During trying times, remaining hopeful, determined and passionate is vital. These qualities define the spirit of the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL)’s advocacy for Middle Eastern women, especially those displaced and impacted by conflict. Through the support of our academic partners, including the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), we are able to extend life-changing educational opportunities to our scholarship recipients. Join us as we welcome Lina Shehada, a Palestinian scholar who has shown incredible resolve and a deep passion for giving back.

Lina pictured at Brussels International Airport in late January 2025.

Meet Lina Shehada

Lina Shehada is a 25-year-old 2024 DFL Scholarship Winner who was finally able to touch down in Brussels, Belgium, in late January 2025 after a lengthy journey defined by an unwavering dedication to a brighter future in the face of setbacks. She shared her experiences in an interview earlier this month.

Lina’s story begins in Gaza, Palestine, where she lived with her family and began to shape her career aspirations. Her experience as a DFL Scholar builds upon her first international student experience, having earned her Bachelor’s In Computer Engineering (BEng.) from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)’s campus in the nation of Oman, east of the city of Muscat, through GCU’s partnership with the National University of Science and Technology. Lina followed her childhood fascination with coding, computers and all things tech like a compass and ultimately graduated with an impressive 3.82 GPA.

Building Her Community Through Action

Upon her return to the Gaza Strip, she took on the spirit of giving back by accepting a role as the Project Manager of a local NGO. There, Lina was able to support unemployed female youth in Gaza. The unemployment rate in Gaza as of 2022 was up to a staggering 24% according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, affecting women more acutely whose rate was 40% that same year.  Lina responded directly to the labour crisis, by equipping young women with the tools to break into the tech sector regardless of their background. She emphasized her specific care for clients with special needs, acknowledging their chronic lack of access to opportunities.

Winning The Scholarship and Navigating Hurdles

During her interview, Lina shared that she heard of the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) when she was 17. After her undergrad, she decided to pursue a DFL Scholarship after learning more about the foundation and finding that it aligned with her values.

Lina was awarded with a fully-funded DFL Scholarship in 2024, allowing her the chance to pursue a Master’s in Business Engineering at the distinguished Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The months after securing the scholarship demanded patience while navigating complex visa processes and various setbacks along the way, but with DFL’s consistent support and ULB’s generosity, Lina was able to make her dreams a reality this winter. 

When looking ahead, Lina shared that her goal is to break into the Data Science space, refine her skillset, and work on a variety of projects. During her undergraduate program, she developed an app to support users with visual impairments, and hopes to build on her track record of community support when she moves into the workforce.

Advice For Future DFL Scholars

“I really recommend that girls [from the Middle East] apply to DFL’s programs,” Lina said, when given the floor to share her final remarks. She took theopportunity to speak to current and future prospective DFL Scholarship applicants.

 “Be confident, and don’t hesitate.” Lina shared, “Never think less of yourself compared to others.”