Consultancy Work
Since 2014, I have worked as a design researcher, facilitator, and strategist on a wide range of project-based assignments and consultancies in Lebanon, MENA Region, and Europe. My work sits at the intersection of design, learning, and social change, supporting organizations, institutions, and communities in navigating complexity, building capacity, and co-creating solutions.
Since 2023, I started to work under my Sweden-based Studio Creative Insights Studio
My services:
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Design Research is based on qualitative and empirical research methods borrowed from social sciences (especially ethnography) and developed by designers to enhance the design process. Design research methods encompass a range of techniques, including stakeholder mapping, data visualization, personas, scenarios, role-playing, empathy maps, usability testing, affinity maps, video and photo documentation, cultural probe kits, co-creation and participatory workshops, user journeys and touchpoints, shadowing, and more.
The goal of design research is to build empathy and understanding. It is about being able to pinpoint critical insights from the research methods and celebrate the unique and peculiar, knowing that rare or obscure observations can lead to new or interesting ideas. In addition, design research would enable a humanistic and creative approach to implementing evaluation processes, while addressing highly critical questions and adhering to international evaluation criteria.
My work includes:
Qualitative field research, participatory impact assessment, facilitation of co-creation processes, trend and foresight analysis, and insight-driven strategy development.
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I have a track record of successfully managing medium to large-scale projects in Lebanon, Egypt, Sweden, and the MENA Region, primarily within the cultural, civil society, and public sectors. My portfolio showcases extensive collaborations with international donors such as the Dutch Ministry, European Union, SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), Swedish Institute, and DRL (USA’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor).
Core Principles of My Management Approach:
People: I focus on empathetically and curiously understanding the needs and dynamics of project stakeholders. I bring a wealth of experience in managing projects involving large groups, with stakeholder groups exceeding 150 individuals and activities designed for over 200 participants.
Operations: I possess a deep understanding of the partnership and donor-to-partner lifecycle, enabling me to oversee large projects from their inception and grant writing phases through to implementation and final evaluation.
Context: I recognise the critical importance of adopting context-specific strategies, allowing me to excel and adapt to varied environments effectively.
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My work in learning design focuses on crafting participatory and context-sensitive learning experiences that support reflection, dialogue, and applied knowledge. I design and facilitate both short and long-term programs for civil society, public institutions, cultural organizations, and international partners often combining in-person and online formats for accessibility and depth.
Grounded in experiential and project-based learning, my approach centers on creating spaces where participants actively engage with real-world challenges and reflect on their own practices. I draw on methods such as peer-to-peer learning, coaching, and playful, hands-on activities to build trust, encourage collaboration, and unlock collective intelligence. My sessions are tailored to each context, often resulting in customized toolkits, resources, and learning materials that extend beyond the facilitation itself.
Trained in the Art of Hosting and CoLearn’s Hybrid Learning Methodology ©, I combine facilitation, storytelling, and systems thinking techniques to support deep learning and sustainable change. Whether working with youth, professionals, or institutions, I aim to design learning experiences that are transformative, grounded, and joyful.
Projects & Assignments
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Helsingborg, Sweden | 2022–Present
Managing the implementation of a local placemaking project focused on urban safety and public space activation. Designed and facilitated community engagement processes with local stakeholders. Curated public programs, events, and participatory initiatives that drew large public audiences and media attention.
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Baltic Region | 2024
Developed a toolkit and facilitation methodology for the Cultural Pearls program, supporting municipalities in collaborating with the cultural and creative sectors.
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Helsingborg, Sweden | 2023–Present
Managing and facilitating the Open Space program in collaboration with Helsingborgs Stad and Wihlborgs. Coaching local community members to develop and implement events and initiatives.
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Sweden | 2024
Participated in facilitated collaboration process between creative professionals and private sector companies to address climate and sustainability challenges through cross-innovation.
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Middle East | 2022
Designed and facilitated regional leadership and organizational culture workshops for staff.
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Helsingborg, Sweden | 2023
Curated and produced TEDxHelsingborg, featuring six local speakers and one artist. Led content development, speaker coaching, and production coordination.
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MENA Region | 2020–2022
Managed and facilitated regional innovation labs and learning programs for journalists and media professionals. Focused on religious freedom, human rights, and digital security through co-creation and storytelling.
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MENA Region | 2018–2021
Curated and managed learning programs for cultural hubs and youth across the region, focusing on digital rights and freedom of expression. Led regional training and capacity-building in creative activism.
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Beirut, Lebanon | 2015–2019
Directed four annual editions of Beirut Design Week. Curated city-wide programs on design and social impact, built strategic partnerships, and oversaw all aspects of project planning and delivery.
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Lebanon | 2019, 2022
2022 – Designed and conducted research on informal transportation behaviors.
2019 – Co-led a human-centered design program for grassroots waste management initiatives. Facilitated capacity-building, prototyping, and mentorship for Syrian and Lebanese teams.
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Sweden & International | 2019–2023
2022 – Assessed outcomes of the SI Advocacy Lab through qualitative research.
2021 – Conducted global foresight research on online learning and leadership.
2019 – Co-facilitated public narrative workshops at the SI Leader Lab.
2022–2023 – Selection committee member for the SI Leader Lab program.
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USA | 2020–2023
2023 – Designed and led global design sprints to identify organizational learning needs; scaled internal LMS systems.
2020 – Facilitated an online team retreat focused on strategy and reflection.
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Lebanon | 2019
Evaluated communication strategies across Palestinian camp schools, using qualitative research methods.
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Iraq, Kurdistan (Online) | 2022-2023
Designed and facilitated a three-month design entrepreneurship boot camp for emerging creatives.
Designed and facilitated a short-term Design & Community Management training for local cultural hubs in Iraq.
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Africa (Online) | 2021
Facilitated a two-day regional conference resulting in the African Collective Manifesto on sustainability and climate justice.
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MENA Region (Online) | 2021
Designed and facilitated an Ecosystem Lab on systems thinking for cultural practitioners across the MENA region.
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Lebanon | 2019
Designed and delivered an innovation lab focused on creative spaces and local design ecosystems.
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Remote | 2022–2023
Conducted user interviews and synthesized insights to inform persona development for service innovation.
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Balkans (Online) | 2021
Co-facilitated the Balkans Advocacy Week for CSOs and EU policymakers.
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Lebanon | 2014–2018
Designed and facilitated youth workshops on design thinking, SDGs, and community projects.
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Lebanon | 2016–2018
Designed and facilitated youth workshops on design thinking, SDGs, and community projects.
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Lebanon | 2015–2018
Led multi-year leadership and social innovation programs for teens and young adults, combining experiential and project-based learning.