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/

Today, we journey with Teni Panosian, whose voyage from Tehran amid turmoil to the entrepreneurial triumph in the beauty world, embodies the essence of resilience and self-discovery.

Born into an Armenian Christian family, Teni's narrative unfolds across continents, facing a major identity crises in an affluent American setting. As she navigates through disconnection to find her voice, Teni transforms challenges into channels for advocacy and innovation, leading her to pioneer 'Monday Born,' a testament to her heritage and dreams.

Join us for an inspiring tale of hope, identity, and the power of staying true to oneself.

Check out Monday Born here: https://beaubble.com/brand/monday-born

Today we are spotlighting Nasser Al-Rayess, a beacon of laughter and authenticity. Born in the vibrant heart of the Bay Area to a Syrian family, Nasser grew up straddling the worlds of rigorous academic expectations and his innate passion for comedy.

From his early days mastering ceremonies in high school to confronting the immense pressures of family and societal norms, Nasser's journey is a testament to the power of following one's true calling. As we delve into his story, discover how Nasser navigated challenges, defied expectations, and embraced his identity to become a voice for humor and a heart in the entertainment industry.

Join us for a narrative filled with laughter, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion.

More on Nasser here: https://linktr.ee/nawsir

Today, we're joined by Suhel Nafar, a trailblazer whose journey from the stages of Palestine to the executive offices of Empire in the U.S. embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation. Born into the charged atmosphere of Lyd, where survival was a daily challenge, Suhel transformed the adversity of his youth into a powerful artistic expression. Suhel taught himself English by listening to Hip-hop artists such as Dead Prez, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. Which later led him to becoming a founding member of DAM, the first Arab rap group.

He not only pioneered a genre but also used music as a lens to explore and confront the complexities of Palestinian identity under occupation. Now in the U.S., Suhel continues to break barriers, from orchestrating Spotify’s expansion into the Arab world to amplifying voices through Empire’s Western Asia and North Africa division. Join us as Suhel shares his remarkable journey of cultural bridge-building, his evolution from musician to music executive, and how he turns challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

You can check out Empire here: https://www.instagram.com/empire.wana/