Professor Gawad is an educator in the field of architecture, with academic leadership experience, and significant contributions to international organizations related to her specialization in Sustainable Architecture and Vernacular Built Environment. As a Full Professor at Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, she has taught and mentored students at several national and international universities. She has an extensive publication record in international journals and conference proceedings and has served as a member of the Editorial and Reviewing Committee for respective Springer books, international conferences, and workshops. She has also acted as an academic coordinator for various international programs and educational exchange initiatives between Helwan University and several international universities.
On an international level, she has served the International Union of Architects UIA in various capacities. These include working as the Co-Director of UIA Commission on the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG, a member of the UIA Education Commission, Vice-chair of UNESCO-UIA Validation report group, a jury member at international architectural competitions, and a speaker at various UIA International Forums and Webinars. She is also the Chairperson of the Africa Union of Architects' AUA Habitat and Environment Commission, a Council Member of the Union of Mediterranean Architects UMAR, representing the Egyptian Section at the Federation des Architectes Francophone de l’Afrique FAFA, and an Elected Board Member of the Society of Egyptian Architects.