Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Entrepreneur
Tarek is a dedicated advocate for equitable healthcare and humanitarian causes, inspired by his deep roots in Syria and his Palestinian heritage. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, Tarek began his career in the US as a pharmacist for major retailers and later rose to become the Operations Director for Walmart Health and Wellness in the Midwest. His work reflects a commitment to improving healthcare systems and expanding access to vital services.
Tarek’s passion for service began early. During his college years, he volunteered with the Palestinian Red Cross in Damascus and was an early member of the Syrian Young Entrepreneurs Association (SYEA), supporting its mission from the start. In the U.S., he volunteered for President Obama’s 2008 campaign and later with the Syrian American Council’s “Act for Syria” campaign in 2012, advocating for the freedom and rights of the Syrian people.
As a serial entrepreneur, Tarek founded Biotonics, a U.S.-based company specializing in food supplements and vitamins, and more recently, Avelia, a UAE-based company focused on bringing pharmaceutical and healthcare solutions to the MENA region, with a special emphasis on Syria. Through these ventures, he aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and create sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
Having called both Syria and the U.S. home, Tarek is deeply committed to fostering connections between the two nations. He is actively working to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, ensuring fair access to healthcare and improving lives. Tarek holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina and a pharmacy degree from Damascus University. Through his work, he champions equitable healthcare, advocates for marginalized communities, and inspires hope for a brighter future in Syria and beyond.