Maissa Kabbani is a Syrian-American political activist, accomplished healthcare executive, and a visionary leader whose work embodies a profound and relentless commitment to the Syrian people. Her journey is one of dual dedication: building a distinguished professional career in the United States while simultaneously dedicating her life to the cause of a free Syria and its sustainable future.
From the very first calls for freedom that echoed from Syria, Maissa was on the front lines of advocacy. While her heart was with the protestors on Syrian soil, her voice rang out in the diaspora, participating in weekly demonstrations before the White House and the United Nations. For Maissa, however, raising her voice was just the beginning. As the Founder and Vice President of Global Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing long-term relief, she channeled her energy into tangible, life-changing action, supporting displaced communities across Lebanon, Turkey, and northern Syria.
As the crisis deepened, she turned her focus to the pressing needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Understanding that true aid fosters dignity and empowerment, she spearheaded initiatives in Tripoli to establish a women’s kitchen, a wool workshop, and a restaurant—projects that provided not just sustenance, but also community and self-sufficiency. Her work was not limited to grassroots efforts. Recognizing the need for systemic change, Maissa engaged in high-level advocacy, meeting with pivotal figures such as Minister Ashraf Rifi and Member of Parliament Nayla Moawad. Her strategic negotiations culminated in a significant breakthrough: securing official work permits for Syrians after a crucial meeting with the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Rashid Derbas. In recognition of her profound impact, she was honored with the 2017 Dubai Pioneers Award.
Parallel to her tireless humanitarian work, Maissa built an exceptional career in healthcare management. With a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and a Master’s in Business Administration, she served as a Laboratory Director and Vice President in multiple hospitals across the NJ/NY metropolitan area. Her leadership in process improvement was recognized and published in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology. Today, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer of a Philadelphia-based healthcare firm and is the founder of her own healthcare consulting company, advising medical institutions on operational efficiency and strategic management.
Maissa Kabbani and her husband, Dr. Haitham Al-Bazm, were the first to introduce the slogan “Make Syria Great Again” during a private dinner with President Trump, a moment that underscored their vision for Syria’s revival on the global stage. As a dedicated supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign, Maissa consistently emphasized the vital connection between U.S. investment in Syria and the broader dynamics of politics, economics, and regional stability. She believed that fostering economic collaboration between nations was not only a pathway to rebuilding Syria but also a strategic opportunity for the United States to strengthen its influence in the region.
Through her efforts, and with the support of key regional players such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Maissa helped facilitate a historic meeting between President Trump and President Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia. This meeting marked a significant step toward fostering dialogue and exploring opportunities for cooperation, with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable and prosperous future for Syria. Maissa’s ability to bridge political and economic interests demonstrated her unwavering commitment to advancing Syria’s position on the global stage while fostering partnerships that could drive meaningful change.
Now, Maissa is channeling this unique blend of executive leadership and on-the-ground into her most ambitious project yet: the Syrian Advisory Group (SAG). This venture marks a pivotal evolution from humanitarian aid to strategic, sustainable development. As the Founder and CEO of SAG, Maissa is pioneering SAG to rebuilding and revitalizing Syria’s private sector. The core mission of SAG is to serve as a vital bridge, connecting the immense expertise, resources, and capital of the Syrian diaspora with tangible investment and development opportunities on the ground.
Operating from its office in the heart of Damascus, SAG provides essential advisory services to both local entrepreneurs and international investors. This includes conducting feasibility studies, offering legal and business development guidance, and facilitating partnerships aimed at empowering local businesses and fostering a resilient, independent economy. This initiative is the culmination of Maissa’s journey, transforming her unwavering advocacy into a tangible blueprint for a self-sufficient and prosperous future, driven by the ingenuity and spirit of the Syrian people.
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