Dr. Mona Nabil Demaidi is an internationally recognized Artificial Intelligence expert, academic leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment in technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence and an MSc with distinction in Software Engineering and Data Management from the University of Manchester. In 2024, Dr. Demaidi joined the Arab American University as Assistant Professor, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence, and Director of International Relations. She is currently leading the development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence policy for higher education in Palestine, shaping national frameworks for ethical AI adoption, governance, and institutional transformation across Palestinian universities. Dr. Demaidi is the architect of the Palestinian Artificial Intelligence National Strategy, developed in 2022 and ratified by the Palestinian Cabinet in June 2023. She also led the development of the UNESCO AI and Ethics Policy Report for Palestine, positioning the country within global discussions on responsible and human-centered AI. Her academic work includes multiple peer-reviewed journal publications and a book on building intelligent e-learning platforms using machine learning. Her research excellence has been recognized with four awards. Beyond academia and policy, Dr. Demaidi is a leading ecosystem builder. She is Chairwoman of the Intersect Innovation Hub (powered by the Bank of Palestine) and Founder & CEO of STEMpire.