Basil Ibrahim
Basil Ibrahim, a professional trainer with over four years of experience, specializes in conducting training sessions and facilitating discussions on advocacy, human rights, collective responsibility, and conflict resolution and transformation. As a MENA trainer at New Tactics in Human Rights and a LAZORD alumni, Basil has successfully conducted over 30 training sessions across five different countries. Furthermore, Basil extends his impact by giving mentoring for the implementation of advocacy campaigns in the MENA region, effectively combining his training skills with practical guidance for the advancement of human rights causes. In addition to his training and mentoring expertise, Basil is deeply committed to build cross-cultural communication. He volunteers as a facilitator for the Spanish table at Bla Bla for language exchange, actively contributing to language exchange and community building.
Jihen Zemzmi
Jihen is a journalist who graduated from the Institute of Journalism and Science of Information. She is ambitious, dynamic, and loves humanitarian and civil work. The Lazord Fellowship represented a turning point in her life, as it contributed greatly to the opening of doors to civil society in her life, where she found something of her identity and passion, where everyone gathers together for the sake of humanity.
Israa Attia
Israa is a proposal writer on sustainable development. She coordinates the, “Introducing life skills and citizenship education program in Libya,” which is funded by UNICEF Libya. In addition to that, she is responsible for drafting the Strategic Resources Development plan for running developmental programs in the MENA region. As a Lazord Fellow, she was placed at Ashoka Arab World, where she assisted in capacity building for leading social entrepreneurs in the Arab world region to help them scale their social impact. Due to her national and international experience in various fields such as social entrepreneurship, human rights, civic engagement, and economic empowerment, she has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in the the MENA region. Israa is also an entrepreneur, having co-founded the Mok3ab coworking space in Egypt.
Yosra Bahri
Yosra is a 31-year-old international relations graduate with an ongoing master’s degree in political science, diplomacy and international relations. She is also a Lazord Fellow and project coordinator at Search for Common Ground Tunisia. Interested in international relations, she has visited the European Institutions and both the French Senate and Parliament. She believes that being a part of the Lazord Fellowship will help her to improve her skills and to be a helpful member of society.
Lamis Issa
Lamis is a 24-year-old law graduate with an ongoing master’s degree in political science, and she is a Lazord Fellow and project coordinator at ARTICLE19. She started exploring Tunisian civil society by joining several NGO’s and attending various human rights trainings since 2011. She believes that being a part of the Lazord Fellowship will help her to improve her skills and to be a helpful member in society.
Ahmed Elsawy
I began my journey as one of the top students at the military academy but later chose a path that allowed me to connect more deeply with people, fostering creativity and finding a safe space to develop my skills and pursue my passion. Through extensive volunteer work, I gained valuable experience in independent research, initiative, and self-motivation. I volunteered as a case worker with the Community Development Association, managing the funding process for families, and later excelled as a PR specialist, writing analytical reports for the President and General Secretary.
Driven by my passion for community service, I transitioned into roles supporting refugees, working as a case manager and facilitator with Terre des Hommes, where I delivered training on reducing violence in schools. I then had the opportunity to join UNAIDS as a Social Mobilization and Youth Coordinator, where I further developed my skills in communication, PR, M&E, strategic planning, and management. My role also involved providing technical support to governmental organizations and NGOs.
Additionally, I worked as a Projects Coordinator at Educate Me Foundation, contributing to the improvement of public schools, and served as a Branch Manager at Masr Al Mahrousa Balady Association.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to shift my career from the NGO sector to the corporate world. Despite this transition, I remained committed to my passion for volunteering and worked on enhancing my skills by earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Now, I’m thrilled and confident to return to the field where I truly feel I belong. I’ve joined a promising and inspiring foundation close to my heart.
Merqah Foundation focuses on social and medical services, striving to make a positive impact across Egypt. I’m proud to be part of a dedicated team working to create meaningful change. where I continue to apply my diverse skill set and leadership experience.
These experiences have enhanced my capabilities and fuelled my ongoing dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Firas Alhaj Eid
Firas Alhaj Eid is a highly motivated person that always try to improve himself by adding a new value to his career, with the aim of being part of the change in the society.
Mays Nemri
Mays is a highly experienced Jordanian non-governmental organizations professional, with over six years of experience coordinating multi-stakeholder local and regional projects in Jordan and the MENA region. Possessing a deep understanding of Jordan’s political and social ecosystem and the broader Middle East and North Africa region, she has particular expertise in designing and implementing interventions that aim to widen and open civic space using social and political innovation, as well as utilizing technology to defend, promote, and protect human rights and advancing social justice in the region.
Through the Lazord Fellowship, Mays was placed at PartnersJordan (PJ) as a Project Coordinator. Over the five years of her tenure at PJ, she held various programmatic roles and was promoted to the position of Programs Coordinator, leading high-level local and regional projects funded by donors such as the World Bank, the EU, and USAID, focusing on human rights and widening civic spaces. In 2023, Mays joined the Innovation for Change Network as a staff member, holding the position of The MENA Hub Regional Coordinator, which she still holds to the present. She developed her expertise in co-design, business development, and adaptive learning, in addition to project coordination, during her time working with PartnersJordan, PartnersGlobal, Innovation for Change, and other social and political change networks.
Musab M. Al-Nahawi
“Knowledge is power and difference is a necessity.” – Musab Al-Nahawi
Musab is currently a volunteer with the HeForShe Movement, which focuses on gender equality. This movement is funded by UN Women and partners with SDG Advocates in Jordan. Within the past 5 years, Musab has volunteered with other NGOs such as LOYAC, INJAZ, All Community for Development, For9a.com, and Incitement, working in various roles such as customer service, social media, design, and coordination. Volunteer work has played an important role in his professional growth.
Musab believes that humanitarian work is a part of every person’s life, and that achievement is measured by the change that you make on other people’s lives. He has the passion and motivation for gaining new experiences and knowledge, for effective social change, and for using innovative solutions to overcome social issues in his community.
Through the Lazord Fellowship, Musab conducted research about “Youth Mental Health Awareness in Jordan,” with a group of other Lazord Fellows. However, the research journey is not over yet – this is only the beginning!
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Do what is right, not what is easy!”
Ahmad Alzgoul
Having worked for several NGOs, Ahmad has excellent management skills and extensive experience in civil society. He is currently a Community Empowerment Officer at ActionAid, and truly believes in the idea of giving back to the community and supporting youth to become leaders so that they can help and influence their communities. According to Ahmad, the enlightenment of our future lies in the hands of our youth, so guiding them is the key to this bright future. He considers himself to be a good activist, having worked in several different fields to find the right path.