Peace Summit 2019.
- Patronage and Keynote Speaker at the Open Government and Emerging Technologies in the Arab Region workshop organized by the UN ESCWA.
- Women’s Forum at Deauville- France – Keynote speaker on the “Price of freedom of Expression” (2007).
Invited Speakers:
2024:
- Speaker in a course at NYU Abu Dhabi titled “Women in Peace & Conflict Negotiations.” lead by Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui, co-recipient of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize from Tunisia (2024).
2021:
- Speaker in MED Forum (Rome) 2021 panel THE MEDITERRANEAN WOMEN MEDIATORS NETWORK: WHAT COMES NEXT? (2021).
- Speaker in the Main London Panel at the 3rd Athena40 Global Conversation on Women's Leadership in Times of Crises (2021).
2020:
- Speaker in an open Discussion session with Women without Borders as a board member along with other prestigious international personalities (2020).
- Speaker at the High level opening session with UNESCO Offices in the Arab region and the Arab Chapter of UNESCO’s Global Alliance of Partners in Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) (2020).
- Conference organized in partnership with UNESCO on the International Day for Access to Information (2020).
- Speaker in an online summer course (Master's and Doctorate level) at Middlebury College on the status of women in the Mediterranean region. Other guests in other sessions were Sylvie Bermann (former French ambassador to China, Russia, and the United Kingdom), Patricia Costa (former Deputy Chief of Staff of the French Air Force), etc.
2019:
- Speaker and Guest of Honor at the Med Rome Forum 2019 - Mediterranean dialogues.
- Speaker at “A New Diplomacy” conference organized by the IUHEI Crans Montana Institute, alongside Mr. Pascal Affi N’Guessan (Former Prime Minister of Cote D’Ivoire), and Mr. Nicolas Koutros (Director General, OBERTHUR FIDUCIAIRE).
2018:
- Speaker/USJ-Agora Club: participated as a speaker in a discussion about Freedom of expression in the time of censorship judicial prosecution at Saint Joseph University-Beirut (2018).
2017:
- Speaker/TAKREEM Foundation: Assisted in a discussion panel titled “Successful women share their best career advice” organized by TAKREEM Foundation in Amman Jordan (2017).
- Speaker/ MED (Mediterranean Dialogues) 3rd Edition: Participated in the “Rome MED Women's Forum” as a speaker in the second panel titled ""Building new networks: the role of women in peace and security (WPS)""-Rome (2017).
- Presentation at the ESCWA (Beirut): Spoke about women’s work in the public sector and in the political life. This conference was held by Smart Center in collaboration with the United Nations Information Center-Beirut (2017).
- Jury Member/ L’Association des Femmes Leaders Mondiales de Monaco in “Concours Numérique Francophone: Aux cœurs des mots” organized by L’Association des Femmes Leaders Mondiales de Monaco-Monaco (2017).
2016:
- Presentation at the Rosario University Colombia: Presentation on freedom of speech (2016).
UNESCO/Emir Jaber alAhmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Paris): Vice-president of this competition’s international jury (Paris 2016-2020).
2015:
- 1325 UN Resolution-Vienna Symposium at the request of the Austrian Parliament: Fourth World Conference on Women: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: “Enhancing Women’s Share in Peace and Security” Agenda and Priorities – Middle Eastern Report (2015).
2014:
- International Press Institute Congress in South Africa Speaker in the ""A Mounting Toll: Promoting the Safety of Journalists"" talk (2014).
- Sydney University Honorary Guest at the University of Sydney Ideas Talk and Lecturer on “The Role of Women in Media during National Conflict” (2014).
- Women’s Forum Deauville-France: Guest speaker (2007 and 2014).
2013:
- UNESCO International Colloquium in Beirut under the Patronage of the President of the Lebanese Republic ""Dialogue des Cultures, Culture du dialogue au Moyen-Orient"" (2013).
- UNESCO Global Forum on Media and Gender in Thailand, titled ""Documenting Change/Empowering Media – Gender Mainstreaming in the Media Middle East Report (2013).
- International Press Institute Congress in Jordan: World Congress Speaker at the Status of Women Journalists in The Media Panel (2013).
2010:
- Participant at the High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among cultures – UNESCO (New avenues for peace) (February 2010).
2009:
- Lecture given to journalism graduates at CELSA - SORBONNE France (2009).
- Speaker in the Conference on “Commitment and Responsibility in Professional Life: Values for Action” at CELSA - SORBONNE France (2009).
- Handed the diplomas to the graduates of the 2007/2008 master in journalism at CELSA SORBONNE France (2009).
2008:
- The MENA Regional Forum for Media Development (November 2008).
- UNESCO Symposium for Freedom of Expression (October 2008).
- Doha Debates on Democracy (September 2008).
2007:
- Women’s Forum Deauville-France: Guest speaker (2007 and 2014).
2006:
- As the recipient of the IWMF (International Women’s Media Foundation) Award for Courage in Journalism, Dr. Chidiac gave three lectures at three prominent universities in the United States of America (2006):
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, New York.
Georgetown University, Washington DC.
UCLA Department of Communication, Los Angeles.
Moderator:
- International Conference on Youth and Information and Communication Technologies, Preventing Violent Extremism Cyberspace UNESCO Palace – Beirut. (2017).

The May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to research, development, and education on issues of peace building and mediation, international affairs, democracy, women’s rights, media, and social welfare. MCF aims to bridge the gap between academia and the media industry, we provide professionals of all ages with state-of-the-art technical facilities and training programs to improve their “market-readiness” and hone their competitiveness. MCF and its affiliated media institute (MCFMI) has collaborated with numerous international organizations, such as: UNESCO IPDC, UNESCO GMDF, UN Women, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the Netherlands Embassy, among others. The foundation also organizes yearly events, such as the Women On the Front Lines (WOFL) which is held in Lebanon and in Amman since 2016; the Media Awards Ceremony (MAC); and Free Connected Minds (FCM).

2022: Honorary Doctorate, honoris causa - Rai University, India
2016: Honorary Doctorate - AUST, Lebanon

Medals:
- July 2017: Received “Dame de l'Ordre de Saint Gregoire-le-Grand”, from The Vatican. To be decorated by the Maronite Patriarch Becahra Botrous Rai in May 2018.
- May 2007: Decorated by the President of the French Republic Jacques Chirac to the Grade of “Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur” at Elysée Palace May 3, World Day of the Freedom of Expression. President Chirac described May Chidiac as a “symbol of free speech in Lebanon.”
- December 2009: Decorated by the President of French Senate Gerard Larcher with a Silver Medal; Highest distinction of Rambouillet Village, France.

Awards:
- September 2025: AMC 2025 Award Benghazi 1st Edition
- March 2023: Arab Woman of the Year Award, London.
- November 2017: Received “2017 Minerva Anna Maria Mammoliti Prize for Human and Civil Rights” for Women in the World category (Italy). The first women prize in Italy with the Medal of the Presidency of the Italian Republic.
- April 2010: Vienna-based IPI (International Press Institute) Award for Press Bravery and Heroism.
- March 2008: Honored as a prominent and audacious figure in politics and journalism at the Olympe De Gouge event, at Montauban, France.
- December 2007: Honored in the frame of “She Made It” by the Museum of Television and Radio, New York, USA.
- June 2007: Prix Clarins – Femme de l’année 2007, Awarded by CLARINS Company for Courage and Freedom of Expression and Woman of The Year.
- October 2006: “IWMF (International Women's Media Foundation) Courage in Journalism Award'' delivered in Los Angeles, New York and Washington. IWMF’s work celebrates the courage of women journalists who overcome threats and oppression to report and bear witness to global issues.
- June 2006: “CRANS Montana Foundation Award” for Freedom of Expression offered by his Royal Highness Prince Albert De Monaco, Monte Carlo.
- June 2006: Correspondence from President of USA Bill Clinton and United States Secretary of State Ms. Condoleezza Rice congratulating her for winning the 2006 UNESCO Award and highlighting her outstanding work as a media personality.
- May 2006: UNESCO Award “Guillermo Cano” / UNESCO Award for Freedom of Expression delivered by his Excellency the Secretary General Koichiro Matsura, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- April 2008: Selected As the “Ten Personalities Of The Year”, Honored by Government of Kuwait and welcomed by His Royal Highness Sheikh Subah El Ahmad and His Successor, H. Highness Sheikh Nowaf Al Ahmad.
- April 2006: “Honorary Award” presented by his Royal Highness Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
- April 2006: “Freedom of Expression Award” presented by his Royal Highness Prince Mohammad Ben Rached Ben Maktoum, Prince of Dubai, Dubai.
- November 2006: “Journalism Annual Award” offered by Ministry of Information in Cairo, Egypt.
- November 2005: “Le Prix de la Francophonie: Pour La liberté d’expression » (Prize for the Freedom of Expression).
- August 2020: Head of Ground- 0 Beirut Relief Committee. Initiative launched after the August 4, 2020 port Explosion in Beirut.
- March 2018: Honered by collège de la Sainte Famille Française- Jounieh on the occasion of the International Women’s Day as well as the Teachers’ Day where she discussed the challenges she faced as a women leader in the Middle East.
- July 2017: Honored by BIAF- Beirut International Awards Festival as well for being a distinguished person in her field.
- 2017: Received Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Lebanese Canadian University (LCU) and the American University of Lebanon (AUL).
- March 2016: Honored from the YWCA with the International Women’s Day Award.
- November 2015: Freedom of Speech Award from the Social Economic Award (SEA).
- May 2015: Decorated by the Lebanese Ministry of Information with a medal of honor.
- February 2006: Murex d’Or – Lebanon, awarded as the “Journalist of the Year”.
- June 2005: “Journalist of the Year”, elected by the Student Body, American University of Sciences & Technology (AUST), Lebanon.
- July 2004: Journalist of the Year - U.K International College Trophy, presented at UNESCO, Lebanon.

- Media & Journalism: Broadcast journalism, political interviewing, investigative reporting, and media ethics.
- Communication & Academia: Expertise in media studies, research, teaching, and training.
- Governance & Reform: Public administration, policy development, and institutional reform.
- Negotiation & Peacebuilding: Conflict-sensitive communication, negotiation skills, and crisis management.

Dr. May Chidiac has made significant contributions to strengthening Lebanon’s media landscape, civic engagement, and democratic governance. Through the May Chidiac Foundation–Media Institute, she has implemented nationally impactful programs focused on media development, anti-corruption, digital safety, gender equality, and peacebuilding communication. Her leadership has supported capacity-building for journalists, youth, and civil society actors, while her initiatives—such as the Ground-0 Beirut Relief Committee—have provided vital assistance to communities affected by national crises. Dr. Chidiac’s work continues to advance public transparency, institutional resilience, and the promotion of human rights and freedom of expression in Lebanon. As Minister of State for Administrative Reform, Dr. Chidiac played a pivotal role in advancing transparency, good governance, and institutional modernization in Lebanon, despite major financial, political, and administrative obstacles. She spearheaded the development of Lebanon’s first National Anti-Corruption Strategy, designed in collaboration with UNDP and submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office—a landmark framework that continues to guide reform efforts. She also developed the National Digital Transformation Strategy after more than 197 meetings with international partners, public administrations, and academic experts. This comprehensive plan, which includes more than 84 digital projects valued at roughly $250 million, was presented to the World Bank and other international donors for support. During her tenure, Dr. Chidiac successfully passed the UNSCR 1325 Women, Peace and Security resolution, which has since been incorporated into Lebanon’s CEDAW national action plan. She also signed, on behalf of Lebanon, the first Global Media Freedom Pledge in London, making Lebanon a founding member of the Media Freedom Coalition. Dr. Chidiac actively worked to operationalize the Right to Access Information Law, drafting the national action plan for its implementation and advancing it through the governmental anti-corruption committee. She launched a major partnership with the OECD—supported by Germany, Italy, and the United States—to strengthen access to information, promote digital transformation, and modernize public-sector communication, positioning Lebanon for eventual entry into the Open Government Partnership. Her leadership also enabled critical administrative improvements: introducing sector-performance evaluations (KPIs) with the Central Inspection Board in ten public administrations; advancing digitalization projects within the Ministry of Economy and Trade and the judiciary in Beirut and Mount Lebanon; launching the digitized single-window commercial registry; modernizing vital records systems through microfilming and archival restoration; simplifying administrative procedures to improve public service delivery; and preparing strategic planning frameworks and job descriptions across multiple ministries in line with national reform plans. Through perseverance and innovation, Dr. Chidiac continued to push forward essential reforms—demonstrating that meaningful institutional change remains possible when guided by transparency, accountability, and a firm commitment to public service.