Impact Stories

Sarah Chamma (MS Business Analytics ’23) grew up in Batroun, a coastal city in North Lebanon known for its rich history and for being one of the oldest continually inhabited cities globally. “Batroun is famous for its pretty beaches, old buildings, and friendly people. Surrounded by hills and the blue sea, it was a great place to grow up and call home,” Sarah commented. Since a young age, Sarah had perceived joining the American University of Beirut (AUB) as a major event that she hoped would happen. After completing her bachelor of science in business management at the University of Balamand in 2021, Sarah started exploring how she could join AUB for her graduate studies. “Joining AUB was like fulfilling a dream for me,” she said. For Sarah, AUB wasn’t only “known for its exceptional education. It is also lauded for being one of the best universities in the region, offering a vibrant and diverse campus experience. It’s a place where people from all over the world come together, bringing different cultures and perspectives,” Sarah added. Sarah’s parents, who have “contributed much love and support,” cultivated an urge in Sarah to achieve great things. “My father, a source of strength and wisdom, has always supported and believed in me. Alongside him stands my mother, a dedicated teacher for over 20 years. Her commitment to education keeps inspiring me,” Sarah commented.

Despite the financial challenges resulting from Lebanon’s economic collapse, Sarah remained hopeful when considering the prospect of joining AUB. Her hope stemmed from her exploration of the various financial assistance opportunities that AUB provides through scholarships, graduate assistantships, and the Office of Financial Aid. “These opportunities made studying at AUB a reality for me, allowing me to pursue my academic and career goals in an environment that fosters growth and development,” Sarah added. During her time at AUB, Sarah received financial assistance from AUB’s Office of Financial Aid. In addition to that support, Sarah also received support from the CMA-CGM Scholarships at AUB that helped cover the remainder of her tuition.

CMA-CGM is one of the largest shipping companies in the world. Founded by the late Jacques Saade in 1978, CMA-CGM operates more than 500 vessels that serve more than 160 ports around the globe. In addition to their generous funding of Sarah’s tuition as a graduate student at AUB, CMA-CGM today is also Sarah’s employer. “I am grateful about where I am now. The environment at my workplace is fantastic, fostering positivity, collaboration, and growth. I am grateful to manager Raffoul Francis who leads our team. His guidance, support, and leadership have created a culture of excellence and empowerment. Also, working as a cloud engineer fills me with excitement and purpose. I consider myself lucky to have a role where I can make a real impact on projects,” Sarah commented.

Having been introduced to CMA-CGM’s environment and culture through the various workshops and trainings at AUB, Sarah’s transition to employment at their company was a smooth one. “Being familiar with CMA-CGM’s values and work culture from my time as a student, I was excited to contribute to a company that prioritizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration. My initial impressions were reinforced as I encountered a supportive and dynamic work environment, where my skills and contributions were valued and appreciated. Moreover, my history with CMA-CGM as a student created a sense of loyalty and commitment to the company’s mission and goals,” Sarah added.

Sarah is very grateful for the opportunities offered through AUB’s Office of Financial Aid and the CMA-CGM Scholarships. “As someone who received a scholarship from CMA-CGM and now works at the company, I can speak firsthand about the impact of their scholarship programs. CMA-CGM’s scholarships are more than just financial assistance; they are opportunities that open doors to education and career advancement. For me, receiving the scholarship meant being able to pursue my studies without the burden of financial worries, allowing me to focus on my academic and professional development. By investing in education, CMA-CGM is investing in the future workforce, empowering talented individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to society as a whole. As someone who was a beneficiary of their scholarship program and now works at CMA-CGM, I am a living example of the positive impact these initiatives can have. I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me and proud to be part of a company that values education and supports its employees in their personal and professional growth,” Sarah concluded.