Paying It Forward: Fortune–US Department of State Global Mentee Marwa Elkhattabi Will Take Lessons Learned at Morgan Lewis Back to Egypt

For Marwa Elkhattabi, the idea of leaving Egypt for the first time in her life to participate in a global mentorship program was about as likely as her traveling to the moon. But on May 8, the 38-year-old pediatric ophthalmologist and entrepreneur boarded a plane from Cairo to Philadelphia to spend two weeks as a mentee to Morgan Lewis Chair Jami McKeon.

“The experience has been priceless,” said Marwa, an accomplished fellow at Egypt’s Mansoura University Student Hospital, the founder and director of the hospital’s strabismus and amblyopia clinic in its ophthalmology department, and a co-founder, along with her two brothers, of the startup Medicure Company for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. In addition to learning about business and new perspectives, she characterized the mentoring program as “learning in the field of life.”

While in Philadelphia, Marwa attended several firm meetings, recreated the triumphant scene from the movie Rocky by running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and visited Wills Eye Hospital. It was aha moment after aha moment. “Jami told me to make full use of it, to meet people who I can have relationships with in the future, who can teach me from their experiences, and I’m happy to say I have done that.”

In this Q&A, Marwa reflects on the insights and knowledge she gained and what she will take back with her to Egypt.

What did you learn at Morgan Lewis that you will use in the operation of your own company?

I found in Morgan Lewis collaborative teamwork and the essence of familial connection, and this collaboration stands as the driving force that fuels success within the workplace. Ideas flow freely, and diverse perspectives merge to form innovative solutions.

What I have learned that I will use in my work going forward is the tremendous impact of delegating responsibilities in the workplace. By entrusting tasks to others, we not only empower them to take ownership and develop their leadership skills, but also drive the momentum of our work forward. Additionally, I have come to appreciate the immense value of virtual meetings as an effective tool for fostering collaboration and facilitating efficient communication, regardless of geographical barriers.

The most important thing I learned in my time at Morgan Lewis is the importance of human interaction as the foundation of success—allocating greater resources toward fostering strong relationships in the workplace proves invaluable.

Associate Rachel Ward welcomed Marwa to Philadelphia with some local sightseeing, including the Rodin Museum.

Was there a particular meeting or conversation you had during your time here that you will always remember?

Yes! There are several but one that stands out was with Chief Financial Officer Karen LoDico. Her exceptional supportiveness left a lasting impression on me. Not only did she extend an invitation for me to serve as a guest speaker at her team's monthly meeting, but her inclusive approach gave me a sense of belonging. This experience significantly boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief that I was an integral part of the team.

What was your favorite thing about visiting Philadelphia?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Philadelphia. It offered a unique blend of walkability, rich historical sites, and modern attractions. The weather during my visit was ideal, further enhancing the overall experience.

Philadelphia has a serene ambiance while also exuding a vibrant energy that makes it truly captivating. For these reasons, I have developed a strong desire to revisit the United States, particularly Philadelphia, on multiple occasions. I also developed a fondness for pasta and fish!

Marwa’s family in Egypt are fans of “Rocky,” so she made sure to visit the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum steps.