Sylvana H. Abbas was born in Beirut, Lebanon.  She has an MBA from Holy University of Kaslik-Lebanon.  She was a professional volleyball player; was a Girl Scout; then became a leader of Cub Scouts.  Sylvana was also a member of Lions Club.  She moved to the States in 1988.  It wasn’t easy to find a decent job with no experience, nor references.  With determination and perseverance, she started working at a major American company (Yazaki Corporation) and was in charge of customer service and logistics.  

I had the opportunity to travel to Japan, Thailand and Mexico.  Then landed a job at a Fortune-100 company (Cardinal Health Care), and became the Operations-Materials Manager. 

Sylvana has 25+ years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Lean Systems, and Global Operations.  Her leadership is influenced and founded on solid business management experience, 360-communication style, and teamwork approach.  Her expertise is based on actionable knowledge of production & service planning, procurement management, and cost management. 

She is a Lean Six Sigma Sponsor with above average negotiation skills, in-depth and global trade deployment.  She has a very personable and approachable personality.  She speaks, reads, and writes in Arabic and English and moderate language skills in Spanish.   

Sylvana is currently self-employed as an Operations Business Consultant and as a Certified Life Coach.  

The Highlight of my BPW experience when I was honored and privileged to represent BPW-Lebanon, President Ms. Carmen Zogheib, at the CSW68 - United Nations in New York.  The project that I presented: “Micro Sewing Livelihood Empowerment Project,” was born out of a massive blast in the port of Beirut on August 4^th, 2020.  This project wouldn’t have seen the light if it wasn’t for Ms. Carol Hanlon.   

• What year did you join BPW? 2020 

• WHY did you join BPW?  I liked the main goal of this organization: Empowering Women to foster collaborative thinking to further drive workplace innovation.  Help them grow organically and foster a consumer-first mindset. 

• HOW has BPW helped your career and personal lifestyle?  It has expanded my horizon, and allowed me to assist the organization, especially during the Pandemic and Economy crash in Lebanon. 

• What wisdom can you pass on to other members?  Be respectful, Be kind, Be compassionate with every person you encounter regardless of their ethnicity, religion, and business status.  

• How does BPW benefit by having you as a member?  I bring to the organization my professional business management experience.  I am a multi-cultural person, speak, write and read fluently Arabic and French.  I am in the process of starting a Non-Profit Organization that will support Middle Eastern students abroad.