Theme: Together.. breaking barriers

TEDxArabInternationalUniversity came to life at February 23rd after believing that we need to spread our ideas and stories through TEDx in our country that we want to put the spotlight on , TEDxArabInternationalUniversity is an independently organized event held by its students .
Our mission is to prove the resilience and perseverance of the Syrian people who refuse to let this crisis feed on their hopes and dreams. Proving that everyone has a message to deliver and spread his/her own success story around the world.
“Together Breaking Barriers” is our main event theme, which we found suits the best with our ideas and stories that we want to share with the world , Because many creative minds managed to shine despite every challenge and every barrier in our community we wanted to share their experience with YOU!

Rida Saeed
Al Baramkeh
Damascus, Dimashq
Syria

Iyad Yacoub

Manager of Branding & Digital Communities at Stanford University

Iyad’s mission is to take the path that allows him to have the maximum positive impact on groups and individuals. Iyad is a Career Educator, Pre-Major Advisor, and Manager of Branding & Digital Communities at Stanford University, where he crafts memorable experiences for young people throughout their journey of building their meaningful careers. Before Stanford, he led the Operations & Communications team at Purdue University’s Center for Career Opportunities, launched Business Clinics Program, prepared a co-hosted live TV show, and advised several UN agencies. He is a two-time State Department alum, IVLP 2007 & Fulbright 2010. Recognition includes 2016 NACE LAP and 2015 Top 10 Under age of 40 for career and philanthropic work, Lafayette Commerce- Indiana. He served on the board of SHRM-Lafayette and International Center. Iyad is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organization & Leadership at the University of San Francisco. His research focuses on organizational learning, collaborat

Loujain Baghdadi

Business Adminstration Student at Arab International University

Loujain Baghdadi is a senior MIS student at Arab International University. She is known for her dedication and passion for knowledge. An ambitious student who tries to parallel her academic knowledge with the practical skills. Her achievements and hardworking personality make her noticeable by her academic advisor as she got nominated for The University of Almeria Student Exchange Program and came first in competition. As she went through this experience in Spain, she was able to get an internship in an international company to widen her experience in the business field. Lujain is passionate about technology in general, and emphasizes on the concept of seizing every possible opportunity to improve ourselves. She states her favorite saying “Knowledge is only useful when it’ shared". Therefore, Lujain is constantly working to spread and enhance the concepts of equality and social justice, trying to make the world a better place.

Maya Patsalides

Founder of Direct LIne Advertising Agency in Syria

In 2004, Maya Patsalides founded Direct Line in Syria, which is an award winning advertising agency and production house in Syria, Maya's experience in advertising and marketing exceeds 15 years, highlighting her specialization in TV advertisements production, Drama and Arabic educational series.Maya worked and produced value for more than 70 brands around the world, and was honored by the UN for her work with Global Compact, in addition to awards from Yale University and many others. Maya Studied directing professionally at the University or Oxford, UK and graduated holding BBA in Marketing from AUC in Cairo.

Mouayad Hijazy

Founder of Sanad

Mohammad Mouyad Hijazy is a young Syrian social entrepreneur. Leader and co-founder of Sanad Team for Development. He started his career in the development field 7 years ago. He practiced a lot of voluntary work and cooperated with several organizations; locally and internationally such as Syrian Trust for Development , Shabab project, Children Rights Association, Mubadiroon Network, Syria Scout, as well as working with different UN Organizations such as IOM, UNICEF, and UNHCR. Mouayad holds a diploma degree in Touristic Installations Management, and is currently studying Business Administration at Tishreen University. Mouayad works in the field of developing the social and economic entrepreneur sector for the youth. He is motivated by his belief in the Syrian youth being in a high global status.

Prof.Mohamad Shehadeh Agha

General physician, Neurologist and Neurophysiologist, EEG, EMG, NCS, EP.

University professor Mohamad Shehadeh Agha is one of the elite physicians and neurologists in Damascus and the brightest in his area of expertise. He studied at the Royal collage of physicians in London.

Yaman Aboujaib

Founder of Gleen

Ever since he was a little boy, Yaman had always been curious about how everything around him functioned. This interest grew into passion, and this curious little boy grew into an Electrical Power Engineer. He graduated from Damascus University, Faculty of Engineering, Major emphasis on Renewable Energy.Yaman’s first big step in his success journey occurred when he was selected as the winner of Stars Of Science 2015 competition with his famous invention of Glean water & energy efficient washing machine. Yaman had always been captivated by the potentiality of solar energy to change the world, which gave him the idea of solar water pumping system that he later discussed as his graduation project.Yaman was chosen as one of the best five Arab innovators under the age of 35 by MIT Technology Review. In addition to being selected as one of three Syrian candidates to represent Syria in the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) scientific and technology development field.

Yamanah Zaidan

Syrian Youth Representative at International Youth Federation.

Yamanah, a young ambitious female with strong beliefs in the importance of the youth in every society, and their magnificent contribution for a better future. Yamanah holds a bachelor degree in Economics from Damascus University. With many difficulties along the way, she achieved working on multiple youth supporting programs worldwide, and was later selected as The Syrian Youth Representative at International Youth Federation. She is also an effective member at World Merit Syria organization.Yamanah has a strong emphasis on education as she says “World change starts with Education”. Her words were translated into action as she got involved in different productive study programs that contribute in the persistence of the education process of Syrian students. In addition to her voluntary work,Yamanah is currently working as an E-marketer at Game Power 7 Company.