Student Spotlight: Lamiaa Eid, PhD ‘28

Lamiaa Eid is a graduate student whose work focuses on building global connections through education. She is the founder of Café Without Borders, an initiative that brings together graduate students and early-career scholars from around the world to engage in meaningful conversations across cultures and disciplines. Through this work, Lamiaa is creating a space where diverse perspectives are shared, collaboration is encouraged, and learning extends beyond traditional boundaries.

Can you tell us about Café Without Borders and what inspired you to create it?

Café Without Borders is a global initiative I founded to connect graduate students and early-career scholars. It creates a welcoming space for meaningful conversations across cultures and disciplines.

The idea came from my own experience as a graduate student and the importance of having spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. I believe that when people from different backgrounds come together, learning becomes richer.

Why is this work important to you personally or professionally?

This work reflects my belief that education should help us appreciate diversity and learn from one another. Café Without Borders creates opportunities for students from different countries and disciplines to connect and recognize the value of their perspectives.

Personally, it has been meaningful to build a community centered on dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect. Professionally, it has strengthened my leadership and collaboration skills while deepening my commitment to inclusive and globally connected learning communities.

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to continue working in education and research while expanding Café Without Borders to connect more students and institutions around the world. My goal is to create spaces that encourage dialogue, curiosity, and respect for diverse perspectives. I hope to contribute to educational environments where students feel empowered to share knowledge and learn from one another, helping build stronger global connections through education.