Melek El Nimer is the founder of two Non-Governmental organizations in Lebanon addressing the needs of the underprivileged children, youth, women and the elderly living in Lebanon. Her first NGO, Social Support Society, was established in 2006 with a mission to serve the needs of the elderly; the forgotten population. The elderly are Palestinian refugees who live in the camps without hopes and dreams. The Social Support Society makes a positive difference in their lives through activities that include social, recreational and educational themes. The Social Support Society, and with collaboration with partners, also works with 2000 Syrian refugees offering them schooling services in the area of Bekaa.

The second NGO Melek founded in 2010 is ULYP – Unite Lebanon Youth Project. Melek founded this upon her observation that marginalized the children, youth and women need to be equipped with skills, knowledge and tools to integrate, succeed and understand that through education, they can change. ULYP to date has served around 10,000 beneficiaries. ULYP has recently been awarded the “2016 Khalil Gibran Spirit of Humanity” award for Institutional Excellence from the Arab American Institute Foundation in Washington DC.

Other than philanthropy work, Melek also focuses on empowering women leaders and founded the International Women’s Forum (IWF) chapter in Beirut. IWF is the largest women’s organization in the world. In 2015, Melek received the “women who makes a difference” award for her work empowering women to change and become agents of change.

Melek holds an MS in Accounting and Finance from the Bosphorus University in Turkey and a BS from the American College of Switzerland. She started her career as a banker for almost a decade before she moved into development work, 30 years ago. Melek is married to Rami EL Nimer, a Palestinian who is currently the Chairman of the First National Bank.