Ruba

Palestinian Delegation, 1994
Seeds of Peace Fellow, 2015

IMPACT: POLITICAL

Working to transform Palestinian diplomacy.

How have you impacted your community?

I am a development professional and certified employability trainer with more than 10 years of experience in internationally-funded development programs. My recent work has focused on building capacity in institutions that serve Palestinian youth through training programs and mentorships. I am an advocate for sustainable social change through tolerance and peace building efforts and I support various peacebuilding organizations including Seeds of Peace and the Palestinian Center for Transitional Justice.

In partnership with 2015 Fellow Dalal, I am working to create an organization that would provide training and coaching to new members of the Palestinian diplomatic corps and to all entities that represent Palestine at international conventions and conferences. This would include people who work in advocacy groups, politicians, and NGO employees. Following the model of diplomatic institutes around the world, such as the Foreign Service Institute in the United States, the main objectives will be to empower civil servants by enhancing their ability to advocate for their nation internationally.

EDUCATION

• BA, Business Administration (Birzeit University)
• MA, Conflict Transformation (Eastern Mennonite University)
• Fulbright Scholar

“Seeds of Peace was an eye opening experience, and has played a role in shaping my worldview and subsequently in choosing my education and career path as I discovered my passion to be a change agent in my country and the region. The changes I see in youth is what inspires me the most. I am a big believer of the importance of taking baby steps towards change.”