Jenan Awaida was born and raised in Orange County where she returned after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with her bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a specialization in Peace and Conflict Studies in the Middle East and North Africa. Driven by Islamic teachings and values, Jenan Awaida has spent the greater part of her life involved in community organizing, advocating for human autonomy globally and locally, and hosting educational based workshops and teach-ins for community members and allies. She hopes to one day serve victims of colonial and military trauma through educational and clinical care rooted in Islamic traditions. Jenan believes in the significant impact of joint struggle, where collaboration with one another can achieve liberation when grounded by common interests and objectives. In her free time Jenan enjoys volunteering, pottery, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.
![](https://maristan.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Zainab-Khan.png)