Theme: The Bold Type - Bringing light to the dark

The idea is to bring to light how even in progressive and diverse communities, stereotypes still exist. Over the years, battles of justice have been fought by many, for race, for faith, for equality, and although many of these battles have been won, in the glory of moving forward, humans haven’t defeated stereotypes, they have simply shifted the scope onto a different group.

Even in 2018, society barricades many by the ‘type’ of person they should be, which limits the life they can live. Age, gender, religion, ethnicity have always been treated as road blocks, but now materialistic types, which include where you live, the phone you have, the car you drive, have become factors determining the type of person you are.

In every generation, there comes a group of people that fight the odds and break down these barriers. They live life embracing their differences, finding their voice, and making sure they are heard. These are the people of ‘The Bold Type’.

Pristine Private School
2 Amman Street
Dubai, Dubayy, 60830
United Arab Emirates

Anjaly Thomas

Lawyer and an Avid Traveller

Anjaly Thomas is a lawyer turned writer/traveller who has travelled the world solo with a backpack. From the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, from the top of Germany to the deserts of Gobi, Mongolia, she has seen it all. She has years of backpacking experience in over 65 countries including North Korea. Anjaly Thomas has successfully managed to combine social causes with her travel and initiated the concept called TRAVEL & RELIEF. The Times of India and Indian Express have called her the pioneer of solo female backpacking in India.

F. Fadhila Abdul Hamid

Student and an Inspired Leader

Faadhilah believes that the winds of change have never blown in her direction. She's still the same girl who enjoys watching mainstream anime and debating with no one in particular about the most fickle things in literature. Perhaps it's because change starts with an individual and not a metaphorical breeze that she has decided to take matters into her own hand and strike up real conversations with real people (in her own time), about the small steps that could be taken to make the world, starting from the classroom, a better place. Now if only she had the time to start practicing what she preached. . .

F. Sameeha A. Hamid

Student and a Keen Illustrator

Although it may not show,I’ve always loved performing on stage where I could take the role of multiple characters and play with them to my own liking. Perhaps what fascinates me the most is a certain aspect of the arts especially illustrating ; a seemingly therapeutic skill to entertain myself ,take inspiration from my muses and conform it to my own taste. Hobbies seem such a fun way to engage in when the social pressures are weighing down on your back. Hence I label myself as a social panda rather than a social butterfly.

Maryam Islam

Student and an Outspoken Activist

For most of her life, Maryam has been known mainly for her interest in religion, and rightfully so. She has been keen on learning more about various faiths from an early age and enjoys debating on some of the 21st century’s most crucial and alarming issues. Growing up around different cultures and societies, this 18 year old is actively and unapologetically outspoken on the discrimination and anguish that societal pressures can cause. Maryam believes it is important to speak out on toxic cultural behaviourism and raise awareness of its inimical repercussions.

Vishal Raj Menon

CEO and Co-Founder of Fireflies Education

Meet Vishal. The lad who was never interested in being in classrooms. From representing the United Arab Emirates for the largest STEM competition in the world, F1 in Schools in 2015, to co-founding the first and only licensed youth non-profit organization in the region, Step Up Dubai, he’s done some amazing things in life. More than anything else, he wants to help enhance the education system in order to bring more opportunities to students to experience learning in different ways! Currently, he is the CEO and co-founder of Fireflies Education. He also works as a freelance branding strategist and consultant for an agency in Dubai where he’s worked with brands like Dell and Acer. He's in pursuit to educate the world through technology, partnerships and adventure.

Yahya Khan

Economics Student and A Philosophy Enthusiast

Yahya believes that the goals one sets and the standards they strive to achieve are stronger indicators of ones character than their present characteristics. Yahya’s senses of social justice and economic equity are the primary instincts that underpin his daily challenges as well as his long term goals. His pursuit of knowledge in the areas of philosophy and economics is a stepping stone on the path to contributing towards a sustainably fulfilled society and prosperous global economy.