Born in Iraq in the 1980s, war was the norm in most of my life. I went to KG during Iraq-Iran War, and was in elementary school when my government decided to invade Kuwait, inciting a short yet devastating conflict. My teenage years were amid the economic sanctions, during which we had to make Pepsi at home, raise chicken in the backyard and daydream of bananas and strawberries. Throughout all of that, I had a mother who was the pillar of the house and continues to be the pillar of my life. She taught me to be strong, to voice my opinion and to challenge presumptions. A successful banker, a genius women, she is exceptional in everything she did (math, cooking, problem-solving, fixing things)... And above all she was/is a trooper. I got my Bachelor in Engineering during the US invasion of Iraq, went through life changing experiences that made me the broken, passionate, empathetic and mad (sometimes angry but more often crazy) person that I am today. Currently, I am fortunate enough to be residing in the nation's capital, Washington DC, working on my Master's degree while also working full time. My job introduced me to amazing women from all over the world, gave me the chance to listen to their struggle and challenges, and exposed me to great organizations (like World Pulse). Looking forward to learning from all of you!