Photo: Adham Nasr (YES '11) submits his vote.

As YES Alumni Associations grow around the world, they demonstrate the lasting impact the YES program has on communities near and far.

In Lebanon, the YES alumni held their annual elections for new association leaders, like president and board members, on February 17, 2017. A total of 53 alumni attended, and another 108 cast their votes electronically.

At the in-person event in Beirut, YES alumni caught up with one another and socialized over coffee and canapes before welcoming speeches from the AMIDEAST Lebanon Country Director, the U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Assistant, and the Embassy’s Alumni Coordinator. The outgoing president of the YES alumni network, Mohamad Ali Kalassina (YES '13), spoke about the top achievements of individuals and groups of alumni in 2016.

After that, each candidate introduced him/herself and presented ideas for the upcoming year. This year, the election event also included a presidential debate that covered three topics. The candidates were asked to explain what their first action as the new president would be, their strategies to motivate alumni to become even more active in the community, and what they expect their role will be to activate regional networks within Lebanon while ensuring unity.

Photo, left to right: Souhair Ghozayel (YES '08) and Alissa Al Chemali (YES '11) present their presidential platforms.

Following the debate, the alumni enjoyed a group dinner before submitting their votes for each candidate. Ballots were counted by two AMIDEAST staff members and two YES alumni to ensure transparency. Between online voting and live voting during the event, 161 alumni voted during this year’s elections.

Results of the elections were announced and the YES alumni celebrated the election of the new president and board members with music and a variety of mini-cakes. The new president is Souhair Gohzayel (YES '08), and the following alumni were selected as regional coordinators:

• Beirut: Leen El Harake (YES '15)
• Bekaa: Omar Yehia (YES '13)
• Mount Lebanon: Jad Ghoussaini (YES '14)
• Metn & Keserwan: Rony Chaar (YES '13)
• South Lebanon: Aya Ibrahim (YES '12)
• North Lebanon: Ahmad Kheir (YES '16)

Congratulations to all the new YES alumni representatives in Lebanon!