At 29, the Lebanese YES alumna, Nataly Nasr Al Deen, has already made huge strides in her professional life. A PhD graduate in Cell and Molecular Biology, a research associate at Washington University, and a successful social entrepreneur, the world is noticing the YES alumna. Recognized for her social impact through her NGO, Pink Steps, Nataly was recently featured on Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30!

As much as she is committed to her career in cancer research, Nataly is also an activist for cancer control and prevention. Nataly was awarded the Fulbright Alumni Community Action Grant, to start her NGO, Pink Steps, in 2015. Pink Steps is a health exercise support group for breast cancer survivors in Lebanon that aims to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyle habits. Every Saturday evening, members meet for a group supervised walk, and take a workout class like yoga, Zumba, belly dancing, or core exercise. Pink Steps also has nutritionists who offer dietary advice. There are also support group and stress-relief sessions for Pink Steps members. 

In addition to YES, Nataly completed her undergraduate studies at the American University of Cairo as a MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders scholar and earned her master’s degree from Georgetown University as a Fulbright scholar. Upon finishing her PhD at the American University of Beirut, Nataly moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to start her postdoctoral research fellowship at the Division of Oncology at Washington University.

So, what’s next for Nataly? The YES alumna says, “My ultimate mission is to dedicate my career further for cancer research and prevention. I also want to establish a scholarship fund for women in science to pay forward all the opportunities I received from the U.S. State Department. I plan to come back to Lebanon, and contribute to cancer research and prevention to provide better services for cancer patients and survivors.”

Nataly Naser Al Deen (YES 2006 - 2007, Lebanon, placed with CCI in Hilo, HI)