May ZeinElDein: A Life Dedicated to Empowering People with Disabilities

May ZeinElDein is a passionate advocate who has devoted her life to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities. Her journey began in 2011 when her son, Alhassan, experienced partial paralysis. Driven by a mother’s love and a deep desire to support others facing similar challenges, she founded the Alhassan Foundation in 2012 with the support of family and friends.

Since then, the foundation has grown into one of Egypt’s most influential organizations working to integrate and empower people with disabilities.

Transforming the Landscape of Disability Sports

In 2025, May was appointed President of the Egyptian Wheelchair Basketball Federation. Just days after the federation’s official launch, Egypt’s Under-23 national team secured third place in the African Championship—marking a promising start for the newly formed organization.

Her leadership journey began earlier in 2023, when she became Head of the Northern Region of the African Wheelchair Basketball Federation, a role through which she helped expand and elevate the sport across the continent. Since 2021, she has also led the Alhassan Academy for Paralympic Sports, which provides training and support for athletes with disabilities.

Championing Inclusion and Advocacy

In recognition of her outstanding efforts to support children with disabilities, May was appointed in 2024 as a member of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood. Backed by 25 years of experience in the corporate and development sectors, she brings extensive expertise in strategic planning and project management.

That same year, she earned a Pre-Master’s Degree in Sports Management from FIFA, further strengthening her capabilities in sports administration and leadership.

Legacy of Impact and Recognition

Since its inception, the Alhassan Foundation has launched eight major projects, reaching thousands of people with disabilities across Egypt’s governorates. In 2013, May registered the slogan “We Are Differently Able” as a powerful, positive expression of ability and identity. In 2019, the Egyptian government officially adopted the slogan under the name “Capable with Differences”, making it a national emblem for disability inclusion.

That same year, the foundation was recognized at a United Nations conference in Vienna as one of the Top 50 global institutions supporting people with disabilities.

In 2021, May was honored with the “Champion of Change” award, presented by the ambassadors of Canada, Mexico, and Sweden in Egypt in recognition of her transformative impact.

Beyond her work at the foundation, May provides strategic consultation to corporations, financial institutions, and educational entities on disability-related issues. She also speaks at national and international conferences, where she shares her personal journey and professional insights to inspire systemic change and greater inclusion.