Turning Tragedy Into a Mission
For Marina El Khawand, August 4, 2020, was more than just another tragic day in Lebanon’s history—it was the moment that defined her purpose. The devastating Beirut explosion exposed the urgent need for medical aid, and rather than standing by, Marina took action. This life-altering event reinforced her belief in the power of youth-led initiatives, pushing her to launch Medonations, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to those in need.
A Passion for Healthcare and Social Impact
Growing up in Lebanon, Marina witnessed firsthand the struggles of those without access to essential medicine. This experience shaped her passion for healthcare, not just as an industry but as a personal mission. With a background in law and a current pursuit of pharmacy studies, she merges policy-making, human rights advocacy, and science to ensure no one is left behind when it comes to medical care. Through Medonations, Marina has saved over 20,000 lives, a milestone that signifies more than just numbers—it’s about restoring dignity and hope.
Overcoming Challenges and Proving Herself
Starting her journey at just 16 with MNH Events, Marina discovered her calling at 18 when she founded Medonations. However, being a young woman in the field of medical aid was not easy. One of her biggest struggles was credibility—convincing people that she could build an international network for medical assistance. But with passion, persistence, and a clear vision, she proved that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference.
Expanding Impact Beyond Healthcare
Marina’s influence extends beyond medical aid. She founded Social Pulse Agency, a creative hub specializing in videography, social media, and branding. This agency helps individuals and organizations tell their stories in impactful ways. With a client base spanning Lebanon, the GCC, the USA, and Europe, Social Pulse is shaping digital narratives worldwide.
In addition, she launched The Healing Makers, a clothing brand with a deeper purpose. Each piece represents resilience, empowerment, and sustainability, turning fashion into a movement for change. For Marina, every venture—whether in healthcare, media, or fashion—shares the same goal: driving meaningful impact.
Innovating for a Healthier Future
Currently, Marina is developing a medical innovation startup that aims to revolutionize access to essential medications. By integrating technology and sustainability, her venture seeks to bridge gaps in global healthcare. She is also leading the Medonations Free Smart Clinic, which provides free consultations, medical guidance, and essential medicine to underserved communities. With a focus on digital tools and volunteer professionals, the clinic ensures quality healthcare for all, regardless of financial status.
Finding Strength in Resilience
Marina draws inspiration from the patients, families, and volunteers she meets through Medonations. Their resilience fuels her daily motivation. However, the most influential figure in her life remains her mother, whose unwavering support, wisdom, and strength have guided Marina’s journey since the beginning.
When challenges arise, Marina reminds herself why she started. The impact she has made and the lives she has changed keep her going. She surrounds herself with a strong team and focuses on solutions rather than obstacles.
Lessons Learned From the Journey
Like any impactful leader, Marina has faced tough lessons. One of the most difficult was underestimating the complexity of medical logistics. A shipment delay once cost her valuable time in delivering life-saving medications, but it taught her the importance of adaptability, planning, and having contingency strategies. Another painful realization was that, despite her best efforts, she couldn’t save every life. However, rather than discouraging her, this reality pushed her to work harder and expand her reach.
The greatest lesson she has learned is that impact takes time, but persistence always pays off. Bureaucracy, skepticism, and scaling challenges can be frustrating, but patience and consistency are key. Marina believes that believing in your mission is just as important as the work itself—when you truly believe, you inspire others to follow.
Redefining Success and Leaving a Legacy
For Marina, success is no longer about achieving milestones—it’s about creating lasting change. While she has received prestigious recognitions such as Forbes 30 Under 30, The Diana Award, and the HIMSS 2024 Changemaker in Health Award, these accolades are not the goal. Instead, they serve as reminders of the responsibility she carries to keep innovating, empowering youth, and building sustainable solutions.
She encourages young changemakers to trust the process and take action, no matter how impossible the odds may seem. The right people will believe in your mission, and persistence will always speak louder than doubt.
A Vision for the Future
Marina hopes to be remembered as someone who turned a crisis into an opportunity for systemic change. Her goal is to leave behind sustainable healthcare solutions and inspire the next generation to take action, regardless of their age or circumstances.
More than anything, Marina is driven by a singular mission: to leave the world better than she found it. Every project, every initiative, and every life she touches is part of that legacy. In her own words, “Everyone, everywhere, and at any age can be a changemaker, lifesaver, and hope creator.” Do follow her on Instagram.
