Lina Sergie Attar
Architect of Change
A Vision Born from Crisis. A Mission Fueled by Action.
In 2011, Lina watched from afar as war broke out in her home country of Syria. Cities she once walked through and streets filled with childhood memories were suddenly reduced to rubble, filled with fear, and emptied of hope.
But Lina has never been one to watch from the sidelines. As an architect and writer originally from Aleppo, she knew she had to act.
She traveled to the Syrian-Turkish border, witnessing firsthand the devastation of war—not just in the shattered buildings, but in the eyes of children forced into survival. Children who should have been in school were instead selling goods on the streets. Lina spoke with them, listened to their stories, and met their families — seeing up close the toll of displacement.
Sitting with the parents, she made a bold promise: if they sent their children back to school, she would replace the income they had lost. That conversation unknowingly launched Karam’s first program—Karam Families.
It began with a single family and a simple commitment. But Lina wasn’t just offering aid; she was laying the foundation for something bigger. What started as one promise grew into a global movement.
Once a small, volunteer-led initiative run from Lina’s kitchen table, Karam has become a leading force for education, innovation, and opportunity for displaced Syrians.
Today, Karam is one of the most impactful organizations responding to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. What started as a single act of generosity has become a network of innovation hubs, programs, and opportunities that have transformed thousands of lives.
Lina’s impact extends beyond Karam. She has become one of the most recognized voices for Syria’s next generation, sharing their stories, amplifying their voices, and demanding action from global leaders.
Named one of 50 Women Groundbreakers Changing the World, over 70 of Lina’s articles and essays have been published in The New York Times, Politico, and The Atlantic, and more.
She has spoken on CNN, NBC News, BBC News, and NPR, and addressed audiences at Harvard, MIT, the University of Chicago, the Aspen Institute, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for The Syria Campaign and serves as Director of the Board for Syrian Youth Empowerment.
Lina’s podcast, Belonging(s), launched in 2022 and explores the deep and complex meaning of home. She is currently recording Belonging(s) fourth season and can’t wait for listeners to tune in.