In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Zara Centre
113 Arar Street, Amman, Jordan
Amman, ٰĀmmān (Al ٰĀşimah), 11183
Jordan

Adham Al Fares

An eccentric & holistic psychologist , Dr. Adham Al Fares is a holder of several degrees ; best of which " the consciousness degree " from the uncanny university of life . A modern day radical open minded thinker & intuitive modest philosopher , surreal contemplator & writer , leaving his authored works entirely to posterity . An indomitable advocate of truth , justice & freedom.. nick name ( veritas maximus ) . A father of three wonderful & magnanimous children . A humble marriage & relation crisis counselor . A staunch believer & supporter of women's lib & equality . A gentle , emotionally aligned lover of life & women . A religious crusader of love , peace , respect & harmony for all.

Dareen Al Ashy

Darine Alashy is a Jordanian Filmmaker, Animator and Entrepreneur on a mission to inspire and create a community of dreamers and doers where everyone is following their passion. She is known for her own award-winning passion project, “ A Minute Marvel ”; a series of video portraits featuring inspiring individuals sharing their personal stories and inspirations in the span of one minute. Darine launched “A Minute Marvel” in 2015, after winning the BADIR Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship. To-date she managed to feature the stories of 82 individuals from across the Arab World. Not to mention, a special guest appearance by the Emmy-nominated and world renown TV personality, Jason Silva. In 2016, she was awarded the Women's Economic Participation Award by FO3 Venture Partners. She was also invited to participate in the Mobile World Congress for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2016, in Barcelona and Shanghai respectively. In 2018 A Minute Marvel portraits received full sponsorship from Shoman Foundation, to produce 40 new stories of local Jordanian talents. Her interdisciplinary and multicultural educational background include a diploma in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in New York, and a diploma in Fine Arts from the Metafora School in Barcelona. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics and Animation from the Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Amman. Today, Darine has grown “A Minute Marvel” to incorporate working with various corporations on creating promotional video content and other mixed media video production projects. Enjoy her series online at www.aminutemarvel.com and follow her creative journey on Instagram for some behind-the-scenes snaps.

Dina Saoudi

Dina Saoudi is the co-founder of Seven Circles, a consulting agency that provides full-fledged services for companies and organizations specifically in the course of establishing strategic partnerships, creating new revenue streams and building sustainable, impactful solutions. At Seven Circles, Dina makes use of her years of experience in Silicon Valley’s tech industry as an entrepreneur, investor, and a consultant for startups. She holds a Masters degree in Social Psychology. From a young age, Dina has had a passion for serving humanity. She turned this aspiration into a reality through the founding of Seven's World (Facebook, Instagram), the philanthropic arm of Seven Circles whereby proceeds go to global and local organizations that aim to feed, heal, shelter, educate, protect, care and inspire over seven billion people. Seven’s World first cause is Feeding All, which proudly supports the UN World Food Programme and local organizations that work to fight hunger. Seven’s World’s first project supporting Feeding All was Empowering Women through Cooking (EWC) - Jordan, a cookbook that gathered all stakeholders - aid agencies, the private sector, the public sector, academia, impact funds, and civil society - to work together to showcase the recipes and stories of 54 women who live in, but are not necessarily from, Jordan. The project’s success has resulted in the replication of Empowering Women through Cooking in 20 countries including Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai and Peru, and the creation of parallel projects, among them Empowering Women through Painting, Empowering Women through Healthy Living and Empowering Youth through Painting. These projects fall under the umbrella of Empowering Through, a model that adopts an ecosystem approach driving representatives from all project stakeholders to work together to empower the individual both economically and socially. In the process of empowering the individual, all stakeholders are empowered themselves. Dina’s vision is that Empowering Through would be the starting point of a greater collaborative effort to build a kinder world. Dina also proudly serves two of Her Majesty Queen Rania’s initiatives as a member on the board of directors of The Children's Museum and the board of trustees of the Royal Health Awareness Society. Above all, Dina is the mother of two boys, Hashem and Hamzah, whose existence constantly motivates her in her efforts to better the world for all children as much as for her own.

Fairuz Taqi-Eddin

Fairuz Taqi-Eddin is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Jordan River Foundation, a leading Jordanian national organization , chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al -Abdullah. With 16 years of experience working in the development space, Fairuz has held senior positions in the United Nations and INGOs. Fairuz has previously worked for Silatech in Qatar as its Director of Operation and oversaw its operations in 11 Arab countries supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship. Fairuz worked with CARE for 11 years where she held various senior & leadership roles during that time. Her journey with CARE began in San Francisco, where she served as CARE’s Director of Development and supported on the cultivation of key partnerships for CARE with companies and foundations such as CISCO, Google, GAP Foundation and Visa. Her last five years at CARE, Fairuz served as the first Regional Director of Partnerships in the Middle East where she established and managed a diverse partnership portfolio for CARE in the Arab Gulf region. A volunteer for several philanthropic organizations, Fairuz serves on the Board of Trustees of Capoeira for Refugees and Elie Nuqul Foundation. She also serves as an advisory board member of Spark, San Francisco based organization that supports women global issues and PACES (Palestine Association for Children's Encouragement of Sports). Fairuz holds an MA in International Relations.

Ghada Saba

Ghada Saba, Jordan’s first female cinema director is a pioneering Filmmaker, well known for tackling social problems and taboos. Her first foray into the industry was assistant director to world-renowned late Egyptian director, Youssef Chahine, legendary for touching upon risqué subject matter in his films. Saba has written, directed, and produced over 250 documentaries and short films. She has boldly defied conventional and gender-related norms in a country where the majority is still largely bound by conservative mentalities. Currently, Ms. Saba is a TV anchor at Ro’ya TV; on Jordan’s most popular morning show Donia Ya Donia. In 2015 Ghada took her work to a different level and established a non-profit organization, Saba Hamlet for Gender Equality. Especially after being one of Beijing +20 gender equality Champion from UN Women and participated in CSW59 NGO in United nation headquarters in 2015 also she was one of the main panellist by the permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UN and Jordanian National Commission for Women with the support of UN Women Jo. Moreover, Ghada is the Founder and Art Director of Women in History, where they highlight those women who inspire the present and map the future.

Hana Malhas

Hana is a storyteller with a voice that envelops you in nostalgia and intensity. She’s been described as “...a songstress with a 10,000-watt voice...as if the music is taking over her body, channeling through her lungs in a sort of velvet explosion, with an infectious smile, and a playful way of grooving onstage, performing with either piano or guitar.” (Nick Seeley, JO Magazine). The Jordanian performing singer-songwriter took that energy into the studio last year, teaming up with producer and co-composer Khaled Nimry. The result was ‘Nasi’, her new album distributed by Universal Music Mena, released on August 3rd, 2018. The album features tracks in English and Arabic, and each song addresses an aspect of our complicated relationship with time. She is a songwriter that uniquely colors words with melodies that will leave you longing and hopeful. “Until now, and similar to the global industry, the contemporary band and electronic landscape has been largely male dominated. That said, there are several rising artists and breakthrough stars who show signs of leaving their male counterparts in the dust. One of these is singer-songwriter Hana Malhas, whose track Nasi was recently featured in Universal Records’ Mena compilation, Now: Best of Indie Arabia Volume II.” (Maha El Nabawi, The National) Hana Malhas is a prominent figure in the region’s alternative music scene, not only for her own original content, but also as the host and founder of the platform BalaFeesh, a company that runs concert series and produces online content to build a library that showcases the region’s best contemporary independent musicians since, active since 2013. In 2012, her EP release ‘Hana Malhas & The Overthinkers’ featured the song “How We Love”, which was nominated for the 12th annual Independent Music Award in the Folk/Singer-songwriter Song Category. Hana's past performances include a range of venues, from intimate listening rooms to festivals and outdoor stages, in the Middle East and the US.

Her Royal Highness Dana Firas

HRH Princess Dana Firas is a global advocate for heritage protection and preservation as a foundation for development, responsible tourism, political identity and participation. Princess Dana was designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in June 2017 by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova in recognition of her outstanding commitment to heritage protection and preservation as pillars for sustainable development, and her contribution to responsible tourism and community participation. Her advocacy for the cause of cultural heritage preservation and awareness resulted in their inclusion in two World Tourism Organization declarations. Her Royal Highness currently serves as President of the Petra National Trust (PNT), Jordan’s oldest national nongovernmental organization in the field of heritage protection and preservation. Established in 1989, PNT advocates for the preservation of cultural heritage in Jordan and internationally, and seeks to protect and preserve the natural, cultural and socio-economic heritage of Jordan’s heritage sites, with particular emphasis on the ancient Nabataean city in southern Jordan and its surrounding region. Since 2008, She has chaired the Board of the Petra National Foundation (PNF), a US-based 501-c3 organization working to promote awareness of the world heritage values of Petra and to support projects and programs that protect and preserve the site. Since the early 1990s, Princess Dana has worked to promote cultural heritage preservation, education and sustainable development in various capacities in the three sectors: private, public and civil society, both in Jordan and in the United States. She worked in the office of HM Queen Noor on projects that promote sustainable development, peace and human rights. She participated in the establishment of a number of non-governmental organizations, locally and internationally, to promote heritage preservation and environmental protection. In 2016 she joined the Board of the Fulbright Commission in Jordan. She also serves as a founding member of the board of the Mohammad and Mahira Abu Ghazaleh Foundation (2016) and Patron of Manar Al Athar at Oxford University (2017). In 2003, Princess Dana co-authored an article entitled “From the Environment and Human Security to Sustainable Security and Development” in the Journal of Human Development. In 2006, she authored an article for the 2007 State of the World Report and participated in the launch of the report in Washington DC. In 2012, she contributed to a publication entitled “Tourism and Archeological Heritage Management at Petra: Driver to Development or Destruction.” The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism recognized Princess Dana as a Global Ambassador of Peace in London in November 2017, and in March of the same year she won the Arab Heritage Person Award for 2018, the first woman and the first Jordanian to be selected for this award. Her Royal Highness holds a BA degree from Boston University in economics and international relations. She also holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an MPA from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government focused on sustainable development and environmental policy, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. She is married to HRH Prince Firas bin Raad and has two daughters, Safa (born 2001) and Haya (born 2003), and one son, Hashem (born 2010).

Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas

HRH Princess Dana Firas is a global advocate for heritage protection and preservation as a foundation for development, responsible tourism, political identity and participation. Princess Dana was designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in June 2017 by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova in recognition of her outstanding commitment to heritage protection and preservation as pillars for sustainable development, and her contribution to responsible tourism and community participation. Her advocacy for the cause of cultural heritage preservation and awareness resulted in their inclusion in two World Tourism Organization declarations. Her Royal Highness currently serves as President of the Petra National Trust (PNT), Jordan’s oldest national nongovernmental organization in the field of heritage protection and preservation. Established in 1989, PNT advocates for the preservation of cultural heritage in Jordan and internationally, and seeks to protect and preserve the natural, cultural and socio-economic heritage of Jordan’s heritage sites, with particular emphasis on the ancient Nabataean city in southern Jordan and its surrounding region. Since 2008, She has chaired the Board of the Petra National Foundation (PNF), a US-based 501-c3 organization working to promote awareness of the world heritage values of Petra and to support projects and programs that protect and preserve the site. Since the early 1990s, Princess Dana has worked to promote cultural heritage preservation, education and sustainable development in various capacities in the three sectors: private, public and civil society, both in Jordan and in the United States. She worked in the office of HM Queen Noor on projects that promote sustainable development, peace and human rights. She participated in the establishment of a number of non-governmental organizations, locally and internationally, to promote heritage preservation and environmental protection. In 2016 she joined the Board of the Fulbright Commission in Jordan. She also serves as a founding member of the board of the Mohammad and Mahira Abu Ghazaleh Foundation (2016) and Patron of Manar Al Athar at Oxford University (2017). In 2003, Princess Dana co-authored an article entitled “From the Environment and Human Security to Sustainable Security and Development” in the Journal of Human Development. In 2006, she authored an article for the 2007 State of the World Report and participated in the launch of the report in Washington DC. In 2012, she contributed to a publication entitled “Tourism and Archeological Heritage Management at Petra: Driver to Development or Destruction.” The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism recognized Princess Dana as a Global Ambassador of Peace in London in November 2017, and in March of the same year she won the Arab Heritage Person Award for 2018, the first woman and the first Jordanian to be selected for this award. Her Royal Highness holds a BA degree from Boston University in economics and international relations. She also holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an MPA from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government focused on sustainable development and environmental policy, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. She is married to HRH Prince Firas bin Raad and has two daughters, Safa (born 2001) and Haya (born 2003), and one son, Hashem (born 2010).

Iman Mutlaq

Iman Mutlaq is a lifelong financial expert, entrepreneur, social activist, humanitarian, and visionary leader. She is the founder of INGOT Group, a consortium of multinational companies operating across six continents in a spectrum of industries ranging from finance, consultancy and commodities to e-commerce, women empowerment initiatives and physical fitness. Iman Mutlaq is mostly known as the founder of the INGOT Group conglomerate, which consists of multiple firms ranging in industries such as finance, tourism, advisory and anything in the spectrum. Most recently, Iman founded INGOT Coin, a first-of-its-kind revolutionary Ecosystem aimed to be the financial gateway to link the cryptocurrencies universe with the traditional financial industry. She is also the founder and CEO of Sigma Investments and the director of INGOT Brokers Australia. During her career, she was listed multiple times on Forbes’s 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen consecutively and most recently one of the 2018 top 50 influential women of the middle east, ranking at number 38. Iman also received the Middle-East Woman of the Year award during the 3rd Global Officials of the Dignity Awards, and American Chamber of Commerce in Cairo (AMCham) Award as the best Arab business woman. Iman is known for her social activism and women empowerment efforts. In 2014, she participated in an expedition with her Jordanian colleagues to Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to support the cancer research initiatives of King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan and helped in raising a donation of $1.3 million USD. In addition to launching six programs aimed at supporting 400 Iraqi women to help advance their careers, then following the latter, she launched another women empowerment Initiative under 8X8 Women which aims to develop 8 different projects in different industries while hiring and supporting women as staff members. Under 8x8Women umbrella Iman has already initiated 3 women owned companies; Fit at Home, Reveal Naturals and Al Wadeha. Another big project in the making intiated by Mutlaq is Egycomex. Egycomex is the first commodities exchange set to take place in Egypt. The project is still ongoing and has been recognized by the Egyptian government and African countries in the region. Mutlaq is also known as the first instructor for the art of living foundation in Jordan, an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives that promotes peace and development, launched by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. One of her favorite mottos is: Be the change you want to see in this world! Love, Give, and Inspire others, unconditionally.

Jana Tantash

Jana Tantash is a 15-year-old ambitious student who seeks to become an entrepreneur. She studies at the Amman Baccalaureate School and is the president of the Middle Years School. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys writing or practicing the sport; track and field. She is a public speaker, as she has given several speeches on the New Think Theatre in 2014 and 2016. Recently, she participated in the National Youth Conference which took place at The Ministry of Youth. Jana is currently working on her upcycling project; Green Canvas. She has high aims on studying law or design in the future and aspires to continue making a change in this world.

Katia Al Tal

Katia Al-Tal is a reknown sculptor and ceramist who takes the energy of the Earth at its most fundamental clay level, infuses it with passion, molds it with vision and transforms it into magnificence. Her design line, NUWA CREATIONS, along with her sculptors reflects her unique, creative touches that are needed to produce extraordinary pieces of art that one cannot help but connect to. To understand Katia’s art, you must first understand the artist. Each unique piece is not only a production, but a process in creativity that encompasses all that Katia was, is and will be. It is an interbeing experience of collective memories and the ancient knowledge of humanity. She believes that in the presence of nature’s greatness, in all its simplicity, people are at their most raw, and this is when fuidilty is achieved. This is when our outer layers are shed and we are only left with the truth of our existence. Many artists describe their artistic self as being in a surreal state while working, but Katia begs to differ with that school of art, choosing instead to be compleletly present with her clay, her tools and her self. This is what she calls the Oneness of Being, in other words, the whole is the oneand the one is the whole. To be called an artist is an honour and a privilege to Katia. She is humbled by her talent and by being chosen as a vessel to manifect beautiful energy into works of art. However, there are many layers to Katia the person. She is also an educator and works at Cambridge High School as an IB CAS coordinator, which is a natural extension of Katia’s holistic approach to combining education and creativity and inspiring the youth’s mindsets to becoming more accepting and tolerant of themselves and others. Social responsibilty is a major part of Katia’s mission to her local and global community. She is a board member of the Business and Professional Women Association in Amman, which works on empowering women through various initiatives. A little known fact, but integral part of who Katia is, is her role as a volunteer with the civil defence as a first responder with the 4 x 4 club in Jordan. The starck contrast between her delicate art work and the rough and sometimes dangerour terrain she ventures upon during times of local emergencies, cannot be ignored, but the paradox of the two are exactly what Katia is.

Khadija Muhaisen

Khadija Muhaisen's journey is perfectly summed up by Gloria Steinem’s reflection of her life in which the circle, not a hierarchy, is the goal. Her work is guided by the intention to inspire compassionate living. Through Sacred Activation practices including yoga, nutrition, writing, and conversation, she hopes collectively and individually we can access our innate, infinite well of power — Spirit. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500), Whole Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Graduate, & Writer.Khadija's “what” is Sacred Activation Yoga (SAY), a spiritually athletic practice that is the vehicle toward a higher physical, spiritual, and mental existence. Since 2015, Khadija has undertaken more than 1100 hours of SacredActivation Yoga training and has been sharing her practice with over 1800 hours of teaching. Her “how” has taken her to formal teacher trainings, studio classes, private classes, and community centres and NGOs, sharing the magic of living the path of compassion. She is a “recreational athlete,” a firm believer that everyone at any age and physical state can find fulfillment and benefit from a committed practice. Her “what” is also whole, plant-based nutrition. In 2017, she became a Whole, Plant-Based Nutrition Graduate of eCornell. She is an advocate of whole, plant-based nutrition as the safest, most complete natural nourishment for a healthy —compassionate—existence. Khadija has published weekly blogs since 2016 @ www.khadijasadventuresofthesoul.com . Plans are currently underway to unveil the Adventures of the Soul Community, a monthly educational gathering of compassionate people involving documentary showings and book-readings. She will also be launching her Adventures of the Soul conversations in the coming months.As for her “why”... Her life has seen her enjoy the best of all worlds: a liberal upbringing and education that are also firmly rooted in Islam and Arab culture. Her background, education, and role as a mother of 3 girls and a dog, wife, daughter, and sibling align with the empowering path of compassionate living. Her personal growth, fulfillment, inspiration, and service fuel her sense of urgency to share with the world, so that everyone - regardless of age, body size, faith, or gender- can too find joy, peace, health, ease, and freedom.

Nawar Fariz

Dr . Nawar Fariz is the First Jordanian Female Radiologist Consultant Radiologist M.D., F.R.C.R. She is a Graduate of the American University of Beirut Medical School in 1968(M.D.) A Fellow of the Royal College Of Radiologists, England. (F.R.C.R.) 1976. Dr. Nawar joined the Royal Medical Services (Jordan) in 1968. She started as a lieutenant and retired in 1994 with the rank of Major General. A Fellowship in ultrasound in 1982 from Milwaukee County Complex Hospital ,Wiscosin U.S.A. Involved in teaching Radiology residents and Technologists in the Royal Medical services . An Examiner in the Jordanian Board of Radiology from 1982- 1994. She started promoting Awareness about Breast Self Examination and Early Detection of Breast Cancer since 1990 by giving lectures to the general public. In 1995 opening of the Radio-Diagnostic Consultation And Mammography Center as The first Mammography Clinic dedicated for Educational and Diagnostic services . Teaching women Self Breast Examination(SBE) and providing them with educational brochures. Also promoting early detection by mammography as well as diagnostic mammograms with proper explanation if the need arises for surgery. Also promoted information by lectures and media coverage( radio and TV). Member of the Jordanian Cancer program that assisted in preparing the Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Guidelines. Member of many Medical societies (Radiology , Oncology ,MTCC) Member of Amman Rotary Cosmopolitan and the first woman president of the club in 1998 .The club held the first Walkathon for Breast Cancer Awareness program (BCAP) and distributed brochures for participants . Member of International Woman`s Forum (IWF)since 2005.Received the award of the Woman Who Made A Difference by the IWF in Chicago 2007. Member of Jordan Osteoporosis Prevention Society. Member of Gift Of Life Jordan Society. Member of Menopause Society. Lectured in many conferences.

Nooralhuda Dajani

Nooralhuda Dajani is a fitness expert and a CrossFit Level 3 trainer, USA Olympic Weightlifting and Precision Nutrition Level 1 coach. She is the founder of the MEPOWER program, Co-founder of Healthy Heights and is co-creating 'Empowering Women Through Healthy Living' book, due to launch in 2019. Nooralhuda helps women expand their physical challenges and experiences inside the gym to impact their lives beyond the gym walls. Nooralhuda’s methods of training have helped spark positive change in so many lives. Her objective is to empower through fitness and to get women to share their inspiring stories to empower each other.

Rana Safadi

Rana A. Safadi is an artist of the mystical, the emotional and the spiritual. She was born in Amman; studied literature, arts and tourism in Jordan, Austria and France. During a regionally very well regarded career, Safadi’s work has travelled a trajectory of fine art investigations. Evolving and exploring, she first used photography as a medium before turning to oil paint and soon after, mixed media with oil. Sensitivity to delicate states of experience in her mature works is expressed by Safadi’s characteristic use of bold colour, the emblem of the strong feelings she has for her subjects, the strong emotions she wants to share with her viewers. She was raised in and is based in Amman and so much of what she does is inspired by, and a love letter to, the city and society she grew up in. Safadi works in a context of modern Arab artists creating in a plethora of mediums. She is a voice working along others in defining what the Arab “Modern” style is.

Rania Tarazi

An entrepreneur by nature, Rania ran her own architectural office for over 22 years producing work locally in Jordan and regionally in the Middle East. As a co-founder and the principal architect at Design Ideas Studio, she currently directs all aspects of architectural and interior projects and is actively involved in all phases from conceptualization to realization. Rania’s technical engineering expertise along with her passion for functional design and space optimization brings projects to life and ensures a high level of quality and compliance to requirements and standards. Her amiable nature is also an inspiration to the whole team and a major driver in maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and other vendors.

Ruba Al Zu'bi

An advocate for mainstreaming environment into all development sectors, a strong communicator and change agent, and an engineer who is passionate about linking science to development. Ruba Al-Zu'bi is leading the scientific research portfolio at Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation. Prior to joining Shoman Foundation, Ruba served as the first Policy Director at the Ministry of Environment and as the Chief Executive Officer of EDAMA Association for Energy, Water and Environment - the first Jordanian business association in the green technology sector. Ruba previously contributed to the successful implementation of key policy reform and development projects in the sustainable development arena. She also led the Clean Technology Sector Development component at USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program that aimed at enhancing private sector’s competitiveness, creating jobs and increasing exports in the clean energy, solid waste and water management clusters. Al-Zu'bi is active in the NGOs field locally and internationally. She is a founding member of the Jordan Green Building Council and a Plus Social Good Connector with the United Nations Foundation. She was Jordan's Eisenhower Fellow for 2012 and continues to advocate for green innovation and entrepreneurship throughout her journey. Blog: www.rubaalzubi.wordpress.com

Sally Shalabi

Shalabieh Al Hakawatieh Between storytelling and story collecting lies a sea of possibility, this has been Sally Shalabi's (Shalabieh Al-Hakawatieh's) playground for the last 13 years. She started her story telling with children and has evolved into telling to family audiences and adults. Inspired by her own tradition of old folktales Shalabieh’s stories come to her from everywhere. Today her repertoire includes both the traditional and the contemporary. Once in her kitchen she works with the stories until they are ready- infused with her own flavors. She tells her stories in both English and Arabic as well as performing collaboratively as dual-language storyteller. Shalabieh has performed locally in Jordan and internationally in Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Sweden, USA, Germany, Bahrain and Scotland. She also hosts a storytelling podcast with Sowt called Shalabiyat. Shalabieh has also taken her storytelling into the worlds of Emceeing, training, writing and mentoring, working with organizations like Endeavor Jordan, Oasis 500, YouTube- Next Up, Visualizing Impact, Al Balad Theater, Arab-German Young Academy (AGYA) and EUNIC- Jordan to name a few.

Shireen Talhouni

Shireen is seriously educated. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Architecture from the University of Bath, an MA in Architecture from the Universidad International de Catalunya, and Post Graduate Diplomas in Architecture from London Metropolitan University and University of Westminster (RIBA III).She worked for a number of years at award winning architectural practices Rogers Stirk and Harbour, Allies and Morrison Architects, Universal Design Studio and Sahel Al Hiyari Architects before her career took an unexpected turn when, at 30, she applied to study Contemprary Dance at the Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance and... got in. The decision to pursue dance was a difficult one that not only transformed her life but set her on the path to what was without a doubt her true calling. To her parents dismay. Since then Shireen has created dance works that have been exhibited in Jordan and the UK. Her projects include ‘Flockoffice’ a Dance Theatre piece that premiered at Resolution Dance Festival in the renowned dance venue, ‘The Place’ in London. ‘LOOP' a site specific performance for Amman Design Week and ‘Tetrachord', a multidisciplinary performance project for Darat Al Funun Art Gallery. Her short dance film ‘Sarmad’ screened in over 15 festivals internationally and won the experimental film award at the Mosaic world film festival. In May she premiered her latest work “Homemade” a solo work that explored notions of home, gender and identity from multiple perspectives ranging from the deeply profound to the absolutely ridiculous.