Courage is the spark that ignites every great story, and for Maysoun Ramadan, this spark was kindled at a very young age. Born in Jordan to a family of mixed Palestinian, Jordanian, and Turkish origins, Maysoun grew up in an environment where societal expectations often limited women’s opportunities. Yet she chose to challenge these norms, believing in her own strength and paving a path towards progress.
Her journey began in Jordan, where she earned her B.Sc. in Pharmacy from the University of Jordan. Her early career in healthcare was marked by a focus on non-communicable diseases, including oncology, hematology, and organ transplantation. She worked closely with key medical leaders, developing a deep understanding of the healthcare sector in the region. This foundation would later serve as a springboard for her broader impact in the Middle East and beyond. “The region was evolving, and women were starting to carve out their spaces, but it wasn’t always easy. I realized that, to be truly free, I needed to challenge the boundaries set before me,” she reflects on her early days.
Let’s delve into the details below to see how Maysoun is revolutionizing healthcare access and championing empowerment through leadership and advocacy!
From Pharmacy to Global Leadership at Roche
Maysoun’s career path reflects her passion and purpose. After starting in sales roles at Roche in Jordan, she transitioned into communications and public affairs, establishing these functions for Roche Diagnostics in the Middle East. Her passion for healthcare awareness and her commitment to women’s empowerment drove her to make significant contributions to the region’s healthcare landscape. “My life has been a constant dance of striving for what is not just good for me but what can create a ripple of good for others, especially for young women,” she says, highlighting her dedication to creating positive change.
As she progressed in her career, Maysoun took an unconventional path, embracing diverse roles across different functions, countries, and industries. From sales to communications, public affairs, and leadership in diversity and inclusion, she consistently stepped outside traditional career trajectories. “Navigating corporate culture is not always simple. But the real challenge was ensuring that my voice was heard—not just as a woman, but as someone deeply committed to making meaningful change,” she reflects.
Her willingness to explore new opportunities, adapt to different cultural and professional landscapes, and take on roles beyond her comfort zone set her apart. “Growth comes from embracing the unknown. I’ve always believed that to make an impact, we must be open to trying new things—even if they don’t follow the usual career path,” she shares.
She credits much of her success to the mentors who guided her along the way. “Mentorship became my compass,” she explains. “Never underestimate the power of mentorship—mentors help you navigate through tough waters. They don’t just guide; they open doors.”
Committing to positive societal change, as the Global Head of Patients and Society Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Chief Diversity Officer for Asia Pacific at Roche, Maysoun continues to champion inclusivity and equity, ensuring that underserved communities receive the care and recognition they deserve. Her role involves driving Roche’s global Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategy, providing thought leadership and coaching to senior leaders across the organization.
“Success for me was never just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about bringing others with me,” she affirms, encapsulating her commitment to empowering others and leaving a lasting impact on the world. Through her journey, Maysoun embodies the spirit of change, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps and strive for a more equitable society.
Managing Lives and the Equal Value of Caregiving and Careers
Maysoun firmly believes that whether a woman chooses a career in the workforce or a path of caregiving at home, both roles are equally valuable. Societal pressure often suggests that one path holds more weight than the other, but she sees these roles as complementary. “There is no hierarchy when it comes to a woman’s role—whether she is leading in a boardroom or nurturing her family. Both are vital, and both are forms of leadership,” she asserts.
Her perspective is grounded in her own experience, juggling both roles with grace. As a mother, partner, and career-driven leader, Maysoun embodies the importance of work-life integration—where neither professional accomplishments nor personal commitments take precedence over the other. “As women, we often feel that we must choose between being a good mother or an effective leader. But what if we could do both, with strength and purpose?” she asks. Her philosophy is rooted in balance, where a woman’s capacity to lead at work is in no way diminished by her responsibilities at home. In fact, she views her caregiving role as a source of strength in her professional life. “Being a mother and a leader has made me a more empathetic and effective communicator,” she reflects.
This perspective is especially important in her advocacy work, where she pushes for the recognition of caregiving as a critical role in society. “Caregiving is leadership in its own right. It builds the foundation of healthy communities and families,” Maysoun emphasizes. This belief is something she also imparts to other women—encouraging them to value their choices, whether that’s entering the workforce or dedicating themselves to their families because both paths require courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.
At the core of this philosophy is Maysoun’s firm belief that true progress is a shared responsibility between men and women. “Driving change is not just a woman’s battle—it is a partnership,” she explains. She emphasizes that creating an equitable society requires both men and women to challenge norms, support each other, and work together toward inclusivity. “When we recognize that caregiving, leadership, and societal progress are responsibilities we all share, we unlock the full potential of our communities,” she adds. She believes this collaborative approach paves the way for a future where choices are respected and opportunities are truly equal for everyone.
Advocacy for Women’s Leadership
Maysoun’s purpose extends beyond just her personal growth; it’s about empowering others, especially young Arab women, to rise and thrive in sectors traditionally reserved for men. Her advocacy has led to initiatives that directly address gaps in healthcare access, particularly for marginalized groups. “I believe that when we bring diverse perspectives into the room, we’re not only solving problems but reshaping the future,” she emphasizes.
One of her most impactful initiatives was the launch of Roche’s first Inclusive Internship Program for people of determination in the UAE. This pioneering effort provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop professional skills, allowing them to integrate into the workforce. “It was about breaking barriers and demonstrating that capability is not defined by physical or mental challenges,” she says with pride. The program had a far-reaching impact, not only creating opportunities for these individuals but also reflecting the culture of the organization but became a cornerstone in the UAE’s approach to inspire change in the Middle East.
Her belief in the importance of inclusivity isn’t just limited to internships; she has been instrumental in developing Roche’s broader DE&I strategy, which includes the focus on equitable access to healthcare. “Equitable healthcare is a fundamental human right, and our strategy at Roche was designed with that vision in mind. It’s about contributing in removing barriers, especially in underserved areas, and improving access to life-saving innovations,” Maysoun explains.
A key aspect of her advocacy is the belief that driving real impact requires allyship—a collaborative effort where both men and women play a role in accelerating change. “Progress is not a solo effort. It takes allies, both men and women, working together to challenge biases, break barriers, and create opportunities,” she emphasizes. She believes true transformation happens when leaders—regardless of gender—support and complement one another, ensuring that different voices are heard and valued.
Allyship, for Maysoun, means actively involving men in conversations and ensuring that leadership roles, policies, and workplace cultures evolve in ways that benefit everyone. “When men advocate for women, and women advocate for men, we build stronger, more inclusive workplaces and societies. It’s about standing together to drive meaningful change,” she adds. By fostering a culture of allyship, Maysoun continues to champion a future where equity and impact are not just aspirations, but realities shaped by collective effort.
The Role of Family and Support Systems
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maysoun values her family deeply. Her family has always been her anchor, offering love, support, and encouragement throughout her journey. Her late parents, a gynecologist father and a law graduate mother, instilled in her a strong sense of purpose and the importance of following her heart. “My family has been my backbone. From my late parents, who instilled values of resilience and compassion, to my sister, whose strength constantly inspires me, and my brother, who offers invaluable advice, my family’s unwavering belief in me has always been my source of strength,” she shares. Most importantly, Maysoun is driven to carry forward her father’s integrity and values.
Losing both of her parents to cancer was a profound turning point in her life, one that deeply shaped her purpose. “Experiencing firsthand the impact of medical advancements—how they gave my loved ones more time—made me realize just how crucial awareness, early detection and access to healthcare truly are,” she reflects. This personal loss solidified her commitment to the healthcare industry and her belief in the mission of Roche. “I don’t wish for anyone else to go through what my family did. That’s why I wake up every day with the drive to make a difference—because I know that change is possible, and I’ve seen the impact it can have,” she affirms.
She also acknowledges the role her partner and children have played in helping her balance her professional and personal passions. “Work-life passion integration is my philosophy. It’s about finding harmony between your personal and professional goals. I’ve always believed that my work is not separate from my personal life. They complement each other,” she reflects. Her children, in particular, have become a source of motivation for her, reminding her of the larger purpose behind her work.
Her partner has been her constant source of belief and support. “When I doubted myself, he reminded me of my capabilities,” she says. The support system she has in place, both at work and at home, has allowed her to thrive in an environment that often demands much from her.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare
Maysoun’s leadership and advocacy have not gone unnoticed. Her efforts to make healthcare more inclusive, drive innovation, and support women in leadership have earned her recognition within the region. She has become a sought-after speaker, sharing her experiences, lessons learned, and vision for the future of healthcare in the Middle East. Her influence has extended beyond Roche and into broader societal initiatives.
One of her proudest moments was contributing to the “Wellbeing in the Private Sector Report,” initiated by the UAE’s National Program of Happiness and Wellbeing. “Being part of this national initiative was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It allowed me to contribute to the well-being of not just employees but of society as a whole,” she reflects. The report focused on enhancing the well-being of private sector workers and highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to health and productivity.
In addition to her professional work, Maysoun hosts a podcast called A City Witnessed, where she shares inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been shaped by cities like Dubai and Amman. “Cities are living, breathing entities, and their stories are shaped by the people who live in them,” she says of the podcast. Through this platform, she continues to advocate for inclusivity, empowerment, and positive change, shedding light on people and stories that are often overlooked.
Advice for Young Arab Women
Throughout her journey, Maysoun has always kept one goal in mind: to pave the way for the next generation of women. Her advice to young Arab women aspiring to enter healthcare, science, and technology is clear: “Believe in your strength, seek mentorship, and never shy away from challenges. The world needs your voice, your unique perspective, and your leadership.”
She encourages young women to embrace the opportunities the region offers, noting the growth in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education across countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Iraq. “You are not only capable of achieving your goals, but you are also needed to lead and innovate,” she adds.
One practice that has personally helped Maysoun recognize her own strengths is a simple but powerful exercise she calls “Sticky Notes and Sticky Thoughts.” She explains, “Take a sticky note and write down 5-6 of your good qualities. You’ll notice that it takes longer than listing your weaknesses because we tend to focus more on what we lack rather than what we excel at.” This exercise, she says, helps reframe self-perception, allowing women and men to see the strengths they already possess and use them to their advantage.
“Every challenge you face is a stepping stone toward success,” she emphasizes, urging women to see obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. By recognizing their own strengths, seeking mentorship, and staying resilient, young Arab women can carve out their paths and become the leaders the world needs.
Another advice she gave was to ask for help. It is essential to stay curious, learn, and when in need, ask for support. Share openly and voice out what you are facing and what you need. You will be very inspired to see the amount of support you can get, especially now with the possibilities to connect with a large circle of professional networks in this digital world we live in! We tend to shy away from that and every time we step back and avoid seeking help, it is a missed opportunity.
A Bright Future for Women in Leadership
Maysoun’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. She has not only built a successful career but has also created space for others to thrive—especially women in the Arab world. Through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, she continues to inspire future generations.
As the healthcare industry in the Arab region evolves, the future for women in leadership roles is incredibly bright. Her belief in the power of differences, mentorship, and personal growth serves as a beacon for all women looking to make a difference in the world. “Together, we can break barriers, drive positive change, and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Maysoun concludes, her words a call to action for women everywhere.
Her journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: Maysoun will continue to lead, inspire, and create a future where all voices are heard, and all opportunities are accessible.
