As a result of their remarkable leadership abilities and continued success in breaking down barriers, Jordan's female CEOs are demonstrating their remarkable leadership abilities and advancing the nation's economy. Chief Executive Officer of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) Nisreen Qatamish is one of these trailblazers. Her innovative leadership and unflinching dedication have helped to change the philanthropic and social development environment in the area.

A monument to the strength of empathy, resiliency, and innovative leadership, Nisreen Qatamish's journey is more than just her own personal success story. From her modest beginnings as a student volunteer to her present position as a national leader and legislator, she never stops encouraging people to live by her slogan, 'I live to give.' Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Woman Leader magazine, Nisreen shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing leaders in Jordan.

What expertise have you developed as a leader in social work and philanthropy over the years?

In my journey as a leader in social work and philanthropy, grounded in the belief that social science underpins all facets of life and work, I've cultivated expertise through a blend of education and hands-on volunteering experience. From my early days in environmental consulting, delving into community dynamics and environmental impact assessment processes, to my transition into public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS awareness and youth advocacy, I have traversed underprivileged and remote areas in Jordan, gaining profound insights into pressing community needs and development gaps. My engagement with refugees and high-risk populations, has not only honed my communication skills but also deepened my understanding of public policy, which helps me to drive sustainable, and impactful change.

Tell us about King Hussein Cancer Foundation and your role as CEO? What are your key responsibilities?

As CEO of KHCF, I am privileged to lead a dedicated team committed to reducing the impact of cancer in Jordan and beyond. Established in 2001 under the guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal and a board of trustees to support the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), an example of medical excellence serving 27,000 patients annually, including refugees and internally displaced individuals.

My role entails overseeing strategic initiatives aimed at policy advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement to ensure sustainable cancer care. By prioritizing sustainability and leveraging various resources, we strive to maintain high-quality healthcare standards while fostering awareness and prevention programs within the community. Advocating for national programs such as the Jordan Breast Cancer Program (JBCP) is integral to our mission. Additionally, I am committed to empowering youth in Jordan to adopt healthy lifestyles and embrace comprehensive approaches to cancer prevention and control.

What are the main challenges you face as a business leader, and how do you overcome them?

As a female leader in our region, balancing professional duties and personal life has been a significant challenge. With the steadfast support of my family, especially my husband Raed Kharabsheh, and the guidance of inspirational figures like HRH Princess Ghida Talal, I've navigated these hurdles with resilience.

"Genuineness, integrity, empathy & optimism are characteristics of positive leadership"

Despite facing perceptions of youth and emotionality due to my gender, I have transformed these challenges into strengths, advocating for people-centered policies. Amidst broader political and economic complexities, I have fiercely championed policies prioritizing people and fostering a supportive workplace for women.

What do you consider your biggest achievements in your career so far, and what guiding principles have led to your success?

Throughout my career, my most significant achievements have highlighted the transformative potential of teamwork and a commitment to humility. Leading various projects, such as Waqf and endowment project, the nationwide expansion of our cancer insurance program, and the thorough execution of a multifaceted financial strategy, I've been privileged to witness the profound impact of collective effort. These endeavors collectively resulted in a remarkable 40 percent increase in revenue, empowering KHCF to substantially expand its scope of services.

By fostering a culture of strategic engagement and embracing a modest leadership style, we not only boosted revenues but also experienced a notable 30 percent surge in Cancer Care Insurance (CCI) subscribers all of which contributed to an impressive 82 percent retention rate.

As a key member of the leadership team, my involvement in JBCP, and in developing and implementing a comprehensive social behavior change strategy for health communication stands as a testament to our commitment. The tangible outcomes speak volumes: Jordan witnessed a remarkable shift in breast cancer statistics, with early detection rates soaring from a modest 30 percent to an exceptional 65 percent.

How do you anticipate the social development and public health landscape changing in Jordan in the near future?

With innovation and human-centered methods, Jordan's social and public health landscape will change. Leaders need to invest in innovation, ongoing education, and international networks if they want to be future-proof. Adaptation and success in Jordan's shifting dynamics will be fuelled by cross-sector collaboration, marginalized community empowerment, and human-centered policy.

A business leader you admire and why:

I deeply admire HRH Princess Ghida Talal, our Chairperson and Mentor, whose unwavering dedication to saving the lives of cancer patients exemplifies strength, determination, and compassion.

Message for aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs:

Believe in yourselves, pursue your purpose, remain resilient, seize opportunities for growth, and continuously develop leadership skills and networks.

Nisreen Qatamish, CEO, King Hussein Cancer Foundation

Nisreen Qatamish, CEO, King Hussein Cancer Foundation is a distinguished leader renowned for her expertise in social development, philanthropy, and public policy. With a Bachelor's degree in Management of Natural Resources and Environment from the University of Jordan, she showcases exceptional advocacy skills, forging impactful alliances across diverse spheres and driving positive change from grassroots to high-profile arenas. Previously, as Executive Director of the Jordan Breast Cancer Program, her holistic approach significantly increased early detection rates.