July 2026 Chapter Leader of the Month: Dalia A.M. Zaid

The AIAS is proud to recognize Dalia A.M. Zaid (she/her) from An-Najah National University as this month’s Chapter Leader of the Month, celebrating her dedication to storytelling, service, and building a strong, connected chapter community.

Over the past three years, Dalia has served her chapter in multiple roles, beginning in Media & Marketing and later spending two consecutive years as Freedom by Design Director. Across each position, her focus remained consistent: creating a chapter environment where students feel connected, inspired, and excited to engage.

Through her work in Media & Marketing, Dalia helped establish a clear and recognizable voice for her chapter. By documenting events, celebrating members, and sharing the stories behind their work, she ensured that each initiative, no matter the scale, was visible and valued. Her approach to communication strengthened not only outreach, but also the internal sense of community among members.

As Freedom by Design Director, Dalia expanded opportunities for students to engage with architecture beyond the studio. She coordinated service-driven initiatives, encouraged collaboration, and fostered a culture where design could be used as a tool for impact. Her leadership helped cultivate an active and engaged FBD program, earning recognition as AIAS Freedom by Design Chapter of the Month in April 2024.

“Dalia’s passion, creativity, and perseverance have transformed our Freedom by Design program into one of the most impactful parts of our chapter. She sees potential in every space and brings ideas to life, creating meaningful opportunities that connect students with their communities—even in the most challenging circumstances,” says Kinda Hawash, Middle East Regional Director.

Dalia’s work reflects a thoughtful balance of creativity, leadership, and service. By creating space for students to contribute, collaborate, and lead, she has helped shape a chapter culture grounded in purpose and shared experience.

In reflecting on her time with the chapter, Dalia emphasizes the importance of community—one where students feel empowered to explore their ideas, support one another, and understand the impact architecture can have when rooted in service.

Through her leadership, Dalia has left a lasting mark not only through the programs she supported, but through the community she helped build. We are proud to celebrate her as Chapter Leader of the Month.