business

Sara Alhumaidan Crafting Connection Through Gifts, Guidance & Authentic Leadership By Paul Smith In a world overflowing with mass-produced gestures and impersonal outreach, Sara AlHumaidan emerges as a breath of authenticity, a force who believes in the transformative power of a thoughtful gift, a well-guided entrepreneur, and a community-oriented leader. From her early academic achievements to leading a pioneering gifting enterprise, her journey embodies the delicate fusion of business acumen and human connection, one that resonates deeply across both boardrooms and social platforms. Sara’s story begins in the halls of Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, where she studied Human Resource Management and earned Dean’s List recognition for her academic excellence. Her learning didn’t stop there, she pursued further executive training through Harvard Business School Online, gaining modern insights in business strategy, disruptive innovation, and strategic execution. This blend of local foundation and global perspective would later become the bedrock of her entrepreneurial approach. In 2017, at a moment inspired by her own experience seeking an elegant, dependable gift-delivery service during her time abroad, Sara founded Raseel Gifting Solutions. Raseel swiftly distinguished itself not merely as a gift supplier, but as a curator of emotional resonance, where each token is meticulously tailored to reflect cultural nuance, aesthetic finesse, and genuine intention. In doing so, Sara set a new standard in corporate gifting, personal, purposeful, and deeply human. Under her guidance, Raseel has grown to embody the essence of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, local innovation, customer-centricity, and entrepreneurial empowerment. Through her leadership, the brand became synonymous with building loyalty and boosting team morale, elements vital in a rapidly evolving business landscape. But Sara’s influence doesn’t stop at her own company. As an accredited SME consultant with Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s SME General Authority, she channels her experience into guiding emerging businesses through strategic planning and market readiness. This dual role, as an entrepreneur and advisor, exemplifies her commitment to nurturing a thriving ecosystem, reinforcing a future where business growth and community impact coexist. Her impact has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Leadership Award and the Princess Nourah Prize for Women’s Excellence, both celebrating her exemplary leadership and advocacy for women’s economic empowerment. What truly sets Sara apart, however, is her voice, clear, insightful, and resonant across digital platforms. On LinkedIn, with tens of thousands of followers, she shares candid reflections on entrepreneurship, leadership, and growth. Posts like “Mistakes at the beginning…” offer grounded wisdom, reminding us that perfectionism, premature scaling, and resistance to delegation can hinder real progress, and that embracing learning, resilience, and trust in one’s team lays a stronger foundation. Her influence on this platform is quantifiable, ranked among the top 1 percent of LinkedIn influencers in Saudi Arabia, with an authority score exceeding 8,000, she harnesses storytelling and practical insight to elevate others in the business world. On Instagram, Sara presents a more intimate, candid side, blending entrepreneurial reflections with glimpses into her daily life and values. Her posts move seamlessly between productivity lessons and personal moments, allowing her audience to connect not just with her ideas but with her humanity. Her multi-platform strategy extends to X, formerly known as Twitter, where she distills leadership and growth principles into shareable, impactful insights, further amplifying her reach across diverse audiences. Beyond content creation, Sara also offers a Business Boost newsletter, reaching over 51,000 subscribers with bi-weekly doses of inspiration, strategy, and leadership essentials. Each issue fuses real-world stories with actionable frameworks, helping readers move from ideas into execution. In every arena, whether boardroom, social feed, or inbox, Sara’s core themes shine through, continuous learning, practical application, authenticity, and growth rooted in value creation. She isn’t just building a brand, she’s building capacities. Not just for profit, but for people. Her commitment to community is tangible, from leading volunteer initiatives to mentoring emerging leaders, she enacts a vision where success is shared, not hoarded. Looking ahead, Sara’s trajectory reflects intentional expansion, evolving Raseel’s footprint, deepening her consulting influence, and continuing to serve as a role model for a new generation of committed, values-driven leaders. Sara AlHumaidan stands at the crossroads of culture, commerce, and community, a leader whose gifts extend far beyond the elegantly packaged tokens sent through her company. Whether advising budding entrepreneurs, shaping corporate culture through thoughtful gestures, or distilling growth wisdom into accessible content, she embodies a uniquely human brand of leadership, strategic yet soulful, achievement-oriented yet deeply caring. Her journey invites us to reconsider our definitions of success, not merely as upward mobility or public acclaim, but as the capacity to elevate others, to turn ideas into resources, and to build legacies grounded in connection. In Sara AlHumaidan, we don’t just see a CEO, we see a catalyst, one who gifts not only beautiful things, but the possibility of better, more thoughtful, more empathetic business for us all.

Cyrine Abdelnour A Voice of Strength, Soul, and Sensitivity By Peter Davis In the glittering world of Arab entertainment, few stars have managed to maintain both artistic integrity and genuine warmth quite like Cyrine Abdelnour. A Lebanese singer, actress, and proud mother of two, Cyrine is more than just a celebrity, she’s a symbol of resilience, emotional depth, and timeless beauty. With a career that spans over two decades and a fan base that stretches across the Arab world, she has gracefully evolved from pop sensation to dramatic powerhouse, all while balancing motherhood and public life with quiet determination. Cyrine’s story began in the heart of Lebanon, where music and art were part of her early upbringing. From a young age, she displayed a natural ability to connect with emotions, first through modeling, then through music, and eventually through acting. Each chapter of her journey added a new layer to her artistry. Yet what has remained constant is her instinct to create not just for attention, but for impact. The transformation from aspiring artist to household name didn’t happen overnight. Cyrine’s earliest forays into the entertainment industry were marked by perseverance. She first gained attention as a model, where her beauty and poise earned her recognition. But she never settled for surface-level acclaim. It was music, her first true love, that allowed her to express what words alone could not. Her debut album revealed a soulful voice, one that echoed with emotion and authenticity. Her lyrics spoke of love, longing, heartbreak, and hope, feelings that resonated deeply with Arab audiences. As her musical career took off, so did opportunities in television and film. Cyrine’s on-screen presence was immediate and unforgettable. She didn’t just play characters, she inhabited them. Whether she was portraying a woman struggling with societal expectations or someone torn between passion and duty, she brought empathy and vulnerability to every role. Her performances blurred the line between fiction and reality, drawing viewers in with every glance, every pause, every breath. Though many actresses are celebrated for their beauty, Cyrine quickly proved that she was much more than just a pretty face. She earned critical acclaim for her performances in high-profile TV dramas and films, establishing herself as one of the few artists in the region to achieve equal success in both music and acting. Her talent lies not just in her ability to portray characters, but in her capacity to feel them. Every tear she sheds on screen feels real, because it often is. But Cyrine’s most transformative role has been that of a mother. She refers to her two children as “angels,” a sentiment that reflects the deep love and gratitude she feels for her family. Motherhood, she often shares, gave her new eyes to see the world. It also redefined her relationship with fame. While she remains deeply committed to her craft, her family grounds her, reminding her of life’s deeper purposes beyond the spotlight. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career is no easy feat, especially in an industry that can be unforgiving to women. Yet Cyrine manages to navigate it with remarkable grace. She credits this balance to discipline, faith, and surrounding herself with people who understand her values. She is deeply selective about the roles she takes on, choosing scripts that reflect emotional truth and relevance over superficial appeal. If a role takes her away from her children, it must be worth the time ,and worth the message it delivers to her audience. Despite her status as an icon, Cyrine maintains a disarmingly humble public persona. Her Instagram, followed by millions, offers a glimpse into both the glamor and the intimacy of her life. Between red carpet looks and backstage moments, fans also see a devoted mother, a spiritual woman, and a creative force who finds joy in everyday beauty. Her posts often carry messages of gratitude, reflection, and kindness, a refreshing contrast to the curated perfection that dominates social media today. Throughout her career, Cyrine has also been vocal about issues close to her heart. From women’s empowerment to mental health, she doesn’t shy away from using her platform to raise awareness. She believes in the healing power of art and the responsibility of public figures to give more than they take. In a region where many topics remain taboo, Cyrine’s candor is quietly revolutionary. She doesn’t speak to provoke; she speaks to inspire. Behind her professionalism lies a deeply spiritual woman. Cyrine often speaks about the role of faith in her life, not just religious belief, but a spiritual compass that guides her decisions, her family life, and her creative choices. In a world that often prioritizes noise, she is drawn to stillness. Meditation, prayer, and gratitude form the foundation of her resilience, allowing her to stay centered amid the chaos of fame. Her creative process is just as soulful. Whether recording in the studio or preparing for a new acting role, Cyrine approaches each project with dedication and emotional honesty. She’s not interested in trends for the sake of staying relevant. She prefers timelessness over virality, impact over image. This philosophy has made her one of the rare artists whose work ages with grace, gaining meaning over time. As she continues to evolve, Cyrine’s goals have shifted from personal success to legacy. She wants to create stories that last, songs and performances that speak to generations beyond her own. More importantly, she wants her children to grow up proud of the choices she made, not just as an artist, but as a woman who stayed true to herself. In the Arab world, where public figures are often expected to fit a specific mold, Cyrine has carved out her own path. She is proof that it is possible to be elegant and strong, sensitive and successful, public yet deeply private. Her career is a masterclass in authenticity, something rarely seen and even more rarely sustained. Cyrine Abdelnour is not simply a celebrity. She is a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a symbol

From Tension to Transformation How Somatic Exercises and TRE Restore Mind‑Body Balance By Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili In recent years, the healing power of the body in mental health has gained significant attention. Beyond talk therapy, somatic practices and TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) offer “bottom-up” approaches that harness physical awareness and movement to soothe the nervous system and release stored trauma.  What Are Somatic Exercises? Somatic exercises emphasize slow, intentional movement and interoceptive awareness—our ability to sense internal bodily cues. Practices like Feldenkrais, the Alexander Technique, body scans, mindful stretching, and breathwork encourage tuning into sensation rather than focusing on performance. Unlike conventional fitness routines, these movements are designed to restore neuromuscular balance, release chronic tension, and shift the nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode into rest-and-digest states. In a longitudinal field study of Somatic Psychoeducation (SPE), participants showed a 30% reduction in state anxiety after a single session, with significant drops in trait anxiety and measurable increases in self-esteem after multiple sessions. Introducing TRE Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises TRE, developed by Dr. David Berceli, activates the body’s natural neurogenic tremor response gentle, involuntary shaking in deep core muscles such as the psoas. This shaking is not a symptom of stress, but a healthy discharge mechanism designed to release accumulated tension.  The method involves a sequence of seven simple exercises that lightly fatigue the body and encourage tremors. These tremors mimic the natural stress-release behaviors seen in animals and are thought to downregulate the nervous system and discharge long-held trauma. Practitioners often report reduced physical tension, enhanced emotional release, and a return to a calm, centered state after just a few sessions.  Shared Healing Goals Somatic exercises and TRE work through different techniques, but they share the same purpose: restoring regulation, reconnecting individuals with their bodies, and facilitating long-term healing. These practices support: Improved interoception (awareness of internal bodily states) Reduced chronic tension and pain Better sleep and digestion Enhanced emotional processing and expression Increased calm, resilience, and sense of agency What the Research Shows Scientific studies increasingly validate the impact of somatic therapies and TRE on stress, trauma, and emotional health: A randomized controlled trial in 2017 showed that Somatic Experiencing, combined with standard care, led to a significantly greater reduction in PTSD symptoms, improved fear of movement, and better overall function compared to standard care alone. A study on somatic therapy trainees found significant improvements in their quality of life, reductions in somatic symptoms, and lowered scores on the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale). A meta-analysis reviewing exercise and movement-based therapies across chronic illness populations found that 33 of 39 studies reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Somatic yoga and mindful movement programs have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, alleviate anxiety and PTSD symptoms, and improve body awareness and mobility. A review of trauma recovery programs using Somatic Experiencing techniques demonstrated improved resilience, emotional regulation, and life satisfaction in populations exposed to disaster or conflict. These findings support the idea that body-based interventions can play a foundational role in mental and emotional recovery, not just supplementary to cognitive therapy, but essential. Why Somatic Methods Work Somatic and TRE practices are effective because they align with key principles of how the nervous system functions: Interoceptive Awareness: these methods train individuals to recognize internal signals, allowing for earlier and more effective responses to stress. Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: By activating the parasympathetic system, these techniques promote relaxation, decrease heart rate, and lower stress hormones. Muscle Release and Trauma Discharge: both somatic movement and neurogenic tremors help release muscle contraction and emotional holding patterns that can persist for years. Neuroplasticity consistent: practice can rewire ingrained patterns of tension, emotion, and behavior, fostering healthier responses to stress and triggers. Real Experience and Safety Notes Many individuals who practice TRE or somatic movement describe an increased sense of calm, better sleep, and reduced emotional reactivity. Some note the release of long-held muscular tightness, especially in the jaw, hips, shoulders, and spine, often accompanied by emotional catharsis. These practices are generally safe and adaptable to individual needs. However, for individuals with complex trauma, dissociation, or chronic dysregulation, it’s recommended to work with a certified somatic or TRE practitioner to ensure safety and support during the process. The Future of Somatic Healing As more people turn to holistic and integrative approaches to mental health, somatic practices are finding their place in clinical settings, wellness centers, and therapy rooms worldwide. Their effectiveness, accessibility, and ability to reconnect individuals with their bodies make them an essential part of trauma-informed care.  Future directions in somatic healing include deeper clinical research, integration into medical programs, and expanding professional training opportunities. Conclusion Somatic exercises and TRE are more than techniques; they are reminders that the body holds deep intelligence and the innate capacity to heal. In a world where we often live in our heads and ignore our internal cues, these practices guide us back home to the body. They don’t just complement mental health care, they complete it. For those navigating anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress, these tools offer a path to recovery that is gentle, grounded, and powerfully effective. The body doesn’t just carry pain it carries the potential to release it.

Moza bint Nasser The Architect of Progress through Education By Editorial Team The world often measures success by economic growth or geopolitical influence,  but Sheikha Moza bint Nasser offers a different vision, one rooted in human development, dignity, and the transformative power of education. A figure of immense poise, intellect, and determination, Sheikha Moza is not merely a royal; she is a reformer, a global advocate, and a force of evolution for the Arab world and beyond. As one of Qatar’s most influential figures and the driving force behind numerous educational and social initiatives, her legacy is being etched in the hearts and futures of generations. Born in 1959, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser al-Misnad has held the world’s attention not just because of her position as the wife of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, but because of the substance and vision she brings to her roles. From the outset, she challenged the traditional boundaries of royal influence, not to disrupt for the sake of rebellion, but to build, to elevate, and to plant the seeds of lasting change. At the center of Sheikha Moza’s philosophy lies a profound belief: “Education is the foundation of all that is important.” This is not just a motto ,  it is the core of her life’s work. Whether she’s addressing the United Nations or walking through a school in a rural community, her message is unwavering: education is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. And in championing this cause, she has become a symbol of what visionary leadership truly looks like. Her most defining contribution to Qatar’s transformation and one of her most admired globally  is the creation of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) in 1995. Under her leadership, Qatar Foundation became a pioneering initiative designed to shift the Gulf nation from an oil-based economy to one rooted in knowledge, creativity, and innovation. It wasn’t enough to build skyscrapers or attract global business, Sheikha Moza wanted to build minds. Through Qatar Foundation, she established Education City, a unique hub that hosts branches of leading international universities including Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, and more. It’s an ambitious project that places Doha at the center of global academic exchange. But more than infrastructure or prestige, the foundation fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking, equipping young people with the tools to lead, question, and transform their societies. Her work is not limited to elite institutions. Sheikha Moza has tirelessly advocated for accessible education across all levels. She co-founded Silatech, an initiative focused on empowering young people economically and socially, especially in the Arab world. Silatech has helped create over one million jobs by connecting youth with resources, training, and employment opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between education and real-world impact. In parallel, her role as the Chairperson of Education Above All (EAA) has amplified her efforts on a global scale. This foundation tackles some of the most urgent education challenges in conflict zones, refugee communities, and underdeveloped regions. Through EAA’s projects, millions of out-of-school children , from Gaza to rural Africa to South Asia have been given the chance to learn, dream, and reclaim their futures. Sheikha Moza’s global reach extends through her roles as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education and a member of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Advocacy Group. In every global forum she joins, she brings with her the voice of children silenced by war, poverty, and inequality. She uses her platform not to promote status but to provoke action. Her approach to leadership is subtle yet powerful. She doesn’t wield authority with pomp or dominance, but with a dignified presence and a deep commitment to impact. Graceful in public, strategic behind the scenes, Sheikha Moza has redefined what it means to be a modern Arab woman in power. In doing so, she has quietly challenged stereotypes, not by confronting them directly, but by transcending them entirely. Beyond education, Sheikha Moza has taken significant interest in cultural preservation, health care, and social development. Her efforts in these fields are grounded in the belief that progress must be holistic. Education cannot exist in a vacuum. It must be tied to well-being, identity, and purpose. This philosophy is reflected in her work across institutions, from Hamad Bin Khalifa University to the Arab Museum of Modern Art (Mathaf), which she helped establish. What makes Sheikha Moza’s journey especially remarkable is her ability to bridge worlds. She is deeply rooted in her Qatari and Arab identity, yet speaks fluently the language of global diplomacy, academia, and humanitarianism. In her signature turbans and elegant attire, she exudes confidence and individuality, blending tradition and modernity in a way that has made her a style icon on the global stage. But style for her is never superficial; it is a symbol of empowerment, expression, and intellect. Sheikha Moza has also emphasized the importance of women’s voices in shaping the future. Though never overtly political, her work consistently elevates the role of women, not just through rhetoric, but through real programs that fund female education, employment, and leadership. In her world, women are not waiting for permission to participate; they are already leading. Critically, she remains a symbol of Qatar’s transformation. As the country positions itself as a center for dialogue, diplomacy, and development in the 21st century, Sheikha Moza stands at the heart of this vision. Her legacy will not be measured in awards or buildings alone, but in the lives she’s touched, the minds she’s awakened, and the hope she’s restored in the belief that every child deserves a chance to learn. Today, when Sheikha Moza says, “Everything starts with education,” it’s not a slogan, it’s a call to action. Her life is a testament to the idea that real change does not come from declarations, but from dedication. In a world often divided by borders and ideologies, she reminds us that knowledge is the one force that can truly

Bushra Amiwala Trailblazer Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders By Sidra Asif In the modern political landscape, where authenticity and representation are increasingly valued, Bushra Amiwala is redefining what it means to be a leader. As the first Gen Z Muslim woman elected to public office in the United States, she has become a symbol of hope and resilience. With her Pakistani-American heritage, powerful voice, and commitment to service, Bushra has turned barriers into stepping stones, captivating the world with her courage and authenticity. Born and raised in Skokie, Illinois, to Pakistani immigrant parents, Bushra grew up in a household that valued education, community, and cultural identity. As a first-generation American, she was acutely aware of the expectations placed upon her, but instead of simply assimilating, she chose to lead. Her political awareness was sparked during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a time when anti-Muslim rhetoric and divisive narratives were taking center stage.  Rather than staying silent, Bushra chose action. At the age of 19, she decided to run for public office, challenging a long-time incumbent for a seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Her campaign, built on optimism and fueled by grassroots efforts, mobilized young people, women, immigrants, and minorities. While she didn’t win the race, the impact was monumental: over 2,000 new voters were registered, and her story began to inspire others across the country. Two years later, at just 21 years old, Bushra was elected to the Skokie School District 73.5 Board of Education, making her the youngest Muslim elected official in the country. Her victory wasn’t just about winning a seat—it was about changing the narrative. Bushra proved that age, religion, and background should never be barriers to leadership.  She brought a fresh perspective to education, advocating for inclusivity, representation, and cultural understanding. Under her leadership, initiatives such as the acknowledgment of Indigenous land and the inclusion of Muslim-American contributions in school curricula were introduced, bold steps toward building an informed and empathetic educational environment. Bushra’s accomplishments quickly garnered national and international recognition. She has been featured on the covers of major publications such as TIME and Forbes, celebrated not only for her political achievements but also for her role as a changemaker in a complex, evolving world.  She has received the United Nations Women’s Champion Award, been named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in Education, and honored as Glamour’s College Woman of the Year. Yet for all the accolades, Bushra remains grounded, attributing her success to her values, her community, and her relentless belief in the power of youth-led change. Her story has been told through powerful documentaries and media features on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and PBS, bringing her voice into homes across America. She is not just a public official; she’s a storyteller, advocate, and role model. Bushra regularly speaks at universities, leadership conferences, and community events, encouraging young people—especially young women and Muslims, to step into leadership and see themselves as capable of driving real change. What makes Bushra unique isn’t just her political success, it’s her multidimensional life. While serving in public office, she also works as an account manager at Google, balancing corporate responsibility with civic duty. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, further strengthening her skills to serve her community in even greater capacities. This blend of education, innovation, and public service is at the heart of her mission—to uplift, to inspire, and to break down systemic barriers that limit young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Bushra’s journey has not been without challenges. She has faced racism, sexism, and Islamophobia. But she has never allowed negativity to define her path. Instead, she has used every obstacle as an opportunity to educate and empower others. She carries her identity with pride—her hijab, her name, her story, and invites others to do the same. In a time when public trust in leadership is fragile and political divisions run deep, Bushra Amiwala is a reminder of what authentic leadership looks like. She is the voice of a generation that refuses to be ignored. Her story continues to inspire not only young Americans but people around the world who believe in justice, equity, and progress. As Bushra often says, leadership isn’t about age or experience, it’s about impact. And her impact is undeniable. From the school boardroom to the global stage, Bushra Amiwala is not just participating in politics—she’s transforming it. For more on Bushra’s inspiring journey, visit www.bushraamiwala.com or follow her on Instagram @bushraamiwala.