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..bridging the gap in healthcare

About Us

Hospitals Without Borders (HWB) is a US based Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization.  Hospitals Without Borders is a humanitarian organization with no religious, gender, racial, or political affiliations. HWB is dedicated to serving people worldwide, regardless of their religious beliefs, including those of any faith or none.

All over the World, millions of people in various communities lack access to quality medical clinics and hospitals. The destruction of hospitals and medical facilities due to natural disasters or in war torn areas made this problem worse.  Hospitals Without Borders was born from the need to provide medical clinics and hospitals to all those in need anywhere in the World!

Based on many years of experience in delivering all types of modular facilities to various countries, we founded HWB to design, fabricate, install, and deliver modular medical clinics and hospitals to communities in need. The complexity in building hospitals is an often-overlooked hurdle in efforts to increase global access to healthcare. Modular technologies allow multiple partners to share resources to accelerate the fabrication and delivery of clinics and hospitals all over the world. 

While HWB was initially conceived by its founder Fuad Sweiss in response to crisis situations, it has been developed with the wider recognition that adequate health care facilities are a global need that supports the realization of universal human rights. HWB’s core mission is to design, fabricate, install and deliver modular clinics and hospitals. HWB’s work ends with the delivery of such facilities to the intended recipients and communities. HWB does not engage in the staffing, operation, or maintenance of clinics and hospitals.

In early 2024, Fuad shared the vision with eventual co-founders Salvatore Tafuro and Fawaz Bilbeisi who joined the effort with great enthusiasm. Since then, several accomplished individuals have joined the HWB Board of Directors and Advisory Council, each offering a wealth of knowledge, experience, resources, and more importantly, sharing the passion and sincere desire to serve humanity.

More information on HWB Founders, Board of Directors and Advisory Board can be found below.

A hospital is not just a building, it is a sanctuary for healing, hope, and miracles.

Fuad Sweiss

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Why the World needs Hospitals Without Borders today more than ever!

The practical utility and potential impact of Hospitals Without Borders (HWB) is undeniable. HWB is the organization the World needs today more than ever to better meet the universally accepted human right for all people to access adequate healthcare facilities.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”) Article 25.1 states:

“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, ...”

Article 28 of the UDHR further states that:

“Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.”

HWB is also playing a significant part in advancing global progress on select UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. By connecting financing and facilities to the places where they are needed most, HWB supports the attainment of several global goals including:

Goal 3

Good health and well-being

Goal 9

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Goal 10

Reduced inequalities

Goal 17

Partnership for the goals

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HWB Board of Directors

Fuad Sweiss

Founder and President

Hospitals Without Borders  

Salvatore Tafuro

Co-Founder, VP and Secretary

RI Group SPA

Fawaz Bilbeisi

Regional Manager

International Finance Corporation

The Honorable

Jovita Carranza

Member

Former USA Treasurer

Yasin Darbaz

Member

MYD Capital Partners

Prof.

Elda Turco Bulgherini

Member

Vice President Italian Space Agency

Doctor

Giuseppe Tarantini

Member

Associate Prof, University of Padua

HWB Advisors

Doctor, Professor at Stanford University

Phillip Polakoff

Professor at Columbia University

Ibrahim S. Odeh

Real Estate Developer 

Stephen Siri

Attorney

Ali Parvaneh

Attorney

Howard Ashcraft

Pr. of Ass. Bambino Gesù del Cairo onlus

Yoannis Lahzi Gaid

Modular Architect

Ken Lowney

Impact Investing Consultant

Tina Sweis

Modular Installation Exp.

Scott Bridger

Chancellor of Unisalento

Fabio Pollice

President MAAT

Monique Allen

Chancellor of UBT 

Edmond Hajziri

Italian Army Logistic Commander 

Mauro D’Ubaldi

CEO at DMDmodular

E. Wozniak-Szpakiewicz

Program Director of IEO

Paolo Veronesi

Head of Department of CETMA

Italo Spada

President of ISMAA

Maurizio Barnaba

Architect

Ilario Toscano

I-nvent CEO

Andrea Giusti

President of ENGEO

Uri Eliahu

CES Group Managing Director

Stuart Cameron

Philanthropy & Grants Expert

Amy Critchet

Logistics Expert

Aaron Morton

Executive Team

Fuad Sweiss

CEO/Executive Director:
Leading the overall operations of HWB, driving strategic initiatives and managing key relationships with donors and partners.

Emanuele Tafuro

Director of Operations:
Overseeing the design, manufacturing, and deployment of mobile and modular clinics and hospitals, ensuring they meet medical standards and are delivered efficiently to areas in need.

Jessica M. White

Director of Finance:
Managing all financial aspects, including fundraising, budgeting, accounting, and ensuring the responsible, transparent allocation of donor funds.

Marcy Vaca

Director of Grants & Partnerships:
Facilitating collaboration with governments, international organizations and NGOs, to coordinate the resources, permits and logistics, for coordination of efforts with local communities.

Joan Webley

Director of Licensing & Communication:
Preparation and review of external communication to ensure clarity and accountability with stakeholders. Overseeing public relations and promotional efforts.

Jenny Elisabeth Bohlin

Director of International Affairs:
Establishing and utilizing strategic relationships to improve awareness and effectiveness of organizational efforts on a global level.

Fuad S. Sweiss

PE, PLS, GC, LEED AP

A visionary and passionate civil engineer and contractor with over 38 years of public service in multiple government leadership positions including Executive Director of Public Works for the City of Santa Ana, City Engineer and Mayor’s Senior Policy Advisor for the City of San Francisco, and Engineering Design Manager for Oakland Public Works. Fuad was also appointed as Commissioner on the California Seismic Safety Commission by Governors Brown and Newsom for three consecutive terms between 2013 and 2023 and by Governor Newsom to the State Architects Board in November 2023.  

Fuad’s experience spans the planning, design, and construction of multi-billion infrastructure and building projects for the private and public sectors such as the San Francisco General Hospital, SFMTA Central Subway, multiple Branch Libraries, Fire Stations, Streetscape Improvements, Underground Utilities, Airport and Port Facilities, and many other private development projects such as Mission Bay and Treasure Island.

Fuad participated in many international conferences and lectured at prestigious universities including Stanford, UC Berkely, and Columbia University on the profession of civil engineering, earthquake early warning systems, Sea Level Rise, leadership, and other topics.

In 2020, Fuad founded Global Modular Partners, a consulting engineering firm advising and helping developers, government entities, trade professionals, and modular factories collaborate on the design and construction of modular buildings all over the world. Currently working on various modular projects including an AC Marriott hotel in Santa Ana, modular offices and facilities for the US Navy Base in Guam, and modular facilities for the City of New York.

Salvatore Tafuro

Secretary – Board Member

In 1973 Salvatore Tafuro, at the time 20 years old and already the father of two children, began to develop his business in a country farmhouse in Puglia, Italy producing metal carpentry and aluminium windows and doors for the construction industry. Today, more than 50 years later, this business has grown into the R.I. Group and is among world leaders in the design and construction of modular systems, with about 300 employees in Italy and abroad. The R.I. acronym stands for “Research and Innovation”, the two elements that have driven this company since its first day of business. It was The secret of its success is represented by the continuous innovation of the product and the dynamism in following the needs of the market, in which one must always be ready to face any need. 

The R.I. Group operations currently span across 3 divisions: civil, defense and healthcare. The organisation is also world leader in responding to emergency situation, managing to develop high-performance products, easy to transport and replicate. Consolidated activities in Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrate the company’s ability to operate even in disadvantaged areas and in emergency situations. A particularly significantmoment in the company’s history was during the covid lockdown, when the company was asked by the Italian army to design and build mobile hospitals and biocontainment, aseptic environments for healthcare workers; the R.I Group patented solution helped save the lives of many people. 

In delivering its services R.I. Group prides itself on the positive professional relationships it has developed with governments, public institutions and international organizations such as the UN, the European Union and NATO. Salvatore Tafuro, also values the significant contribution to the development of local economies that has come from the R.I. Group’screation of joint ventures the Balkans, and Africa that have facilitated the training and professionalization of local communities.

Mr. Fawaz Bilbeisi

Treasurer – Board Member

A Jordanian national with extensive experience in economic diplomacy, international development, and international relations. Mr. Bilbeisi is currently serving as a Regional Director for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Lebanon Prior to assuming this post, he worked for eight years as an Advisor to the Executive Director of the Board of The World Bank Group, representing the government of Jordan in the organization. In addition to advising the Board on its fiduciary duties, he also advises on the World Bank Group strategy, engagement and priorities, particularly in the MENA region.

Before joining the World Bank, Fawaz was the Director of Jordan Economic and Commerce Bureau in Washington, where he worked extensively on developing Jordan-US relations as well as exploring and identifying public and private sector partnerships. In addition to leading the Economic Bureau, Mr. Bilbeisi was named Deputy Chief of Mission of the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, DC in May 2013.  Prior to his relocation to Washington, Mr. Bilbeisiheld various posts at the Foreign Ministry in Amman, and at Jordanian embassies abroad. He was also appointed previously as a Political Secretary to the Prime Minister of Jordan.

Mr. Bilbeisi holds a BSc in Politics and Economics from the University of Jordan, a Master’s Degree in International Relations from University of Exeter, UK, a Higher Diploma in Foreign Service from the University of Oxford, UK, and Leadership Course from the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge Massachusetts.  

Honorable Jovita Carranza

Former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and 44th U.S. Treasurer

Jovita Carranza served as the 26th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). She was a member of President Trump’s Cabinet and advocated on behalf of America’s 30 million small businesses. As Administrator, she led a team of professionals dedicated to ensuring that entrepreneurs across America have the support and resources to start, grow, and expand their small businesses and recover in a declared disaster.

Prior to leading the SBA, Administrator Carranza served as Treasurer of the United States at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President Donald J. Trump. As a principal advisor to Secretary Mnuchin, Carranza focused on increasing participation in our vibrant economy by fostering financial capability and sustainability.

Administrator Carranza is a Chicago native. She previously served as the Deputy Administrator for the SBA under former President George W. Bush, where she received a bipartisan, unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Before her first SBA appointment, Carranza had a distinguished 30-year career at United Parcel Service (UPS), where she was the highest-ranking Latina in the company’s history. She started as a part-time night-shift box handler and worked her way up to President of Latin America and Caribbean operations.

Administrator Carranza earned her MBA from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and received executive, governance, management, and financial training at the INSEAD Business School in Paris, France, Michigan State University, and the University of Chicago.

Jovita truly understands the needs of underserved communities: she was born into one. Jovita has proven how effective leveraging diverse wisdom to solve pressing needs can be, especially under challenging conditions. By collaborating with local partners, governments, and international organizations we can tailor solutions to each community’s unique needs. Whether in remote villages, bustling cities, or disaster zones our aligned commitment to helping people in need remains unwavering. Jovita always finds commanding ways to power the strengths of business acumen to deliver value where it is needed the most, especially when infrastructure was lacking. Jovita’s drive and expertise is essential to expand Hospitals Without Borders to every region of our planet.

M.Yasin DARBAZ

MYD Capital Partners
 
M. Yasin Darbaz is a global entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist who has built and scaled ventures across multiple continents. He studied Economics at Koç University and has founded and expanded companies in the USA, UK, UAE, Turkey, and Europe, with a focus on e-commerce, FinTech, agriculture, energy, real estate, and blockchain.

With over 17 years of experience, he has led high-profile Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) transactions across diverse industries, overseeing deals exceeding $4 billion through MYD Capital Partners, the firm he founded. His expertise lies in bridging family businesses with global markets, executing strategic acquisitions, and driving corporate expansion.

Darbaz has served on the boards of multiple companies, shaping their strategic direction. He is also actively involved in philanthropy, holding board positions in various international foundations.

A sought-after speaker at global investment and business forums, he shares insights on M&A, corporate growth, and emerging markets. Beyond business, he is a devoted family man, happily married with two children.

Prof. Elda Turco Bulgherini

She was full professor of navigation law in the Faculty of Law of the University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’ (1994-2016). Adjunct professor of navigation law in the Faculty of Law of the University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’ (2017-2020).

She Served on the Board of Directors of the National Agency for Flight Safety, appointed by Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 16.3.2005. Renewed by Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 7.4.2011 (2011-2016).

– She coordinated the Study Commission appointed by the Minister of Infrastructures and Transport (Ministerial Decree 28.6.2002) for the updating and amendments to the Navigation Code

– air section, issued by Legislative Decree 96/2005 and Legislative Decree 151/2006.

– Visiting Professor of Air Navigation Law at the Faculty of Law of Beijing University (China) – Beihang University School of Law, (2010).

– Appointed ‘Civil Aviation Legal Expert’ of the Civil Aviation Plannig Committee (CAPC) at NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Brussels – April 2005 – 2010.

– By Decree of the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy of 2.2.2023 (with the delegation of the President of the Council of Ministers, on the coordination of policies relating to space and aerospace programmes) was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Space Agency – ASI. By subsequent decree of 8 June 2023, she was confirmed as a member of the new B.o.D. By Resolution no. 109/2023 of the B.o.D. of 14 June 2023, she was appointed Vice President of ASI.

Dr. Guiseppe Tarantini

Associate Professor, University of Padua

Dr. Tarantini graduated in 1997 with honors and an excellence mention at the Medical School from the University of Parma. In 2005, he obtained a PhD in Cardiological Sciences and Clinical Methodology with top marks from the University of Padua. He has completed several international fellowships, including one at the “Sri Jayadeva” Hospital in Bangalore, India, focusing on congenital and rheumatic structural heart diseases.

In 2005, Dr. Tarantini became a University Researcher in the Department of Cardiological, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health at the University of Padua. In 2008, he became the Scientific Director of the Interventional Cardiology Research Program. In 2013, he was appointed Associate Professor due to his research focused on ischemic heart disease, structural heart disease, and cardiomyopathies.

Dr. Tarantini received multiple teaching assignments in cardiovascular diseases at the University of Padua, within the School of Medicine, the Cardiology Residency Course, the Nursing Degree Course, and the Master’s in Transcatheter Therapy. Since 2016, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GISE) Onlus. He has promoted more than 100 registries, prospective studies, and national and international multicenter trials, leading to the publication of more than 640 articles, reviews, and editorials in indexed international medical journals. He is an internationally recognized expert in the most innovative percutaneous interventional cardiology procedures.

In the professional society realm, in 2010, Dr. Tarantini was the regional delegate of the Triveneto Section of the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC), and in 2017, he was elected President of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GISE), which unites and coordinates approximately 272 Hemodynamics Laboratories in Italy. His international scientific role includes membership in major cardiological societies, such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), where he is an active member of dedicated working groups. He is also a member of the faculty and organizer of numerous national and international cardiology congresses, and a member of the editorial board and reviewer for major international cardiology journals, including The Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine, JACC Cardiovascular Interventions, European Heart Journal, and Euro Intervention.

One of the key areas where Dr. Tarantini will guide Hospitals Without Borders is in securing financial support from industry partners through strong and extensive relationships with key stakeholders across the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. These connections, coupled with his experience in leading large-scale research projects and clinical trials, position him to identify and cultivate partnerships that can provide significant financial resources to the foundation. Dr. Tarantini stated  “I am genuinely excited about the possibility of joining your foundation and contributing to its mission. I believe that my background, combined with my passion for advancing healthcare through innovative research and treatment, makes me a strong candidate to help drive the foundation’s success, particularly in the areas of financial support and industry collaboration.”