Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer - CEO of Merck Foundation
Member of the Egyptian Senate (2020- 2025)
One of the 100 Most Influential African Women (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025)
President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej , Merck Foundation CEO Beyond Power; Leadership , Global Influence and Impact
A series of articles developed by Dr. Rasha Kelej

Why Work-Life Fusion Works Better for Me Than Work-Life Balance
Rethinking some of modern leadership concepts and beliefs . We’ve been told for years that work-life balance is the goal. No no no ; I don’t fully

The Power of Small Decisions: How Subtle Small Choices Shape Greater long term impact .
We often associate success with big decisions—major investments, bold moves, or defining moments. But in reality, the trajectory of individuals, organizations, and even nations is

How Living in UAE Shaped My Vision of Success, Creativity, Diversity and Global Influence.
-A personal perspective on how environment defines leadership, discipline, and impact. We often underestimate the role of environment in shaping who we become. For me,
Latest News

Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, marking a landmark moment in supporting girl education through the “Educating Linda” Program at Kenya State House
Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with Kenya First Lady at Kenya State House during the launch of Educating Linda Program. I am happy to share

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej, on declaring the Gabon First Lady as Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education
Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with Gabon First Lady during their visit to Gabon. We officially launched our programs in partnership with H.E. Madam ZITA

Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on marking the 10th anniversary of the “More Than a Mother” Movement
I am truly proud to mark the 10th Anniversary of “More Than a Mother” movement, it has been an extraordinary journey, one that is very close

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, about the MFFLI Committee Meeting held with First Ladies of Africa and Asia call for action to build healthcare and Media capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and
Merck Foundation Chairman, CEO, and 14 First Ladies inaugurate the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit in Dubai 2025 I

Message from Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, on celebrating seven years of partnership with the First Lady of Zimbabwe to transform patient care and empower women
Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej recognized The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr.

Message from CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej about the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, Co-Chaired by The Gambia First Lady and Inaugurated by the Gambia Vice President and Merck Foundation Chairman
Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with The Gambia Vice President and First Lady, and First Ladies of Burundi, CAR, Liberia, Sao Tome, Senegal at Merck