Maysa Jalbout

Maysa Jalbout is a nonresident fellow in the Center for Universal Education at Brookings. She is a recognized leader in international development and philanthropy. She is deeply committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in the world through her expertise in education, jobs, and technology. A true industry veteran, Jalbout has over 25 years of experience in building effective organizations, initiatives, and innovative partnerships in Canada, the Middle East, and in developing nations.

As a visiting scholar at Arizona State University and MIT’s Open Learning, she is exploring how two of the world’s most committed academic institutions could revolutionize access to education for some of the most vulnerable people around the world.

She was the founding CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education—a landmark philanthropic initiative based in Dubai with a budget of $1 billion. Within four years, Jalbout built the foundation into one of the most respected institutions in the region and abroad, having established tens of partnerships and multiple programs and reached over 30,000 youth from 18 countries.

Forbes recognized Jalbout as one of the 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Arab world in 2016-2018. Her alma mater, McMaster University, recognized her as Distinguished Alumni for the Arts in 2018.

She has held senior roles including as the founding CEO of the Queen Rania Foundation and trusted adviser to global leaders, philanthropists, companies, and aid agencies.

Jalbout accredits her early career years in Canada—working on global education, development, and youth employment—with preparing her for the challenging issues and organizations she manages today. She served at Global Affairs Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada.

As a former refugee, Jalbout is passionate about supporting refugees. She has authored a series of reports on refugee education, developed national strategies endorsed by global leaders, and designed high-impact initiatives funded by philanthropists.

Jalbout is actively supporting credible nonprofit organizations. She currently serves on the board of Generation by McKinsey and Alfanar Venture Philanthropy. She is also an adviser to the EdTech Hub and the Global Business Coalition for Education.