Jihen Abbes

Jihen Abbes is a Lazord fellow and gender researcher. She has a Master’s Degree in Gender studies and her dissertation was titled “Male Homosexuality in Post-Revolution Tunisia: Dialectics of Violence and Resistance”. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language, Literature, and Civilization.

In 2020, she attended the “LILO Connect” workshop by Mawjoudin Association, and in 2022 volunteered at their Queer Film Festival. Jihen was a member of TIMUN association’s National Support Team. In TIMUN’s 11th national simulation, she was the delegate of the US within the UN’s CSW, discussing Domestic Violence during COVID-19 where she obtained the “Best First-Timer”.

Moreover, she taught English at ESPRIT University. Jihen attended the “Femmes En Action” training and the Summer School on IFIs and Gender Justice in the MENA Region by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. These experiences enhanced her communication and advocacy skills. Jihen is a passionate, hardworking, and creative person in many ways.

Lina Hidouri

Lina Hidouri is a 24-year-old, determined young lady with big dreams. She is currently a fellow with the Lazord foundation, Tunisia chapter. She is also a copywriting freelancer, a trainer, and a social activist.

Lina’s academic journey began in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She just finished her research Master’s Degree in Human Genetics. In parallel with her studies, Lina has been involved in social activism since 2019. She has held leadership positions in Junior Chamber International “JCI Sakiet Eddaier, Sfax”.

Lina’s passion for copywriting began in 2020. She started as an intern with the Tunisian Startup “Writup” and has since gone on to provide content marketing and copywriting services for Tunisian and international clients. She participated in a training for trainers’ academy in June 2023 to become an employability trainer. Lina is a believer in the power of change and in being socially responsible.

Hanen Chamam

Hanen Chamam is a dynamic individual with a fervent passion for civic engagement and international relations. Her educational journey led to a License in English and International Relations from ISSHT.

Hanen’s commitment to making a positive impact led her to excel in the Junior Chamber International (JCI), where she demonstrated exceptional organizational and negotiation skills. Hanen’s abilities extend to public speaking, as she represented JCI in a regional competition, showcasing her eloquence and persuasive skills. She was recognized as Statutory Auditor of the Year in 2022 and served as General Secretary of the Year in 2023. In her professional career, Hanen interned at SBS PARTNERS, a prestigious legal consulting firm in Dubai, where she served as an Executive Assistant, utilizing her research, reporting, planning, and translation skills gained through her studies.

Currently, she has embarked on a Lazord Fellowship within the Tunisian chapter, taking on the role of project assistant for the Thomas Jefferson scholarship program in IREX organization. Hanen’s dedication and passion for international relations continue to drive her as she starts this exciting chapter in her journey of excellence.

Katrennada Kasmi

Born with a heart for serving others, Katrennada kickstarted her journey gaining legal prowess at Tunis’ top law school: the faculty of juridical political and social sciences of Tunis.

Across seas she sailed, emerging transformed from America’s shores as a Thomas Jefferson Scholar at Augustana University. There, she delved deeply into international relations. She pursued invaluable studies, honing research, data analysis, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking on complex global issues. This equipped her to navigate intricate legal and social landscapes with nuance. At Augustana University, Katrennada polished invaluable skills like strategic research, nuanced cultural understanding and holistic critical thinking – fully equipping herself to solve humanity’s most complex problems.

Outside of her academics, Katrennada packed her skill-set full of cutting-edge professional experience. She served as a legal secretary to gain insight into law in practice. She also taught language classes to share knowledge and connect with communities. Additionally, she interned as a receptionist at a renowned five-star hotel to develop exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. Committed to service, she actively volunteered with institutions and organizations to address injustice and promote positive change. Through her role at the Refugee Center of Sioux Falls, Katrennada demonstrated an innate ability to connect with vulnerable populations. She brought soothing comfort through empathetic listening and reliable aid. Displaced individuals left her care restored with hope for the future. She also engaged in numerous impactful activities through her involvement with the Junior Chamber International of Tunisia (Rades). She adopted behaviors to safeguard the environment by taking part in ecological awareness campaigns aimed at reducing consumption and utilizing renewable energy to combat climate change.

Additionally, Katrennada honed valuable skills through other Junior Chamber initiatives. She promoted speakers at an entrepreneurship event on starting startups, gaining experience in marketing. She also led an oral hygiene awareness campaign for children, designing games and simulations to effectively teach dental health. These Junior Chamber activities demonstrate how Kasmi actively gives back through community service while enhancing her leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Her commitment to volunteering exemplifies her passion for enacting positive change and supporting others.

Seif Ben Youssef

Seif Ben Youssef has a master’s degree in international humanitarian law and human rights from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of Tunis and is currently a PhD student in international law at the same university. He is also currently a project coordinator at Avocats Sans Frontières-Tunisia. As a Lazord Fellow, he spent a year at the Tunisian Organization for Social Cohesion, where he was first a project assistant and then a project coordinator.

Ali Zaghdoudi

Ali holds a professional master’s degree in digital geography (Geomatics), is an athlete and has been an activist in civil society for five years. His goal has always been to make change in his community and work to create opportunities for youth to develop themselves and achieve their goals. He is proud to have been able to build a network of relationships with different nationalities throughout his experiences. His experience with the Lazord Fellowship has opened other doors for him, the latest of which was his participation in the Erasmus student exchange program in France. Being a part of Erasmus helped him achieve part of his ambitions, which is to travel and build relationships with other nationalities and to have the opportunity to broaden his views on the world in which we live, regarding in particular our ideas and beliefs.

Ahmed Oueslati

Ahmed’s background consists of a magical mix of civil society, business advisory and some politics. He has an academic background in finances and management sciences that is complemented by his volunteering and continuous civil society work, and mixed in with his professional work experiences. Ahmed always puts to good use his skills, his professional and academic background, and his energy for all international and national opportunities, allowing him to build a solid career.

Mariem Ben Issa

Meriem Ben Issa is an IT Law Researcher from Tunisia, specializing in the dynamic field where law intersects with technology. Holding a master’s degree in public law from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of Tunis, Meriem brings a strong academic foundation to her work. With over five years of hands-on experience in the development sector, particularly in digital rights related projects, she demonstrates a practical understanding of legal issues in the digital sphere. Currently pursuing her second master’s degree in information technology law at the University of Tartu in Estonia, Meriem remains dedicated to expanding her expertise and contributing to the evolving sector of technology law.

Abir Tayari

Abir has a bachelor’s degree in English language, literature, and civilization. She has 2 master’s degrees, one in English for technology and another in management of non-profit organizations. She has a deep interest in research; this is why she did a research internship with Maghreb Economic Forum and always seeks research-related experiences. Among the things she is interested in are fundraising, communication, civic engagement, M&E, and project management. Abir has always been keen about NGOs, and this is why she wanted to put her studies into practice through the Lazord Fellowship. She was placed at the organization I WATCH, where she was a citizen engagement officer. During her studies, she provided trainings to university clubs members on themes like CSR, knowledge management, design thinking, and social entrepreneurship. Recently she started giving trainings on civic engagement and advocacy. Abir is currently a project and financial assistant in Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and a facilitator with ENACTUS Tunisia.