Dina El Essawi was a beacon of creativity and compassion.

Mona El Gazzar

CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

With a background in finance, business, and entrepreneurship, she previously built a successful career in the corporate world before founding her own construction company in 2005. She is also a certified Master Empowerment Regional Coach from the empowerment institute of New York, the Head Trainer of the IMAGINE program, dedicated to supporting the personal growth and empowerment of underprivileged Egyptian women. Following the loss of her daughter Dina El Essawi in 2024, Mona founded Dee Foundation to uplift Egyptian artisans through creativity, opportunity, and sustainable development. Through her leadership, care, and belief in people, she continues to shape the foundation into a space rooted in dignity, growth, and purpose.

Nadine El Essawi

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

With a background in Art Therapy and experience working closely with different communities, Nadine believes deeply in the power of creativity as a tool for connection, healing, self expression, and empowerment. An artist herself, she is deeply detail driven and finds beauty in both the smallest things and the biggest moments, in storytelling, creativity, and the way art can bring people together. After the loss of her sister Dina, Nadine and her mother chose to continue the project Dina had started, growing it into a foundation and community that empowers Egyptian artisans through creativity, collaboration, and purpose.

Hala Lamloum

SECRETARY GENERAL

With a background in Administration and Customer Relations, she has developed extensive experience in organizational coordination, client engagement, and operational support within dynamic professional environments. Known for her strong interpersonal skills and people-focused approach, she brings both structure and compassion to her work. Following the loss of her niece, Dina El Essawi, in 2024, Hala supported the establishment of Dee Foundation, dedicated to empowering Egyptian artisans through creativity, opportunity, and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to the foundation’s mission, she focuses on fostering meaningful relationships, supporting day-to-day operations, and helping create a welcoming and collaborative environment that reflects the values and spirit upon which the foundation was built

Heba Lamloum

Board of Trustees & HR Director

With a background in Human Resources, Communications, and Public Affairs, she built a successful corporate career working with international organizations across diverse sectors. Following the loss of her niece, Dina El Essawi, in 2024, Heba played a key role in supporting the establishment of Dee Foundation, dedicated to empowering Egyptian artisans through creativity, opportunity, and sustainable development. With a strong focus on the foundation’s human-centered mission, she is committed to identifying and supporting individuals who are passionate about NGO work and the advancement of artisan communities, and who embody the dedication and compassion upon which the foundation was built.

Menna Elnaggar

ASSISTANT BRAND MANAGER

An interdisciplinary media designer and visual storyteller. With a deep belief in the power of art to create change, and a philosophy that bridges creativity & impact through design & experiences, Menna's work includes photography, filmmaking, and creative workshops. It is this value-driven approach that brought her to Hearts & Crafts, where she channels her eye for detail and passion for human stories into helping shape a brand that empowers Egyptian artisans and celebrates the beauty of handmade craft.

Abdelrahem Farhat

DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PROFESSIONAL

With experience in fundraising, CSR engagement, program development, and nonprofit growth. His work focuses on building sustainable collaborations and scalable social impact initiatives across community development, education, and health sectors.

Rana Fayyad

BRAND COORDINATOR

Passionate about creativity, purpose, and human connection, Rana believes that true impact comes from the way we inspire and uplift others. She has always been drawn to meaningful work that allows her to express herself in a different and authentic way, despite the fear of judgment that often comes with stepping outside of comfort zones. Joining the foundation felt special to her because it represents more than creativity, it represents heart, community, and the power of creating positive change in people’s lives. Through her role, Rana hopes to help share that vision while supporting Egyptian artisans and contributing to something truly meaningful.

Mona Emad Hassan

Commerce graduate who found purpose in being part of Hearts & Crafts by Dee Foundation because of the positive, supportive spirit that defines the team. Inspired by the lasting impact of Dina El Essawi and the values she carried, Mona believes in the power of kindness, collaboration, and meaningful work. Through her journey with the foundation, she has grown both personally and professionally, gaining confidence, strength, and a deeper passion for helping others. She believes that every act of الخير and every achievement created here extends far beyond the team itself, leaving a lasting impact on the wider community.