Alumni of The Month

1.     Introduce yourself?

I am a graduate of the University of Jordan, holding a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Applied Statistics (second in my class) in 1987, and I have a Master's degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1990.

I have over 20 years of experience, during which I have held several positions in the Jordanian government, including:

Member of the 27th Senate and Chairwoman of the Labor and Social Development Committee.

Minister of Social Development during the periods of (2007-2009), (2009-2010), (2010-2011), and (2017-10/2018).

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Sector Development.

Consultant for Public Sector Development at the Prime Ministry.

Director of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah's Office.

I also have experience working with international development organizations, serving as the head of the Poverty and Gender Team at the United Nations Development Programme and as the director of a tourism project with the World Bank. Additionally, I have regional experience, having worked as an executive director for several regional organizations specializing in developing educational outcomes and enhancing economic opportunities for youth in the Arab region, including work in Egypt, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine.

In terms of my experience in the private and financial sectors, I began my professional career in the banking sector at the Jordan Investment Bank and Arab Bank, and I also worked as a financial analyst for debt restructuring at the Ministry of Finance.

I have chaired several ministerial committees, including the Committee on Services, Infrastructure, and Social Affairs, the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment, and the Ministerial Committee for Supporting the Social Safety Network. Currently, I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank, the Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the Royal Institute for Religious Studies, the Institution for the Development of the Areas Adjacent to the Baptism Site, and the Scholarship Association for Girls.

2.     Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?

Sitting with dear friends and engaging in activities like playing basketball and squash.

3.     In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

Launching

4.     Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

It is the true beginning of life outside the family and school. I started to get to know life, my true abilities, and what I want from it. During this time, I met lifelong friends and some esteemed teachers who supported me throughout my university years.

5.     Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

Analysis and Thinking

6.     Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

Seizing the opportunity to gain practical and academic experience, becoming a productive individual who belongs to your community, and helping others. It's about not wasting time and university years without acquiring what sets you apart from others.

7.     Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

Knowing your priorities and focusing on your goal, not giving up, persevering, and enduring difficulties without caring about what others think.

8.     Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

Two women I worked with during my career who helped me acquire the necessary leadership skills, emphasized the importance of hard work, co​ntinuous learning, and self-confidence.