As ToRead celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2026, we are looking back at the incredible journeys of our community through our special ‘Where Are They Now’ campaign. Today, we are proud to spotlight Raghad Rashed, a dedicated ToRead alumna since 2021, to share how her path has unfolded over the years.
Who is Raghad Rashed?
Raghad Rashed is a 21-year-old Palestinian youth leader and a graduate in Information Technology Management from the Lebanese American University, where she graduated with High Distinction and a 3.9 GPA. An active member of the ToRead community since 2021, Raghad has leveraged its technology and leadership programs to shape her academic excellence and commitment to social impact. Her journey is marked by prestigious milestones, including her selection for the United Nations Youth Leadership Programme and her appointment to the United Nations Development Programme Youth Advisory Board.
The Success Story
Raghad narrates her journey, saying: my path is defined by a single principle: turning opportunity into impact. My time at university was a testament to discipline and resilience, earning three merit-based scholarships while consistently representing youth voices in high-level spaces, such as serving as the Technology Leader at the Artificial Intelligence Station during the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development. From being a part of the United Nations Development Programme team to leading United States Agency for International Development-funded community initiatives, I have always strived to bridge the gap between innovation and social development.
In parallel with my academic and technical roles, I am deeply committed to hands-on leadership and digital empowerment. Using the skills I gained through my participation with ToRead, I founded Scholarship Success Pathway, an initiative dedicated to guiding students toward higher education opportunities, driven by my belief that access to information changes lives. Throughout my professional journey—from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund projects to my current role at Westford Lebanon—I was often the youngest in the room, yet I consistently proved that leadership is measured not by age, but by contribution and purpose.
Recommendation
Raghad believes that leadership is not about waiting for validation, but about stepping forward with preparation and purpose. Her message to every aspiring leader is:
“I was the youngest in the room — and I made sure my work carried the strongest voice.”
Raghad Rashed is one of the thousands of youth that ToRead has worked with over the years. We are proud to shine a light on their success. ToRead continues to support the youth in Lebanon and the region through innovation, technology, and Entrepreneurship.
