A woman taking a selfie against a gray textured wall. She has dark brown hair, light skin, and wears gold earrings, a necklace with an infinity symbol, and a black top.

Mounia Meftah

PROJECT COORDINATOR

As coordinator of the Illustrated Arab Initiative, she leads editorial processes, accompanies illustrators, and builds bridges with publishers to help new narratives emerge and circulate. Mounia is deeply connected to the Arab region and Switzerland, working at the intersection of cultural mediation and editorial production. With experience in international cooperation and a certification in rights management, acquisition and licensing, she brings a nuanced understanding of narrative development and the visual storytelling landscape.

Portrait of a man with a beard and mustache, wearing a black shirt and a light-colored patterned scarf, in an indoor setting with blurred background lighting.

Hassan Manasrah

VISUAL ARTIST / ART DIRECTOR

With his incredible experience as an award winning multidisciplinary artist and illustrator, Hassan is a vital part of shaping our Illustrated Arab Initiative. His deep understanding of artistic expression has helped ensure that our work stays true to the authentic vision of the artists involved, bringing creativity and integrity to every step of the process.

Close-up of a man with short brown hair wearing a white shirt, maroon tie, and brown coat, with a blackboard in the background.

Raphael Colombani

FINANCIAL AUDITOR & CONCEPTUALISATION CONTRIBUTOR

Raphael dedication and insight are key in shaping the foundation of our structure, ensuring that every step is well thought out and thoroughly documented. His contributions have helped bring clarity and structure to our vision, making the creative process smoother and more focused.

Black and white photo of a smiling woman with short dark hair, wearing earrings, in front of a wooden background.

Atiqa Chajai

SPECIALIST IN STRATEGIC PLANNING, PROGRAM DESIGN, CONTRIBUTOR.

Atiqa has played an important role in helping us structure the organization. With her thoughtful approach and organizational skills, she has been instrumental in building a strong and efficient framework that supports our mission.

Dr. Naseeba Alozaibi

WRITER

Emirati children’s author based in Abu Dhabi, whose work explores imaginative storytelling for young readers. She has published nine picture books with Dar Ashjar, with several titles winning or being shortlisted for major awards, including the Etisalat Award and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
In 2022, she served as a jury member for the Etisalat Award for Children’s Books.

Ana Luisa Castillo

CULTURAL MEDIATOR

Cultural mediator, art historian, and museology specialist trained in Cuba, Colombia, and Switzerland. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and mediation, she develops projects that connect art, audiences, and social issues.

Raja Aderdor

DIGITAL STORYTELLER

Digital storyteller and photographer creating story-driven programs that promote learning and community engagement. Through cultural sensitivity and narrative craft and a deep care for the Arabic language, her work explores how people, places, and traditions shape one another.

Alessandra Amorello

WRITER

Author of children’s books, translator, and Arabic teacher, active in Italian–Arabic bilingual publishing, based in Milan, Italy.

A person with glasses and a shaved head is sitting at a table, smiling slightly, while holding a pen and writing on a piece of paper. The photo is in black and white.

Abdel Ghani Hidouche, alias BOLD

GRAPHIST/ARTIST

As a graphic designer and artist, BOLD is the creator behind our visual identity, shaping an aesthetic that is both meaningful and aligned with our mission.