Dina El Gazzar on Working with Passion and Making a Difference

A consistent advocate for universal healthcare accessibility, Dina El Gazzar's remarkable career as the VP for Development and Fundraising at the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation is defined by empathy and passion.

Driven by her unwavering commitment to making a difference, from serving as a catalyst for community improvement to embracing the legacy of historical figures like Safeya Zaghloul, Dina champions the fundamental right to quality healthcare and enhanced quality of life for all Egyptians.

This interview is part of Business Today Egypt's Women in Business series. Catch all of the interviews here.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

Understanding my role at the foundation makes all the difference.

Being a catalyst and realizing the ripple effect that my work has in facilitating our work at large is key. You do not only help one person; you help entire families by giving them hope and a chance at a healthy life surrounded by their loved ones.

It is so much bigger than “me”. Once I remind myself of that, there is nothing that can stop me every day from achieving what I need to achieve.

If you were to have dinner with any woman in history, present or otherwise, who would it be and why?

Dina El Gazzar - VP for Development and Fundraising at the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation

I would have dinner with Safeya Zaghloul, I respect and admire her so much.

She believed in the liberation of her country. She supported women and led them to make their voices heard. She stood by her husband, even during the most difficult of times and during his exile. She became a mother to all Egyptians.

Her role as a leader and as a woman of opinion should inspire us all to stand for what we believe and to be active members of our communities.

What were the critical success factors for you in moving up in business as a woman?

Independence, determination, and familial support. As a woman and mother of two, I had to learn to depend on myself in life and at the workplace. I had to believe in myself but to also keep an open mind when it comes to learning, I was determined to do better and not be scared to switch career paths a few times along my journey.

Balancing between my role as a mother and a woman with a business career needed a lot of work and focus. I was also lucky enough to have a family that stood by me as I struggled and learned. They were always there to remind me of my capabilities and to praise me during my moments of success.

Looking back at your experiences, what has been a defining moment or achievement that has shaped your career journey?

This might come as a surprise, but what has actually significantly shaped my career was my decision to stop working completely. 

In 2014, after years of working in corporations, I decided that I had achieved what I wanted and that it was time for me to rest. And so, I resigned, and for 8 months I enjoyed a job-free life. Then I was offered my first fundraising job, and things simply fell into place. I found my new passion, and here I am. 

What were some of the biggest challenges and lessons learned thus far?

In my opinion one of the biggest challenges people often face in the workplace is miscommunication.

Working in fundraising has taught me the importance of communication and how much of a key factor it is when it comes to getting your point across. 

My biggest lesson in life was probably to not be scared of change; changing paths, changing careers, a mindset, or changing a decision. To succeed, one has to not only be courageous but to also keep an open mind, and to constantly be ready to take on opportunities that present themselves.

Who, or what, are your biggest sources of inspiration when it comes to your work at MYF, particularly within the context of development and fundraising?

I consider myself very lucky because I am surrounded by people who inspire me every day. Professor Magdi Yacoub is my biggest inspiration; he is an idol, and yet extremely humble. He works for the people and is a giver in every meaning of the word. Seeing his dedication to his work at this age inspires all of us to go the extra mile.

I am also inspired every day by the people I work with at MYF, by their dedication, and how committed to the cause they all are.

I also need to mention my original inspiration while working in the development world, my mentor Mrs. Mary Iskander. I was so lucky to have met and worked with her at my first fundraising job. She was, and continues to be, so supportive. To me, she is the fundraising guru, and I consider myself truly lucky to have been mentored by her. 

What piece of advice would you give to someone interested in starting up a career as a fundraiser?

A fundraiser needs to have a certain set of skills, most of which can be developed and then worked on. Fundraisers need to be empathetic by nature, feel for others, and have excellent communication skills. They need to be able to read people and situations, and they also need to have social intelligence and be very patient. Fundraising is a science and not a simple “sales job” as they sometimes call it. If the character exists, the technicalities can be simply taught.

What are 3 things you do in your daily work to strengthen and empower your team?

I make sure to constantly remind my team of our mission and why we do what we do. My team also knows that we work together as a team and that one person’s success is everyone’s success. We share in our success.

We also have an environment where open dialogue is not only available but also encouraged. I want them to feel heard so that they can give their best. I also always try to trust and delegate, giving them ownership and making them eager to achieve.

Last, but not least, I am a strong believer in knowing that one is never old enough for learning. There is always more to know and there is always an extra mile to go - this goes for everyone, me included.

What’s the best work-related advice you’ve ever received?

To have passion, and to love what you do. 

Funny enough, this work-related advice had never resonated with me before I joined the development and fundraising field. Now I pass it on. 

Imagine you have a magic wand and can instantly change one thing about healthcare accessibility in Egypt. What would it be and why?

I would make adequate healthcare available to everyone. Healthcare is not a luxury. It is a right. A human right. Everyone deserves it.

People should not live their lives scared of not being able to find a hospital bed or a doctor to treat them.