Joyce Azzam

Dr. Joyce Azzam is the first Lebanese woman to climb Everest and complete the Seven Summits Challenge. She is currently pursuing the Explorers’ Grand Slam, aiming to become only the second woman to achieve this feat, which includes climbing the highest peaks and reaching both the North and South Poles. Joyce shares her experiences through engaging stories and visuals, inspiring audiences to push beyond their limits. Her background in demanding environments, combined with her academic research, has shaped her understanding of resilience, teamwork, and preparation. She believes that mountains have been her greatest teachers, helping her grow stronger. Since 2006, Joyce has climbed 29 mountains globally, including Everest, Kilimanjaro, and Denali. As a conservation architect with a PhD in landscape and environment management, she merges her love for adventure with a commitment to protecting cultural heritage and the environment. She is passionate about inspiring young people to pursue their dreams and work diligently towards their goals. Joyce's journey began in a cramped bunker during the Lebanese civil war, and she has since overcome a chronic lung condition and hypermobility syndrome. She has become a prominent figure in the Arab world, being one of the first three women to complete the Seven Summits Challenge and one of 75 women worldwide to do so. As a motivational speaker, Joyce advocates for youth and women, promoting social empowerment and environmental conservation. She collaborates with international organisations, academia, and local communities to inspire change. Currently, she serves as an ambassador for the Lebanese Ice Hockey Federation's women's team and volunteers with Himaya NGO as a child protection advocate. Joyce has appeared on various international media platforms, including CNN and Rai1, reaching millions across the globe. She holds multiple degrees, including a PhD from La Sapienza University of Rome and several master's degrees in architecture and conservation. Recently, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for Himalayan Life International.