Dr. Hany Saqr, CEO of Life for Relief and Development, exemplifies passionate leadership, transforming the organization with heartfelt dedication. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, LIFE operates in 23 countries, positively impacting millions annually. Dr. Saqr’s journey began with a medical degree in Egypt, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. His career as a scientist and professor at OSU honed his empathetic leadership style. With extensive experience in founding and serving on non-profit boards, Dr. Saqr’s tenure at LIFE over the past decade has been marked by significant success in global relief efforts.
A Moment When Dr. Saqr’s Leadership Shone
There have been many times when Dr. Hany Saqr’s leadership has stood out. Most recently, his skills were crucial during the latest Gaza crisis. This crisis led to a rapid increase in food insecurity and starvation, posing immense challenges such as logistical issues, security risks, and the plight of thousands of displaced, injured, and suffering families. Dr. Saqr used his network to mobilize resources and partners both in Gaza and abroad. He created new strategies to deliver targeted aid efficiently and safely to Gaza communities.
Thanks to his tireless efforts, LIFE was one of the few organizations able to provide critical aid to displaced families in Gaza. The aid included bread for 200,000 people, 100,000 hot meals, 40,000 food baskets, 15,000 bags of fresh vegetables, 55,500 bags of flour, 5.2 million liters of clean water from a solar-powered filtration system, 2,000 hygiene kits, 7,000 blankets, 3,600 water bottles, 18 truckloads of supplies, 3 medical convoys, 2,000 winterized tents, 100 toys, and 1,000 winter coats for children.
How Does Dr. Saqr’s Organization Impact Society?
LIFE provides humanitarian aid and relief to vulnerable populations worldwide. Founded on the principles of compassion, integrity, and equality, LIFE strives to alleviate suffering and promote dignity among those affected by crises, whether caused by conflict, natural disasters, or socio-economic challenges. LIFE supports over 13,000 orphans globally through its Orphan Sponsorship Program, offering essentials like food, shelter, and education. Events like the Global Orphan Party bring joy to these children, showing them, they are cherished and valued.
LIFE’s Emergency Relief Program responds quickly during disasters, providing clean water, food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and shelter. In 2021, LIFE assisted in 432 catastrophic events worldwide. Recognizing the lack of essential health services, LIFE provides medical donations, establishes clinics, and upgrades healthcare facilities. The ‘Here to Hear’ project helps the hearing impaired with ear exams and hearing aid fittings. In 2023, LIFE distributed $8.5 million worth of medical supplies globally.
LIFE also focuses on clean water solutions, which are essential for health and prosperity. By building wells and using purification technology, LIFE has provided safe drinking water to many, including in Gaza. To date, LIFE has built nearly 300 water wells worldwide. Through its Education Program, LIFE provides school supplies, builds schools, funds operational costs, sends books to needy schools, and offers scholarships, ensuring every child has access to education.
LIFE’s Community Development Program builds infrastructure like community centers, medical clinics, schools, and water wells, creating self-sustaining environments that empower underdeveloped communities. The Family Assistance Program supports vulnerable single mothers and disabled heads of households by providing essentials like food, clothing, hygiene kits, shelter, education, and employment opportunities.
LIFE’s Winter Relief initiative offers warmth to displaced and vulnerable communities with clothing, blankets, heating oil, and coats. LIFE provides food and gifts to struggling families during holidays, supporting over 6 million people in 2022. For refugees displaced by conflict, persecution, violence, or disasters, LIFE offers essential support, including food, water, healthcare, housing, and education, to help them rebuild their lives and find stability. LIFE’s diverse programs significantly impact millions of lives every year, driven by the power of human empathy and the desire to improve living standards and potential for those in need.
What does Dr. Saqr’s typical day as CEO entail?
Throughout his day as CEO, Dr. Hany Saqr engages in a dynamic mix of activities crucial to overseeing Life for Relief and Development. Starting with an early espresso, he reviews urgent priorities and decisions. Meetings with senior management follow, focusing on project updates and resource strategies. The morning continues with virtual sessions involving teams like media, projects, and public relations, ensuring progress and collaboration. Afternoons often involve discussions with international partners, donors, or officials to secure funding and advocate for humanitarian causes. Strategic initiatives, financial reviews, and public engagements fill his post-lunch schedule, correspondence, and preparation for board meetings. Dr. Saqr remains accessible to his team, offering guidance and addressing crises, embodying effective leadership in the humanitarian field.
How Did Dr. Saqr Handle Leadership Challenges?
One of Dr. Hany’s toughest challenges as CEO was balancing expectations and responsibilities while fostering team unity. Balling’s long-term strategy, which had daily operational needs, initially presented a significant learning curve. To overcome this hurdle, he prioritized effective communication, listening to team perspectives while clearly outlining goals and expectations. Building trust and empowering team members to take ownership of their roles were crucial in aligning efforts toward shared objectives.
Fortunately, many LIFE staff members are deeply committed to their humanitarian mission. They actively chose this career path to make a positive impact globally, which facilitates finding common goals and values. This shared dedication has been pivotal in advancing the organization’s passion and productivity.
How Does Dr. Saqr Balance Personal and Professional Life?
Dr. Hany Saqr balances his commitment to family and his demanding role in humanitarian work with dedication and grace. While he cherishes moments with his loved ones and enjoys occasional vacations, his family understands the urgency of his work, particularly in responding swiftly to global disasters like floods. Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Saqr ensures daily connection with his family and regular shared meals, valuing these times for bonding. As a leader, he exemplifies hands-on engagement with his team, actively participating in meetings, listening attentively to ideas, providing constructive feedback, and implementing effective strategies. Dr. Saqr encourages an inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute, ensuring that LIFE for Relief and Development continues to excel in its humanitarian efforts.
How Does Dr. Saqr Handle New Ideas for the Organization?
When faced with new or unpopular ideas that could benefit the organization, Dr. Hany Saqr assesses them against strategic goals, organizational values, potential impact, and risks. He consults stakeholders, promotes open dialogue, and may pilot the idea to gather additional information. Dr. Saqr stresses transparent communication and careful decision-making to evaluate feasibility, prioritizing innovation and organizational progress while managing potential challenges.
What Values and Culture Define LIFE for Relief and Development?
Integrity forms the bedrock of LIFE for Relief and Development’s operations. The organization believes in earning and maintaining trust through transparency and accountability. They ensure that every stakeholder, from donors to beneficiaries, can access their records, financials, partnerships, and ongoing projects. This commitment to openness extends to sourcing high-quality resources at the best prices for their beneficiaries, ensuring that every contribution makes a meaningful impact. This dedication has built long-term donor relationships, with supporters becoming lifelong contributors to LIFE’s humanitarian mission, driving the organization’s significant growth.
Compassion is another cornerstone at LIFE, guiding their approach to addressing individual needs with dignity and empathy during crises. It fuels their team’s dedication and unity, as many in the organization are driven by a profound desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Collaboration is equally vital at LIFE, fostering partnerships with local communities, governments, and other organizations. Internally, it promotes teamwork morale and enhances their collective ability to reach and support more individuals in need worldwide.
What is Dr. Saqr’s Approach to Technology and Innovation?
Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future, impacting every aspect of daily life and promising continued transformation in the years ahead. Recent advancements in humanitarian technology have been remarkable, and LIFE for Relief and Development is committed to leveraging these innovations to their fullest extent. Advanced data analytics, such as satellite imagery, empower NGOs to make well-informed decisions and efficiently distribute aid, especially in remote or conflict-prone regions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances humanitarian efforts by processing vast datasets to predict and prepare for future crises, offering insights based on past successes and failures.
Drones have emerged as invaluable tools for disaster management and resilience-building, facilitating rapid data collection and aid delivery in inaccessible areas due to roadblocks, adverse weather, or conflict. The advent of 3D printing has revolutionized humanitarian aid by enabling the production of customized assistive devices like prosthetics and desks. This technology empowers communities to create essential tools locally that were previously inaccessible.
Dr. Hany Saqr emphasizes the critical role of technology in humanitarian work, stating, “As we look ahead, integrating these innovations is essential. They are not just about efficiency but also about enhancing compassion and effectiveness in every humanitarian endeavor.”
What Book Inspires Dr. Saqr and LIFE’s Culture?
Dr. Hany Saqr, despite his busy schedule, values reading. One of his favorite books is “Originals” by Adam Grant. This book explores how innovators champion new ideas and navigate challenges. It emphasizes recognizing good ideas, building alliances, and promoting cultures that encourage constructive dissent, reflecting LIFE’s commitment to feedback and open communication.
Dr. Saqr’s Future Plans for LIFE’s Growth
LIFE has experienced significant expansion, with operations now spanning all 50 U.S. states and new offices in Yemen, Kenya, Malaysia, and Somalia. Dr. Saqr intends to sustain this momentum by seeking registration in Lebanon and the U.K. and potentially expanding into Bosnia and Ukraine. His vision is for LIFE to grow comprehensively, enhancing its global footprint to deliver effective aid to more people worldwide.
“LIFE for Relief and Development provides compassionate aid to empower communities globally”
