mural by Murad Subay, Yemen

From Southern California, Josie graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and a B.S. in Environment & Society.  She is passionate about cross-cultural communication, economic equality and non-violent solutions for social justice.  

Co-Director, USA

Josie Ygnatowiz

Originally from Syria, Abdullah now lives in Turkey pursuing a Masters Degree in Renewable Energy 

Speaker, Syria

Abdullah Hakmi

Living in Latakia, Syria, Areej studied English Literature and became an English Teacher. Now she works for a medical company and loves nature, sports and travel. 

Speaker, Syria

Areej Hleibiyah

From Latakia, Syria, Yazan now lives and works in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. His passion is to bring awareness to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress among Middle Eastern youth.

Co-Director, Syria

Yazan al Shakoohhy

Bashar is a musician and founding member of the band Country for Syria and is currently living in Turkey.

Speaker, Syria

Bashar Balleh

Nil is a freelance journalist born and raised in Iran and currently pursuing journalism studies in Turkey.  

Speaker, Iran 

Nilufar Rahimi