A Message From Our New Executive Director, Salma Elbeblawi
Dear Soliya Community, Friends, and Supporters,
I write to you today with a mix of gratitude, inspiration, and optimism.
Earlier this summer, you heard our significant news of a leadership transition, with the departure of my dear colleague and friend, Waidehi Gokhale. Waidehi and I started work at Soliya around the same time, 16 years ago, and working closely with her all those years has been an honor and a wonderful learning journey.
As I step into the Executive Director role, I reflect on Soliya’s vision that started 20 years ago and how pertinent it remains today.
Polarization persists across global and local spheres, in politics, in the workplace, and even in our schools. Too many people aren’t willing to hear opinions different from their own and see the ‘other’ as a dangerous threat.
Despite a wealth of research that shows the benefits of diversity in seeding stronger, more innovative, and creative communities that benefit the overall economy & society at large, institutions continue to face obstacles to create truly inclusive spaces for diverse communities and workforces to thrive.
Humanity confronts pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice, raising complex questions that require collaborative efforts to generate creative new solutions.
The rapid advancements in technology and the sudden emergence of AI raise existential questions about the path that lies ahead, underscoring the need to invest in our distinct human qualities.
An evolving work environment which requires upgrading our skills for remote & hybrid work and fostering cultural capabilities to excel in diverse teams and global contexts.
How do we grapple with these complex challenges, all the while seeing a continued rise in misinformation, and the erosion of trust in our neighbors and our institutions?
Soliya’s mission to leverage technology for good, and invest in people to practice and sharpen their human skills - empathy, curiosity, open-mindedness, creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to listen and collaborate effectively - strikes me as the essence of what the world needs today. Through our transformative programs, we equip rising generations with the tools and mindsets necessary to embrace diversity, approach differences constructively, and lead with empathy. By fostering a multitude of meaningful intercultural conversations, we create a new space for tackling the toughest questions of our society, for collective learning to thrive, and for a new future to be imagined. Soliya's work is as relevant and vital today as it has ever been, and we are committed to amplifying its impact in the years to come.
As Soliya embarks on this exciting new chapter, we know that our small team, together with your support, we can be a force for change in the world around us. I invite each one of you to rally around our vision, to remain engaged with Soliya's work, and to contribute your valuable insights.
With boundless hope and determination,
Salma Elbeblawi
Executive Director