Lina Chawaf

With a career spanning over three decades to give voice to voiceless especially women, I’ve had the privilege of working across TV, radio, and print media since 1992. I’ve created hundreds of TV commercials and numerous clips for UNICEF, and I’ve been deeply involved in the media landscape, establishing two radio stations in Syria, including Arabesque, where I served as the Program Manager for seven years. My work has extended to writing for newspapers like Baladna in Syria and Almoustakbal in Canada, as well as magazines such as Shabablek and Sabaya in Syria. Recognized writer for the international media like Washington Post, Globe and Mail, Boston Globe, and so on. As a media consultant with IMS in the Middle East, I’ve been part of several initiatives, including founding radio stations in conflict zones like Libya, Yemen, and Syria. Training thousands of Arab journalists and media workers. Coaching media leadership in conflict areas. Public speaker in conferences, workshops, and international events. One of my proudest achievements is founding Rozana Radio in Paris, a station supported by international organizations that now operates in Paris, Gaziantep, and Syria. I also served as the President of CMFE, advocating for human rights, women’s rights, and freedom of expression through media. In recognition of my efforts, in fighting for human rights and especially the women ones, I received the 2018 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Award. Additionally, I’ve shared my knowledge as a teacher at ESJ (Ecole Supérieure de Journalisme) in Paris, France. I got the Nieman Fellowship from Harvard for 2024-25.