As alumna Hiba Yazbeck Wehbe (BS ’97) marks a deeply personal milestone—a decade of battling against breast cancer—her story stands as a testament to unyielding resilience and intentional living.

Diagnosed in 2015 with what evolved into stage IV cancer, she refused to be defined by her circumstances, choosing instead to rise through them. She transformed adversity into a driving force for meaningful impact, generously supporting women, students, and the LAU community through both her time and contributions.

In this interview, Wehbe reflects on her long-standing partnership with LAU in advancing its mission of education for all, her rise to prominent leadership roles in her career, and the message she hopes to share with fellow alumni.

You have been a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness in the US and Lebanon for over a decade, working closely with your alma mater to educate women in Lebanese rural areas about the importance of early detection, all while based in the US. What inspires you to give back to the Lebanese community?

My inspiration comes from a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude. Lebanon shaped who I am—my values, my resilience, and my identity. Although I’ve spent many years in the US, my heart remained anchored to home. Giving back was never a question—it was a calling.

That calling grew even stronger when I learned about the staggering number of breast cancer cases among women in Lebanon. When I was dealing with my health concerns, my doctor in the US reviewed my lab results and asked if I had lived near a landfill. That moment jolted me. I had grown up during the Lebanese civil war, and like many Lebanese women, I had unknowingly been exposed to long-term environmental toxins.

This pushed me to investigate further. Research from academic institutions revealed the impact of environmental degradation in Lebanon—open waste burning, water and air pollution—on women’s health. It became clear that the high cancer rates weren’t coincidental. They were a systemic crisis.

Having survived cancer myself, I know the life-saving power of early detection. It gave me a second chance. Through my partnership with LAU, I’ve worked to bring education and screening awareness to rural Lebanese communities where access is limited. It’s not just about charity—it’s about equity, dignity, and empowering women to take control of their health.

My mission is to ensure that every woman, no matter where she lives, has the knowledge and opportunity to protect her life. Giving back to Lebanon is deeply personal—it’s about honoring my roots and helping build a healthier, more informed future for generations of women to come.

Your commitment to giving back extends to supporting young scholars financially through extensive donations such as the LAU Jana Endowment Fund. What drives you to take on this responsibility?

Supporting young scholars is more than a philanthropic act—it’s a personal mission rooted in hope, healing, and responsibility. I was fortunate to receive an education that opened doors and gave me the tools to navigate and shape the world. But I’ve also seen how many brilliant young minds—especially in Lebanon—are forced to put their dreams on hold simply because they lack financial support.

That’s why my husband Chady and I co-established the Jana Fund and a scholarship program with the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP)—to ensure that talented Lebanese students thrive, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

I deeply believe that the foundation of any society is its youth, and the greatest investment we can make is in their education. Lebanon is facing immense challenges, but I believe in its future. Rebuilding Lebanon begins with educating its next generation of leaders, visionaries, and change-makers.

As someone who has lived through war, economic instability, and a deeply personal battle with stage four breast cancer, I’ve come to understand the long-term impact of resilience—and how education fuels that resilience. It shapes minds, builds communities, and drives sustainable progress.

Joining the board of Teach for Lebanon–US and partnering with LAU has allowed me to channel my purpose into something that goes far beyond me. Every student we support, every life we help transform, is a seed planted for a brighter, stronger, and more equitable Lebanon. That is what drives me—because when we invest in education, we invest in the future we all want to see.

You overcame cancer for 10 years while pursuing a successful professional career. Not only have you earned a place among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Detroit, but you have also taken on several leadership roles in international sustainable businesses. What lessons have shaped your approach to leadership and success?

Over the last decade—and especially in the past five years—I’ve faced some of the most difficult moments of my life. I’ve battled cancer more than five times, each diagnosis more challenging than the last. One doctor told me I had only two years to live. Another said I’d never walk properly again. I’ve lost my hearing on the right side—permanently.

But I never saw those moments as the end of the road. I saw them as the beginning of something deeper. I chose to look at the cup half full. I chose to find solutions, to reclaim my voice, and to live with even greater intention. That mindset—rooted in resilience, clarity, and purpose—has profoundly shaped my leadership style.

Professionally, I’ve built a 27-year career as a finance executive and transformation leader, managing a $3.5 billion budget and leading high-stakes acquisitions and turnarounds. But my greatest growth came from navigating adversity, not just in boardrooms, but in hospital rooms. I learned that true leadership isn’t about being invincible—it’s about being authentic, adaptive, and accountable, especially when the odds are against you.

These lessons fueled the creation of Shifting Gaia, my startup focused on sustainable living and clean beauty. Building this brand while undergoing treatment showed me how much impact we can create when we align passion with purpose. I also actively mentor young entrepreneurs—like those behind Kotobli, a book discovery platform—because I believe leadership is about lifting others as you rise.

Being recognized as one of Detroit’s Top 50 Women Leaders was an honor, but the real reward is knowing that my story helps others find their strength, especially when life doesn’t go as planned. I lead with heart and strategy. I think in systems, but I act with soul. And I always believe that even in the darkest moments, there’s light to be found—and shared.

As an active alumna and recipient of the LAU Alumni Chapter Volunteers Recognition Award, what message would you like to share with fellow alumni? What role do you believe they should take on?

My message to fellow alumni is this: you don’t have to start big—just start. I began by giving what I could and volunteering my time. Gradually, those small efforts grew into something far more meaningful. The act of showing up consistently, with purpose, is how impact begins.

I believe every alumnus and alumna can play a part in shaping the future by mentoring students, creating opportunities within their networks, or simply opening doors for someone who needs a leg up. Mentorship is one of the most powerful forms of giving back, and I’ve seen how a few words of encouragement or a strategic connection can transform someone’s path.

I also encourage alumni to leverage their professional networks—share internship openings, refer graduates, and help LAU students thrive globally. And if you work for an international company, look into corporate matching programs. These programs can double your donations and amplify your impact without requiring large personal contributions.

When my husband and I created the Jana Fund, we deliberately chose not to name it after ourselves. We wanted it to be a community fund, a space where everyone can contribute, regardless of the size of their donation. Not everyone can open their own endowment, but everyone can participate in creating change. Jana represents the bright future of Lebanon—a student who will one day lead, heal, and give back to others. A student who might, one day, save lives from diseases like the one I’ve battled myself.

Giving back isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how much you care. And when we care together, we build a stronger alumni network, a stronger LAU, and a stronger Lebanon.

This interview has been edited and condensed for the sake of clarity.