In the heart of global humanitarian efforts lies a story of unwavering dedication and compassion. Dr. Hany Saqr, CEO of Life for Relief and Development, embodies this spirit, having devoted his career to alleviating suffering and promoting sustainable development worldwide. His journey from a passionate medical student in Egypt to leading one of the most impactful humanitarian organizations in the world is a testament to his compassion, dedication, and visionary leadership.
A Journey of Compassion and Dedication
Dr. Saqr’s professional journey began with a sincere interest in science and a deep desire to help people. This passion led him to pursue a medical degree in Egypt, where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in medical sciences. Recognizing the need for further expertise and a broader perspective, he moved to the United States to continue his education, earning a Master’s and Ph.D. at Ohio State University (OSU). During his time at OSU, he held roles as a scientist and clinical assistant professor, combining his love for science with teaching and research. This experience allowed him to merge theoretical knowledge with practical application, setting the stage for his future endeavors in the humanitarian sector.
His work at OSU was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to making a difference. These roles not only deepened his scientific acumen but also instilled in him the values of empathy, dedication, and a holistic approach to problem-solving. These attributes would later become the cornerstone of his leadership style at Life for Relief and Development.
Transition to Humanitarian Leadership
Dr. Saqr’s extensive experience in managing and overseeing non-profits was instrumental in his transition into humanitarian leadership. As a founder and board member for over 20 different non-profits for two decades, he gained a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of the sector. This background equipped him with the skills needed to lead LIFE, a leading humanitarian organization operating in some of the most challenging environments globally.
Initially serving as a board member for LIFE in 2015, Dr. Saqr’s leadership qualities quickly became evident. His strategic vision, coupled with a hands-on approach, earned him the role of CEO in 2017. Under his guidance, LIFE has expanded its reach and impact significantly, operating in 55 countries and overcoming numerous legal and political barriers to delivering aid. His leadership has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of humanitarian goals, innovative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission.
Guiding Ideals: Empathy, Ethics, and Equity
Dr. Saqr’s leadership is deeply rooted in empathy, ethical conduct, and equity. He prioritizes inclusivity and impartiality, ensuring aid reaches all individuals in need, regardless of their race, religion, or cultural background. Transparency and accountability are the foundation of his decision-making process, ensuring operations are free from bias and external influences. His belief in community empowerment and strategic partnerships has been instrumental in delivering effective and sustainable aid.
Distinctive Edge in Humanitarian Efforts
LIFE’s ability to operate in diverse and challenging environments sets it apart from many other organizations. LIFE’s rapid response capabilities, combined with strategic partnerships and innovative technologies, enable the organization to deliver timely and effective aid. The community-centric approach ensures that initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the people they serve, providing not just immediate relief but also fostering long-term development.
Comprehensive Humanitarian Services
A wide range of humanitarian services is offered by LIFE, including emergency food and medical aid, disaster relief, community development, and educational support. Their efforts in setting up tent camps, supplying medical shipments, and providing consistent aid in conflict zones like Gaza are particularly noteworthy. It’s seasonal support during Ramadan, Udhiyah, Thanksgiving, and Christmas highlights their dedication to meeting diverse cultural needs.
Expanding Horizons: Long-term Objectives
With operations expanding across all 50 states in the U.S. and new offices opening in Yemen, Kenya, Malaysia, and Somalia, LIFE’s growth over the past two years has been remarkable. Dr. Saqr envisions continued expansion, including registrations in Lebanon and the U.K. and potential operations in Bosnia and Ukraine. His vision for LIFE is to grow in every possible way, maximizing its reach to help the most people effectively around the world.
Current Projects: Challenges and Triumphs
LIFE’s ongoing projects in Gaza exemplify their commitment to making a significant impact despite immense challenges. Providing daily hot meals and freshly baked bread, LIFE has distributed over 100,000 meals and loaves of bread in the past five months. Their resourceful approach includes sourcing essentials like medical supplies, food, water, and shelter. Clean water access has improved with the restoration of the Khan Yunis water station, and over 5 million liters of clean water have been distributed through solar-powered filtration stations.
Medical support includes delivering 18 truckloads of essential supplies to hospitals and distributing hygiene kits to families. LIFE’s efforts in addressing the shelter crisis involve providing 2,000 winterized tents to those in need. These initiatives showcase LIFE’s ability to navigate complex environments and deliver critical aid effectively.
Sources of Inspiration
Dr. Saqr draws inspiration from the resilience of the people he serves and the dedication of his colleagues. Their steadfast commitment to the mission of LIFE motivates him to push the boundaries of what the organization can achieve. His mentors at Ohio State University and his experiences in the medical field have profoundly shaped his approach to leadership and humanitarian work, instilling in him a commitment to empathy, excellence, and ethical conduct.
Recognitions and Accreditations
Dr. Saqr and LIFE have received numerous accolades for their impactful work. He was honored as one of the Top 10 Most Admired Emergency Services Providers of 2022 by Tycoon Success Magazine and featured in Passion Magazine. LIFE has been recognized by USAID, voted as one of the Top Ten Humanitarian Organizations in the United States by Impactful Ninja, and received a 99% 4-star rating by Charity Navigator. These recognitions validate their efforts, enhance their credibility, and motivate them to strive for excellence.
Overcoming Obstacles
Navigating legal and political barriers has been one of the most formidable challenges in Dr. Saqr’s career. These obstacles often threaten to impede the delivery of vital aid to those in need. However, Dr. Saqr’s approach to overcoming these challenges is marked by persistent advocacy, strategic diplomacy, and the building of strong local partnerships. His ability to demonstrate the impartiality and necessity of LIFE’s aid has been crucial in gaining the trust and cooperation of various stakeholders.
Internally, ensuring transparency and accountability within LIFE has been pivotal in maintaining trust and integrity. Dr. Saqr has implemented rigorous monitoring and regular audits to uphold these principles. These measures not only enhance the organization’s credibility but also ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to maximize impact. His commitment to these values has solidified LIFE’s reputation as a trustworthy and effective humanitarian organization.
Defining Success
For Dr. Saqr, success is defined by the tangible improvements in the well-being of individuals and communities served by LIFE. This perspective shifts the focus from mere organizational achievements to the real-world impact of their efforts. Seeing lives transformed, communities rebuilt, and futures secured is the ultimate measure of success for him.
Achieving this level of impact has been a continuous journey, requiring persistent efforts, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by different communities. Dr. Saqr’s approach to success is holistic, integrating immediate relief with long-term development goals. This dual focus ensures that LIFE’s initiatives provide sustainable benefits, empowering communities to thrive long after the initial aid is delivered.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Dr. Saqr advises aspiring leaders to pursue work they are passionate about, as this drives them to achieve excellence and find true satisfaction. He emphasizes that leadership is not just about personal achievements but about empowering others and ensuring that the positive impact continues even in one’s absence. In the context of humanitarian work, this means providing immediate relief while also building long-term development within communities. His advice to the next generation of leaders is to pursue what they love, strive for excellence, and always aim to uplift and empower those around them.
To sum up, Dr. Hany Saqr’s journey from a passionate medical student to the CEO of Life for Relief and Development is a story of dedication, compassion, and visionary leadership. His commitment to empathy, ethical conduct, and equity has guided LIFE to become a leading humanitarian organization, making a significant impact on a global scale. Through his efforts, Dr. Saqr continues to inspire and lead with a vision of a better, more equitable world for all.
Quote:
“Success, for me, is defined by the positive impact we have on the lives of those we serve. It’s about seeing improvements in the well-being of individuals and communities.”
“Navigating legal and political barriers to humanitarian work requires persistent advocacy, building strong local partnerships, and demonstrating the impartiality and necessity of our aid.”
“The resilience and dedication of the people we serve, and my colleagues constantly motivate me to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.”
“Pursue what you love, strive for excellence, and always aim to uplift and empower those around you, and you will go far.”
