I didn’t expect to step into public service—especially not in Lebanon. 45 days ago, I met Ghassan Salamé for the first time. He laid out the current state of cultural life in Lebanon: complex, under-resourced, and full of uncertainty. He didn’t sugarcoat it. That night, I flew back to Riyadh. The next morning, I quit my job as a cultural consultant with Manifesto. The day after, I moved back to Beirut to join his team as Chief of Staff. It wasn’t the logical choice—but it felt undeniably right. My background—entrepreneurship, consulting, an MBA, a math degree—pointed to a private-sector career. Still, public service was always around me—I grew up with it. It always felt like a compelling path, but not one I believed I could truly belong to. Especially as a woman. Especially as someone who grew up loving Lebanon from afar. And yet, this role felt like a chance to step out of my comfort zone, take on a position that demands leadership and adaptability, and serve the only place that’s ever truly felt like home. Working with Ghassan Salamé these past weeks has been a privilege. He brings clarity, humility, and a belief in intergenerational collaboration. Most of all, he believes—quietly but consistently—in what Lebanon could become if we commit to rebuilding it. That belief is contagious. Our team is small. Our resources are limited. But culture matters—especially in Lebanon. It holds our history, reflects our collective identity, and connects our communities. Our focus is on preserving our heritage and making culture accessible to all. We want to support initiatives throughout the country and reconnect fragmented networks. This work is about long-term, sustainable impact—about creating the conditions for future generations to build lives here. The road is long, but things are already taking shape as more people choose to build—even without certainty. If you’re working on something for Lebanon—let’s connect!
Great decision!
Amazing to see our talented expats coming back to drive the country forward with the new government ! Thank you
That’s amazing news Yasmine! Congrats to you and the ministry! Re-migration full power 💪🏻
And we are so lucky to have you here :) :)
This is very encouraging news for Lebanon. Hopefully, the outlook is looking brighter. We are still working in the publishing sector, publishing books on Lebanon and with Lebanese authors and illustrators. It is challenging but our commitment is undimmed.
Shining Yas! Tellement fier 🔥
quelle belle aventure !
Way to go! This is very promising and ignites a spark of genuine hope.. the type we all need today more than ever! I
What an inspiring and courageous decision. Leaving behind a brilliant career and a promising future to embrace a new cultural adventure in Lebanon is both admirable and deeply meaningful. With your exceptional background, you—like Michel—are paving the way for a new Lebanon, one led by a generation we trust and believe in. Every word you’ve chosen to express this journey resonates deeply. It is a call, a beacon, for the bright young minds educated abroad, who have long waited for the right moment to return and rebuild. Your generation has the power to inspire and shape a bold new vision. Choosing to come back and lead by example is a powerful gesture of hope and determination. Lebanon is indeed the place where a future can be forged—for yourselves and for those who will follow. Take us forward toward a better tomorrow. Lebanon needs every talented and dedicated person like you—leaders who can set new standards in values and institutions, and remind us of what is possible. May God bless you, Yasmine. Go forward—we are with you.
Award-winning film & TV producer, magazine editor and author | Founder, Last Floor Productions & Dark Coast Media | Former Editor-in-Chief, Esquire Middle East
2moAmazing. Congratulations and thank you for your service. If there's any way for those of us in the cultural sector around the world to support any initiatives through our networks and contacts, we are here to serve too.