Manal El Masry was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. She holds a B.A. in English Literature and Translation from Ain Shams University, along with a Diploma in Marketing and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo. She later earned a Master Diploma in Professional Life Coach from the United States and is now a Certified Life Coach.

With a career span of over 25 years, Manal has developed a diverse background in marketing, business development, event planning and management, and customized training for both youth and adults. She previously held senior positions at the U.S. Embassies in Egypt and the UAE, where she excelled in marketing strategy, event execution, sponsorship acquisition, and promotional activities. Her portfolio includes organizing national and international conferences, trade shows, trade missions, training workshops, health awareness campaigns, and sports events. Her dedication and excellence have earned her multiple honorary and monetary awards.

In August 2019, Manal transitioned into entrepreneurship by founding Ideate Project Management Services in both the UAE and the United States. Her consultancy spans several industries, including franchising, education, healthcare, and training. From 2023 to 2024, she served as a board member for Girls for Engineering, Math, and Science Camp, a nonprofit organization that encourages girls to pursue careers in STEM.

In her current role as Executive Director at Light for All (since April 2025), Manal leads the organization’s efforts to empower underserved communities and sets the strategic direction for its growth and expansion. She also serves as Head of Training and Capacity Building at Tagmoa UAE, a franchise association supporting franchisors and franchisees across the GCC and Middle East markets.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Manal is a passionate volunteer with a strong belief in education as a catalyst for poverty alleviation and economic development. She actively supports nonprofit organizations by delivering virtual training, designing strategic initiatives, and leading awareness campaigns. She has spearheaded youth and leadership development initiatives across Egypt, Kenya, Iraq, the Philippines, the U.S., and the UAE. Her areas of expertise include “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Families, and Teens,” leadership development, soft skills, financial wellness, design thinking, and parental empowerment.