SOROPTIMISTS

Dr. Amar Abdulla Behbehani has a passion for improving the quality of human life through education, innovation, creativity, and compassion. She is an Assistant Professor of Innovation & Visual Design Sciences in the College of Architecture, Kuwait University. She is the founder of the Wellness Kuwait, a socio-cultural initiative that promotes human wellbeing in Kuwait. Dr. Amar is also the first certified Art Psychotherapist in Kuwait. She is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and member of the American Psychological Association and the Art Therapy American Association. In addition, she is an innovation and education consultant and educator to numerous corporate and non-profit organizations in Kuwait. As a female leader she believes in the ability of women to help other women thrive for positive change Dr. Amar served on the Board as Program Director in 2015. She became President in 2018. Dr. Amar has a PhD in Art Psychotherapy & Design Education specialized in Wellbeing & Human-Centered Design and a Master of Science in Art Psychotherapy from Florida State University. She also earned a Master of Fine Art in Design from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Mae Al Hajjaj is an educational consultant in Kuwait. She started her career as a librarian in the banking industry in Kuwait but her passion for teaching led her to a lucrative profession in university and school libraries. With Over 27 years working within educational and financial libraries, Mae seeks opportunities to inspire, guide and build a foundation for a strong educational environment. She thrives on inspiring excellence and achievement through education. Mae joined the Soroptimist Kuwait Board when it was first chartered in 2015 as the Extension Chairperson and has been serving as Vice President since 2018. Mae has a BA in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas, Austin and a master’s in library and Information Science from the University of Southern California.

Zahra Al Qattan is a professional translator in the State Audit Bureau of Kuwait. She started her career as an English language teacher in the public-school sector in Kuwait. Her ambition to make change led her to join the National Center for Education Development where she helped facilitate the Education Reform efforts as part of the New Kuwait Vision 2035. Zahra’s passion towards community service and social activism led her to be chosen in 2015 by the Human Rights School where she received a Human Rights Trainer certificate. In 2018 Zahra, was chosen to be part of the Innovation of Change MENA Network, and in 2018 she was chosen by the United Nations Alliance of Civilization for their fellowship program. Zahra also led the OrangeQ8 Campaign, a Soroptimist Kuwait initiative to ending violence and discrimination against women and girls. Zahra joined Soroptimist Kuwait in 2015 and was appointed as the President’s Secretary in 2016-2017. Currently, she is Soroptimist Kuwait’s Secretary General. Zahra attended Kuwait University and graduated with honors in 2011 with a degree in English Language and Literature.

Nowall Al Sayegh is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Kuwait University. She specializes in the spine, pelvis and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Nowall has been working over seven years to improve the state of the pelvic floor physical therapy in Kuwait through workshops, one-on-one training of therapists and consultation of patients. Her goal is to train enough physical therapists in the public sector of Kuwait’s Ministry of Health in the field of pelvic floor rehabilitation. Nowall joined Soroptimist Kuwait as Treasurer when it was first established and chartered in 2015 and has been Treasurer since. She also founded Soroptimist’s Grief Group and helps many of our members deal with the loss of a loved one. She received her BSc in Physical Therapy from Kuwait University, her MSc and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

As a conscientious and industrious school administrator with over 30 years of experience in educational leadership and instruction, Dr. Linda Fouke is passionate about broadening awareness and sensibility to the situation of children everywhere who are on the fringes of society. This is her 10th year in Kuwait where she is the principal of Hope School for Special Needs which serves families of children with intellectual disabilities. She is a member of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) cultural institution, the AWL (American Women’s League) and was past president of the KTAA (Kuwait Textile Arts Association). Dr. Linda Graves Fouke is a founding Board member of the Soroptimist Kuwait Club. She was Vice President for Administration (2015-2018) and is the current Program Director (2018-2020). Linda earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York and her Masters and Bachelors in Education from Indiana University. She holds a TESOL certificate as well and is a certified CFG coach.

Dr. Iman Al Basiri is Head of Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes at Mubarak Hospital in Kuwait. In addition to her role as a pediatric doctor, Iman works hard to raise awareness on diabetes. She strives to educate and engage parents as well as children to live a healthy life. She has established several health camps, and hosts activities and workshops for families struggling with illnesses. Her passion for humanity has also pushed her to work with the Palliative Care Center in Kuwait. She strongly believes in empowering the vulnerable in our unique society, in nurturing the community and in enriching it for the future. Iman joined Soroptimist Kuwait at its inception in 2015. She joined the Board in 2018 as the Assistant Program Director. Iman received her degrees from Kuwait University and continued at the University of Dublin and the Royal College of Pediatric Child Health. She obtained her Certificate of Clinical Education from Newcastle University.