Today, we have a unique perspective from the Middle East that resembles the same pain points we face in the diaspore. Talia Lahoud, is a 21-year-old musical talent from Batroun, Lebanon. Talia’s journey is a testament to perseverance amid adversity. Starting on YouTube at 11, she faced harsh criticism but continued to pursue her passion for music. Despite familial expectations to follow a traditional career path, Talia chose music, gaining recognition by 17.

Her path was filled with challenges, including the loss of her father and economic hardships, making her feel far from achieving her dreams. However, her persistence paid off when she was signed by Nvak Collective in LA, finally turning her luck around. Talia's story is one of overcoming repeated setbacks and finding hope in the support of her followers and the opportunities that finally came her way.

Join us as Talia shares her inspiring journey of resilience, passion, and breakthrough.

Today, we have the honor of introducing Jenan Matari, a dedicated advocate and storyteller whose journey encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of embracing one's identity.

Born into a first-generation Arab American household, Jenan's family history is deeply rooted in the Palestinian experience. Her grandparents' stories of displacement during the 1948 Nakba and their subsequent migrations to Brazil, Jordan, and eventually the United States, set the backdrop for her life's narrative.

Despite growing up in a predominantly white, Jewish town in New Jersey, Jenan struggled with her Palestinian identity, often feeling the pressure to assimilate. It wasn't until her early twenties that she began to reconnect with her roots, leading her to become a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and media literacy.

Join us as Jenan shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, the importance of reclaiming her identity, and her mission to positively impact future generations.

Today, we share the incredible journey of Hanin Al Qoreishy, whose life story unfolds like a tapestry of courage and determination.

Born into a politically and religiously influential family in Iraq, Baghdad, Hanin's early years were shattered by conflict and personal tragedy, including a horrifying kidnapping at age 9. Awakening from a traumatic coma in a new country, with no memory of her past, Hanin faced unimaginable challenges from a very young age.

Today she stands as a recognized leader and proud owner at Legacy Insurance Advisors in Houston, Texas. Hanin's relentless spirit has not only propelled her to success in the business world but also inspired her to give back through her non-profit organization, Uplifted Hearts, which is dedicated to supporting child refugees and orphans.

Join us as Hanin shares how she turned her trials into opportunities of triumphs, fostering connections, and building community.

https://legacyinsuranceadv.com/
https://upliftedhearts.org/

Today, we have the honor of speaking with Suhad Khatib, an artist, filmmaker, and designer, and the daughter of Palestinian massacre survivors.

Born in Oman, raised in Jordan, and having lived in the US for over 14 years, Suhad has numerously navigated the complexities of identity and belonging. Her work, described as "an intentional study on healing and identity," has been showcased in cities worldwide, including Montreal, New York, and Amman. Through social justice campaigns like #Ferguson2Palestine and #ShowMe15, Suhad's art and philosophy aim to reverse the harm of propaganda.

From facing personal and professional upheavals to finding solace and strength in her art, Suhad's story is one of resilience and transformation. Join us as we delve into her experiences of overcoming adversity, reclaiming her heritage, and using her creative talents to inspire and heal.

More on Suhad here: https://suhadkhatib.com/

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Fatmah Muhammad, the proud owner of Knafeh Queens, whose journey from Kansas City to Southern California is as rich and layered as her delicious knafeh.

Raised in an all-white community, Fatmah faced prejudice and suspicion, especially after 9/11, when her family home was unjustly searched by police. Despite these challenges, Fatmah's love for her Palestinian culture and her father's entrepreneurial spirit shone through. Learning to make knafeh at a young age, Fatmah found joy and unity in sharing her culinary talents with others.

After the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric in 2016, Fatmah and her daughter officially launched Knafeh Queens, sharing her authentic narrative and hospitality through her beloved dessert.

Join us as Fatmah Muhammad shares her inspiring story of resilience, cultural pride, and the power of how hospitality brings unites us all.

Check out Knafeh Queens here: https://www.knafehqueens.com/

Today, we share the journey of Gheed El Bizri, who transitions from the historic streets of Lebanon to the esteemed halls of Stanford.

Gheed's journey is a testament to the power of hope, faith, and the written word, showcasing the essence of overcoming adversity. Facing culture shock, isolation, and the daunting task of proving herself in an unfamiliar world, Gheed's narrative is a powerful testament to finding strength in one’s roots and voice.

Join us as Gheed reveals how writing became her sanctuary, allowing her to bridge two worlds and emerge empowered, with her identity and dreams intact.

You can check out Gheed's writing here: https://stanforddaily.com/author/gheed/

Today, we are joined by Ahmed Hashem, a San Francisco-based advocate whose journey from Iraq to the heart of the Tenderloin district embodies resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice. Ahmed’s early life was marked by the harrowing experiences of war and his father’s imprisonment.

Despite facing poverty and personal loss, Ahmed channeled his experiences into advocacy, focusing on refugee resettlement, social justice, and community work. He now combines his passion for tech recruiting with his love for music, using his platform to uplift marginalized voices.

Join us as Ahmed shares his journey of resilience, community advocacy, and the transformative power of holding onto one's roots while forging a new path.

More on Ahmed here: https://linktr.ee/DJ.Ahmed.SF

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Reem Assil, a dynamic force that sits at the intersection of her three passions: food, community, and social justice. Based in Oakland, Reem's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, identity, and the transformative power through food and hospitality.

Born into a Palestinian-Syrian household, Reem's journey from a typical suburban Arab immigrant life to a leading figure in the culinary world is truly inspiring. Despite facing racism, personal challenges, and public controversies, Reem found solace and purpose in food, creating her acclaimed bakery "Reem's". She now has an award-winning cookbook, "Arabiaya," and her relentless pursuit of justice and identity showcase her unyielding spirit.

Join us as we explore Reem Assil's story of resilience, community, and the transformative power of Arab hospitality.

More about Reem here: https://www.reem-assil.com/about

Joining us today is Aminah Musa, an entrepreneurial spirit deeply rooted in her vibrant Palestinian heritage. Aminah's journey is a testament to innovation and cultural pride, intertwined with her family's unique background. Born in Jerusalem during a wedding—a beginning as extraordinary as her life's work—Aminah grew up in Chicago and Ohio, absorbing the diverse influences of her Spanish-Palestinian mother and a Puerto Rican-raised Palestinian father.

From brainstorming sessions under the stars to launching Pali Roots—a brand that champions Palestinian culture—Aminah, alongside her brother, have navigated the complex world of entrepreneurship without a traditional roadmap. Their story isn't just about creating a brand; it's about igniting a global conversation through fashion, celebrating Palestinian identity far beyond the narrow confines of conflict.

More on Pali Roots here: https://www.paliroots.com/

Today’s tale is one of transformation, resilience, and social impact. We’re joined by Maen Mahfoud whose remarkable path took him from the heart of Syria to the forefront of social entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley.

From medical student to founder of Replate, a revolutionary platform turning surplus food into a force for good. Witness how Maen's roots in community service and a pivotal moment of realization ignited a mission to fight food insecurity and environmental waste.

This is a story of defying expectations, embracing true callings, and making a measurable difference in the world. Stay tuned for a journey of hope, innovation, and the power of living by one's values.

More on Replate here: https://www.re-plate.org/