Hiba Yazbeck ‘92

The LAU Alumni Association is proud to recognize Hiba Yazbeck (BS ‘92) as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Recognition Award — a Global Finance Executive, Sustainability Entrepreneur, and Philanthropic Leader whose remarkable career and impact span continents and industries.

With over 27 years of experience leading high-impact finance strategies in the U.S. and Germany, Hiba currently serves as Head of Finance & Accounting at MAHLE North America, managing a $3.5 billion budget and leading a 120-member team. She has driven acquisitions worth $2 billion and delivered $5+ million in annual cost savings, establishing herself as a powerful force in global corporate finance.

But Hiba’s leadership goes far beyond the boardroom.

As the founder of Shifting Gaia and Glamira Beauty, she champions sustainability in business and everyday living. Through her work with IDUN Minerals and as a mentor to Kotobli, she continues to promote clean beauty and cultural literacy across the MENA region.

A stage IV breast cancer survivor, Hiba turned her personal journey into purpose, founding Courage to Fight Breast Cancer in partnership with LAU to promote early detection. Her philanthropic footprint includes raising over $400,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, co-establishing the Jana Endowment Fund, and funding scholarships through the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP).

Hiba is also:

- President of the LAU Alumni Association - Detroit Chapter
- Committee Member & Co-Chair at St. Jude
- Advisory Board Member at Kaffi (Educational Nonprofit)
- A sought-after public speaker on finance, ESG, women’s leadership, and philanthropy

“True leadership,” Hiba believes, “means using your platform to uplift others and lead with purpose.”

Congratulations, Hiba — your resilience, innovation, and generosity are a shining example of the LAU spirit in action.