BOARD MEMBERS

Jessica Joseph Azar is a Lebanese journalist with over 10 years of experience. In 2018, she announced her candidacy for the Lebanese parliamentary elections as an independent candidate, allied with the Lebanese Forces, a major member of the March 14 coalition.

Jessica ran for a seat in the Metn district, one of Lebanon's most politically dynamic regions, where she contended with some of the nation’s most influential figures. She stood out as one of the youngest and most prominent candidates in the 2018 elections, gaining recognition for her strong stance against the Syrian regime and her bold policy positions.

Jessica’s career encompasses public affairs, media, journalism, politics, and social activism. She graduated with honors from NDU with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and began her career in 2007 at Nahar Al Shabab, a youth-focused publication from An-Nahar newspaper. This role allowed her to encourage young people to freely voice their opinions.

Between 2007 and 2008, she joined the Youth Shadow Government as the Minister of Sports and Youth, gaining further insights into youth issues. She worked on initiatives aimed at fostering a healthier society and empowering young people in a country facing high rates of emigration.

In 2007, Jessica joined Now Lebanon, an online platform for political and social commentary that provided a forum for journalists and writers to express their views openly. During her time there, Now Lebanon played a significant role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness of critical national issues.

In 2009, Jessica joined MTV Lebanon, a prominent political and social television channel, where she worked as a reporter and senior news anchor for nine years. In 2020, she launched her own program, Al Ahad Mnehke, a show that empowers women and highlights the essential roles played by Lebanese and Arab women in society today.

In 2021, Jessica debuted 40, a primetime interview show featuring one-on-one conversations with Lebanese and Arab celebrities and politicians. The show ran for three seasons and was broadcast on both MTV Lebanon and Dubai TV.

Jessica’s dedication to freedom, youth, and women’s empowerment is a central mission in her career. She actively collaborates with various associations across Lebanon and the Middle East to inspire young people, particularly women, to believe in themselves and raise their voices.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Government from Harvard University, a Graduate Certificate in International Relations from Harvard Extension School, and several Executive Certificates from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. These include certificates in Public Policy, Negotiation, Moral Leadership, and Climate Change and Energy, all completed in 2019. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from NDU in Lebanon.