Ms. Rasha Al-Rifai

Rasha Al-Rifai is a healthcare professional and an active humanitarian advocate, currently residing in Columbus, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, an academic path that combines a solid scientific foundation with a deep administrative understanding of the healthcare sector.

Rasha currently works at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in the field of clinical research, where she contributes to the development of clinical medical studies and supports the advancement of evidence-based healthcare practices. Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving the quality of healthcare through rigorous scientific research and knowledge.

Alongside her professional career in healthcare, Rasha is deeply engaged in humanitarian work, participating in international missions aimed at supporting communities affected by crises and improving access to essential healthcare services and humanitarian needs, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. This engagement reflects her firm belief in the central role of health and humanitarian action as key pathways to achieving social justice and human dignity.

Rasha is also known for her strong passion for leadership, youth empowerment, and building sustainable initiatives. Through her professional and humanitarian experience, she seeks to support projects that create long-term health and social impact, grounded in institutional planning, collaborative approaches, and sustainability.

In addition, Rasha Al-Rifai is an active public speaker, regularly participating in international conferences, forums, and seminars. Her contributions address topics related to healthcare, humanitarian work, leadership, and community development, where she shares practical expertise and fosters dialogue around best practices in these fields.

Rasha brings together scientific expertise, healthcare management experience, and a profound humanitarian commitment. Her professional journey reflects a firm belief that effective leadership and well-structured institutional work are the two fundamental pillars for achieving positive and sustainable change in communities.

Through her membership on the Board of Directors of the Syrian American Academics Association (SAAS) and her role as Head of the Coordination Office, Rasha Al-Rifai seeks to leverage her diverse experience and global perspective to support the Association’s mission, enhance its strategic growth, and further develop its academic and community programs—serving Syrian academics and contributing to the building of effective scientific and humanitarian collaboration networks.