Nana Ghaleb

Nana Ghaleb is a 20-year-old Lebanese content creator, influencer, and Medical Laboratory Sciences student at the University of Balamand, graduating this year. With aspirations for a master’s degree and a Ph.D., she is also a mental health advocate, battling anxiety and panic attacks. Nana uses her platform to support local brands, empower NGOs, and help people.

 

Nana grew up in a village in North Lebanon and graduated from Bishmizzine High School in 2021. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Balamand, known for its excellence. With a passion for biology and science labs, she actively participated in competitions, science fairs, and club events.

Nana began her social media journey in 2019, initially sharing her artwork on Instagram. Her work attracted attention from international and local celebrities, boosting her account. Transitioning from art to daily lifestyle posts, she started collaborating with brands and grew her audience. Known for her empathy, she now uses her platform to support NGOs like the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon and organized her first fundraising event in May 2023 for Sanad, a home hospice organization.

Nana’s struggle with panic attacks started in 5th grade, exacerbated by traumatic events and bullying. The condition worsened during Covid, leading to severe isolation. Despite the stigma in her country, she decided to take anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Nana uses her platform to break the stigma around mental health, aiming to normalize taking medication for mental illness, especially in her community.

Nana is easily inspired by the people around her, with her mother, Rima, being her greatest inspiration. Influential teachers and Dr. Zeina Dassouki, a hematology and oncology specialist, have also significantly impacted her life. Dr. Dassouki’s dedication and passion have motivated Nana to strive for excellence and compassion in her career.

 

As an influencer, Nana aims to remind everyone that she is human and far from perfect. She encourages authenticity, following dreams despite doubt, helping others, and maintaining self-love. Her advice to readers is to be true to themselves, pursue their dreams, help others, smile at strangers, and love deeply but never more than oneself.