The goal of this panel to understand impact investing and speak with seasoned  professionals about how to better attract investment and raise funds. How competitive is Palestine today in the global impact investment scene? How can we overcome the bottlenecks? Can COVID-19 promote regional economic integration and collaboration regardless of the political differences? 

Mary is the Founder of 17 Ventures, a MENA-based impact investment and advisory firm focused on advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mary is a General Partner in the SEAF Jordan Growth and Impact Fund and a Managing Director for the SEAF Globally Displaced Peoples’ Fund.

Prior to this Mary spent 15 years as a social entrepreneur and was chosen as ‘Jordan’s Top Businesswoman’ in 2019, as well as being chosen as one of the Forbes’ Most Powerful Arab Women for several years. Mary built and operated Landmark Hotels Company as a leading local hospitality company dedicated to social impact. Landmark is commonly cited as a case-study on how to align businesses with the SDGs and in particular with SDG 5 on gender equality.

Mary is a Young Global Leader (alumni) with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and also serves on the WEF Global Future Council on humanitarian systems. Mary holds at BA from Columbia University, MA from SOAS University of London, LLB from College of Law, BVC from the Inns of Court School of Law. She is a qualified Barrister with the Bar of England and Wales. She has also completed Executive Education Programs on Impact Investment and Blended Finance and Impact Measurement and Management.