Redefining Refugee, Reclaiming Hope.

Lina Sergie Attar is founder and CEO of Karam Foundation. She is a Syrian-American architect and writer from Aleppo. She was named one of GOOD magazine’s 2016 GOOD 100 for Karam’s innovative work with Syrian refugees. Her articles and essays have been published in the NYT, Chicago Tribune, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Atlantic, and BBC. She has appeared on CNN, NBC News, BBC News, Huffington Post, NPR and other media outlets. Lina has spoken about the Syrian humanitarian crisis at schools, universities, and institutions including: RISD, Harvard, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, The New School, Phillips Exeter Academy, King’s Academy in Jordan, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, New America, the Aspen Institute, and others. Sergie Attar is a co-founder of the How Many More? project, serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of The Syria Campaign, and is a non-resident fellow at New America. See Lina’s TEDx talk here.

Twitter @amalhanano

Before joining Karam, Demetri Fadel was the Founder Executive Director of the MIT Refugee Action (ReACT) Hub, and the administrative Officer for the MIT Department of Chemical Engineering, among others. At Karam, Demetri works closely with the Executive Team in planning Karam’s work, development, and growth with an eye to creating effective alignment between strategy, programs, and measurable outcomes.
Son to immigrant parents, Demetri grew up in Athens, Greece but currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts. To him, home will always be wherever family, friends, and colleagues are. 

Mustafa works with the communications team at Karam Evi.  Outside of work, he belongs to any place where he lives with his family, characterized by peace, tranquility, and serenity. “I am grateful for this opportunity and the collaborative and understanding work environment with my team members.” 

Raghad studied computer engineering and worked as a supervisor and Turkish language teacher. She also has experience volunteering as a translator. She is earnestly seeking to make a positive impact on the younger generation. Her passion for diversity and respect for different cultures are core aspects of her personality. She strongly believes in the power of communication and interaction with people from individuals diverse backgrounds as a means of learning and growth, as well as an invaluable foundation for building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Menal has 8 years of work experience with non-governmental organizations. She handles all financial matters at Karam House, holding a university degree in accounting. When asked about where she belongs, Menal said, “I don’t belong to any particular place; instead, I have find it in the ability to adapt and be flexible.” 

Samir holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Partin University. He has completed successful projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. He possesses strong problem-solving skills and technical innovation capabilities. He also works on enhancing communication with children and contributing with keen interest and diligence to develop community spirit. When asked where he belongs, Samir said: “I belong to an environment that reflects an inspiring present and a bright future. I believe in the importance of innovation and collaboration in achieving success.”

Zeynab has experience in programming training in the field of programming. She prepares  and develops studios and encourage students to be creative and innovative. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Iskenderun Technical University and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence. 

Zeynab is a follower of learning and education for developing and building the future. She adheres to respect, integrity and dignity. She enjoys continuously developing her skills and discovering new ways of learning and growing.

Muhammad worked in Turkiye as a data entry clerk, auditor, and data analyst in companies specialized in data collection and analysis. Currently, he works as a coordinator in Karam Families program, contributing to implementing the program and interacting with beneficiary families. He holds a degree in computer engineering from Ankara University. When asked where he belongs, Muhammad said, ” I feel immense gratitude for what Turkiye has provided me during my stay there, but my heart definitely belongs to my homeland, Syria. I always strive to do my best in my work and continuously work earnestly to improve my skills.” 

Hanan holds a master’s degree in Arabic literature. She has worked in the field of teaching and coordination with various entities, and she has participated in many volunteer activities in the social and humanitarian fields. Her role at Karam Evi involves organizing and arranging relationships and communicating with students and guests of Karam Evi. When asked where she belongs, Hanan said, “I feel a sense of belonging wherever I feel I can contribute. I strive for excellence in my work, achieving accomplishments, and continuing to learn continuously.” 

Excited to join Karam Foundation as Operations Manager, Walid brings more than 20 years of managerial experience, including 15 years of direct engagement in Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Response.

He developed strong expertise in Strategy Development, Operations, Program Design & Planning, Resource Mobilization and MEAL for greater intervention impact.

Walid worked with well-known International NGOs like (Save The Children, Relief International, IRC, Big Heart and Qatar Charity), where he established 13 field offices, built big teams, and led operations in both Syria and Türkiye. His most prominent achievement was writing proposals and designing the implementation of two USD +50 M Campaigns funded by QFFD (Aleppo Support 2017 and Sham Deserves 2020) helping hundreds of thousands of Syrian Refugees and IDPs (Internally Displaced People).

Walid has a BA in English Literature and a diploma in Accounting, and he is also a Certified Professional Trainer by “Tareq Al-Suwaidan”. Walid delivered many pieces of training in Management, Soft skills, and Humanitarian
Aid.

Abdurrahman was one of Karam’s Scholars before joining the team. He received a Mechatronics Engineering degree from Gazi Osman Pasa University and worked as a competent in the operation of CNC machines with MEGAHED Engineering Company. At Karam, as a mentor, he thrived to create a conscious and creative generation full of passion. He also guides the builders of the future to become Leaders who are capable of changing their own circumstances and the state of their country. 

When asked where he belongs, Abdurrahman said, “I belong to the place that represents both the present and the future because it is where the building blocks of future generations are formed.

Abdulalim received his degree in Computer Engineering and worked in Data Entry before becoming a System Engineer. At Karam House, Abdulalim is responsible for making the world a better place by helping the students become great Leaders. When asked where he belongs, he said he belongs where the creativity is. One quote Abdualim lives by is, “Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what we can create.”

Hadeel is a visual artist and graphic designer located in New York City. With over five years of experience in graphic design, she seamlessly blends her passion for drawing into her creative work. At Karam Foundation, she crafts captivating social media posts and graphics while collaborating closely with the communications team. For Hadeel, home is not just a place but wherever her heart resides. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, sketching, and taking long walks.

Kardelen is an Exhibition coordinator, Industrial Designer, and Package Design Specialist. At Karam, Kardelen shares her design knowledge and experience in a professional and funny way. Together with the students, she explores and develops new things. 

Kardelen believes that she belongs to the world. She would also like to be part of a green, more equal, and multi-cultural diversity future in creative ways. Her life passion comes from this motto: “Design the life you love.”

Semir Raslan is a dedicated and innovative Electrical and Electronic Engineer with a rich background in the field. Semir is driven by a passion for excellence in his field. His skills extend beyond the technical realm, showcasing a strong aptitude for creative problem-solving and technical innovation. He consistently seeks out new challenges, firmly believing in the importance of innovation and collaboration in achieving success. 

At Karam, Semir leads the students into creativity and innovation, challenging them to become the Leaders of tomorrow. Beyond his professional achievements, Semir is committed to community development with Karam students and fostering a spirit of unity.

Mechanical Engineering and Graphic Designer Mahmoud Assaf has worked with several companies and humanitarian organizations, gaining valuable experience in both the professional and creative aspects of the fields. 

Mahmoud joined Karam as a mentor to assist students in bringing their ideas to life and showcasing them to the world with an elegant and inspiring touch. To Mahmoud, home is any place that shelters hearts in need of assistance and souls deserving of care. “I find contentment within myself when I can offer support and engage others on my journey towards positivity,” said Mahmoud.

Sarah Rahman is Chief of Staff for the Philanthropy team at Emerson Collective, a social impact organization based in Palo Alto, California. In this role, she leads a wide array of initiatives to support grantees, the Philanthropy team, and cross-functional efforts across the company. Prior to Emerson Collective, Sarah worked as a consultant at ZS Associates where she focused on growth strategy in the technology, education, and health sectors, and also led her office’s pro bono and volunteer efforts. She holds a MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and a BBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Sueda Vardar received her Psychology degree from Istanbul University, where she found her interest in Child Development. She’s worked with children between the ages 3-11 to examine their cognitive and social skills. Sueda joined the Karam team to work with Karam Scholars, where she’s working on projects to help the scholars with their personal growth. Home to Sueda is where she can add a piece of herself, where she can touch a life, or make someone smile. To her, everywhere becomes her home. 

Aleah joined Karam out of a mutual dedication to radical generosity, and an imagination of rights-based humanitarianism grounded in principles of agency and dignity. Her affinity for reading, listening, and learning informs her purpose of dismantling injustices and actualizing an equitable world for all. To her, home is where you can love and be loved as your full self, in safety and community. 

Raised in the City of Bridges, she believes those familiar at home are inextricably connected to those across the globe, and the people they carry – from Selma’s Edmund Pettus, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Mostar, to Egypt’s Qasr Al-Nil, and beyond. Thus in her hometown of Pittsburgh, she engages students in local and international competitions of innovation and critical thinking to address global crises through actionable solidarity, and brings a love of youth mentorship in courage, creativity, collaboration, and compassion to Karam. She strives towards a collective culture in which youth are taught to think for themselves, and always of others. She adores mountains, literature, piano, maqamat music theory, flowers, and smiles. 

Faruk Çakır is the programs and operations team support, he oversees financial management such as payments, general accounting, budgets, and compliance with internal policies and procedures. Before joining Karam, Faruk worked as Finance and Administrative Officer with an INGO for more than three and half years.

When not working, Faruk loves to cook, read, and play tennis. He feels most at home when he feels himself connected with all his differences and similarities, and in a place where everyone respects each other.

With a masters degree in writing, Nour believes in the power of words. As the storyteller at Karam Foundation,  she works with the communication team to implement strategies that meet organizational goals of increasing financial support. She also translates and drafts content and stories that are shared with audiences for multiple purposes including newsletters, blog posts, social media, campaigns, and events. 

Since leaving Syria, Nour has been finding home in the work she does to help others. While home and family are thousands of miles away, the power of words are not just important in her professional life, but also personal, as that’s the only constant in between oceans.

Taha Jlilati is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from Osmaniye University. He worked as a translator, a storyteller, and a community case worker in Osmaniye, Turkey. At Karam, Taha is a member of the Karam Families team, working directly with the families. For Taha, home is every place where he can express himself freely and every place that gives him stability and peace. He likes to read poetry, and international literature, cooking, and exploring different cultures in his free time.

Ghania Chaudhry, received her Bachelors of Arts in Global Liberal Studies, and a Masters of Arts in International Relations in New York City. Born and raised in Bridgeview, Illinois, but home to her is various places such as New York and Athens, Greece. At Karam Foundation, Ghania serves as the Team Support Lead. In this capacity, she works to ensure that the Karam Team has everything they need to make sure the office and programs are running smoothly. She also helps manage the Karam Souk Line to ensure all orders are fulfilled  properly. In her free time, Ghania likes to dance, read, and travel. In addition to her being an amateur Henna artist.

Born in Rize, Turkey and raised on Long Island, New York, Gül (Rose) is a dedicated community activist with a passion for mobilizing people and resources to help reimagine systems of inequality and seek opportunities to advance social change. She has expertise and experience in managing strategic fundraising operations, refining major gift programs, volunteer training and management, disaster response and recovery, and fostering positive cultures of philanthropy. A global citizen and community leader, Gül spends her spare time volunteering for New Leaders Council as a board member to recruit, train and promote the progressive political entrepreneurs of tomorrow. She is an avid National Parks explorer, donut and coffee connoisseur, and road-tripper!

Lama Alkhdare finds life and joy in the work she does, her work at Karam involves providing families both in Istanbul and Reyhanli a financial stipend to help them get on their feet and eventually get independent. Lama’s 3-year-volunteer experience that she has gained in Syria, helped her find her way at Karam. Home for her is where she can be herself the most, where she can live in freedom and dignity with her loved ones. Her cheerfulness and positive personality is seen in her work and through her interactions with her teammates and families 

Annie first joined our team as a dedicated intern, but her passion for the refugee crisis made her realize that Karam is the place for her. Upon completing her bachelor’s in philosophy and political science, Annie finally joined our team in an official capacity. Now, she spends her days working on both development and communication-based projects to support our grassroots efforts. Whether it’s a thank-you call or check-in email you receive, chances are, Annie is the one on the other side. When she’s not drafting fundraising newsletters, Annie likes to write, read, and take walks. If she’s not doing one of those things, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen baking! 

Yusuf Ghazal received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Institutions Management, and worked in one of the hospitals in Ankara as a patient coordinator. At Karam House he coordinates students who belong to Karam Scholars’ affairs, where he draws plans for the program, and manages university student’s affairs; including academic support, financial support, and moral support. Yusuf is very passionate about new experiences. 

Vicky is a 25-year-old recently graduated Architect living in Lebanon, having pursued an education at the Lebanese American University. Travel, art, and books are Vicky’s way of stimulating creative thinking and finding inspiration for architectural projects. Vicky is also passionate about history, literature, and photography, which help translate her ideas into reality.

A self-taught graphic designer, Suliman has years of experience working with several organizations to improve their visual identities and create engaging content. At Karam, Suliman can be found doing anything from capturing photos of students and the team around Karam House to styling videos or designing graphics for social media. No matter what the subject matter is, you’ll find Suliman offering his creative input on most Karam projects. Home is where Suliman feels confident, creative, and open to express his ideas freely without the fear of judgment. 

Prior to joining Karam, Vathek had experience in both IT and management at various organizations. Currently at Karam, he works as a systems developer and provides technical support. Vathek believes that nothing is impossible. As a Syrian migrant, he feels at home with any belief that stands for freedom, justice, and equality.

Essam has several years of experience working on logistics teams for NGOs, specifically in both national and international procurement. He always offers a helping hand and is known to be an encouraging source of support around Karam House. That’s why Essam oversees item purchases and provides logistical support to ensure the Karam House team and students have everything they need to create, innovate, and thrive. To Essam, home is wherever there is justice.

Rashad combines his experience in computer and software maintenance as well as his educational background in electrical engineering to help Karam House students think critically and solve problems in creative and unique ways. He has a passion for supporting students as they develop their identity and acquire new skills that will guide them in the real world. Rashad will always make time for a game of chess or table tennis, and to him, home will always be Syria. 

Sara has worked several jobs in several places, most of them within the field of translation. Now at Karam, her top priority is to ensure that all our supported families are happy and thriving. Sara loves spending time with children, as they make her feel both happy and hopeful. To Sara, who moved from one country to another, belonging means acknowledging where you came from because it’s where you live out your childhood, while also appreciating where you are now—because the ability to adapt to a new place with a new culture takes strength, resilience, and courage.

Rasha Mansouri Elmasry is a Syrian American jewelry designer living in London. She is a graduate of New York University with a BA in Journalism, and a publishing certificate from Radcliff. She spent six years working at various magazine titles: Travel Holiday, Premier, Mirabella, and Art & Auction as a Research Associate and a Promotion Manager. She left the corporate world to concentrate on her family.

Rasha has been supportive of several organizations that help Syrian refugees. In London, she came across Syrian refugee children at Newman Catholic College in need of academic support. With Newman’s help, she organized an academic summer camp for 50 and helped recruit volunteer teachers in English, math, and science. Thanks to her leadership, the camp reached its fundraising goal in less than a week. The camp is now in its third year and growing strong.

Rasha has also done volunteer work for the Human Rights Watch London dinner committee and was instrumental in launching the dinner auction. Rasha is also a trustee of the Asfari Foundation, which supports civil society and youth empowerment in the Levant.

Maya Khater, Pharm D., leads Karam’s social events committee. She is a Syrian American from Birmingham, AL. Maya studied pharmacy at Samford University, and currently works at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. Maya has organized a myriad of Karam events. She is meticulous, creative, and detail-oriented. Her hobbies include nature walks, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children. Maya currently resides in Lake Forest, IL.

Razan Massarani-Wafai, MD was born and raised in Homs, Syria. She studied medicine at the medical school of Damascus, Syria and graduated in 1989, moved to the United States in 1990. Razan is board certified in Pathology and Cytopathology from Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois in 1998. She served in the faculty body of Loyola University as associate professor of pathology and later as the Cytology fellowship program director until 2014. Razan is currently an associate pathologist at Dryer Medical Clinics. She traveled with Karam Foundation to Reyhanli, Turkey several times to lead workshops on health and wellness. Razan was also part of the KLP mission in Nov 2014. She lives in Burr Ridge, Illinois, married and has three kids.

Anna Nolan uses storytelling and creative campaigning to help activists and non-profit organisations, including working on a range of social justice issues. Anna was a co-founder and Director at The Syria Campaign where she helped elevate Syria’s heroic civil society. Prior to this she was Strategy Director at Purpose.

John O’Farrell is a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm. His investments include public companies Slack (NYSE:WORK), where he serves as lead board director, and PagerDuty (NYSE:PD). John also serves on the boards of a number of private companies, as well as the national board of UNICEF USA. John has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering from University College Dublin. Born in Ireland and married to a Brazilian, John speaks English, German, French and Portuguese. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

John and his wife Gloria are active supporters of a number of humanitarian organizations, both locally and internationally, including those that seek to aid the world’s millions of refugees. They have supported Karam for a number of years, and visited Karam House Istanbul in 2019.

Omar Salem, DMD, MS was born and raised in Damascus, Syria, and moved to the USA in 1996. Salem is an orthodontist and dentofacial orthopedist. In 2013, he joined Karam Foundation to run the Innovative Education Dental programs. He has led Karam’s dental and hygiene teams during four missions providing dental treatment and preventative care to over 3000 Syrian refugee children. He served on the faculty body at the department of orthodontics at Buffalo University until 2002, and then moved to Tufts University School of Dental medicine where he served as director of the Pre-doctoral Orthodontic Program until 2005. He has been in full time private practice since 2005. Salem is serving a two-year term as the president of the Syrian American Dental Association. He’s a founding partner and the vice chairman of the board of Great Hill Dental Partners in New England.

Twitter @omi_dmd

Aya Samman is the Secretary at Karam Foundation. She is also responsible for developing strategic partnerships. She received her B.A. in Communications and Arabic Studies from DePaul University. Aya recently received her Masters degree in Public Policy and Humanitarian Studies. She finds humbling gratitude in being part of a powerful community of the Syrian-American youth who work tirelessly at giving a voice to the voiceless, and honor to the names of human beings who have been reduced to forgotten numbers.

Sharad Samy serves as the General Counsel of Commonfund.  He has extensive transactional and litigation experience, having served as the general counsel of two prominent investment management firms; as a partner of the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; and as counsel to both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation and arbitration matters.  He has worked extensively in Connecticut, New York and the United Kingdom on matters involving jurisdictions in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.  A naturalized citizen, Sharad was also a Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army Reserve from 1997 through 2008, having served in the Horn of Africa in connection with Operation Enduring Freedom and attaining the rank of Major.  In addition to his professional activities, he is active in the veteran community, serving as a Trustee of the State of Connecticut Board of Veterans Affairs and the Judge Advocate for Post 6933 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He is also active in the non-profit community, serving as a Director of the Karam Foundation, an aid organization supporting young Syrian refugees, and a Friend of the Board to A Better Chance, Darien.  Through Lawyers for Children America, Sharad also represents children on a pro bono basis in neglect and abuse cases.  Sharad was awarded the Game Changer Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune in 2020, the Modern 100 Governance Award by Diligent in 2019 and the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award by the Stamford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2018.  He is a graduate of Columbia College with an A.B. in Political Science and of Columbia University Law School with a J.D.  He is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut and the State of New York and is a solicitor in England and Wales.

Omar Bozan works with the logistics team at Karam Reyhanli, to ensure a safer and more comfortable work environment. His dedication in life belongs to bettering himself, as well as helping build those 10,000 leaders.

Mohamad Ojjeh is a Syrian American from Damascus, Syria. His love of photography and film inspired him to create a production company: Dragonfly Production. Ojjeh received an award from New England Videographers Association in 2007 for the WAHO (World Arabian Horses Organization) conference in Syria, which was distributed worldwide. Ojjeh works as a project manager with a construction company as well as running his production company Dragonfly. In his spare time, he loves hiking and biking!

Ghazi Jeiroudi is a Syrian American from Aleppo, Syria and San Bernardino, California. He lives in the United Arab Emirates with his wife and three children. Ghazi works as a business development manager with an oil and gas services company.