A network built on culture, heritage, curiosity and connection.
Why Makaani exists
Many people grow up between cultures.
They move between cities, languages and perspectives.
They build bridges naturally.
Makaani was created for them.
A place to connect, exchange ideas and discover opportunities across regions.
What we do
Makaani connects people through:
• conversations
• curated introductions
• cultural experiences
• creative collaborations
We believe culture can open doors for new ideas, partnerships and possibilities.
Makaani Advisory Committee
Makaani is supported by a rotating group of advisors from culture, business and creative industries. They help guide the direction and values of the network.
Abdulkarim (Karim) Mohamed is an African-Canadian investor, entrepreneur, and writer with nearly 20 years of experience spanning engineering, finance, and venture capital. Over the past decade, he has backed high-growth startups and shaped investment strategies across East and West Africa, with a particular focus on education, employment, and inclusive innovation.
Abdulkarim Mohamed
Mahdis Schubert is an Austrian-Iranian entrepreneur and the founder of The Female Factor, a global career and leadership platform empowering the next generation of female leaders. Through events, programs, and a strong international network, she connects ambitious talent with opportunities, driving conversations around equality, visibility, and modern leadership across Europe and beyond.
Mahdis Schubert
Soraya Hosni is an anthropologist, entrepreneur, sustainability expert, and Founder of Clever Harvest. Fluent in multiple languages, her journey from academia to executive roles has equipped her with a distinctive approach to tackling complex challenges, combining her expertise in social sciences with a fervent commitment to environmental conservation. Soraya has led organizations in both private and philanthropic sectors, prioritizing economic and environmental sustainability.
Soraya Hosni
Mariam Al-Ayash is an Iraqi-Austrian strategist, storyteller, and founder of Makaani. With over a decade of experience in brand building and communication, she creates narratives that connect diaspora communities and challenge dominant perspectives, positioning heritage as a driver of modern, future-facing storytelling.
Mariam Al-Ayyash
Meet the team
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Jessica Hornsey
Content Strategist
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Felipe Daniel
Motion Designer
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Julia Raffetseder
Content Creator
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Lorena Costa
Lead Visual Designer & Motion
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Annie Nguyen
Asian Region Content Curator & Production Lead
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Mariam Al-Ayyash
Founder
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Shehab Waleed
Creative Consultant & Concept
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Nour Abdalla
First ever Makaani Intern
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Cristina Kashma
Head of Design & Branding
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Nani Oliveira
Lead Illustrator & Designer
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Emilia Savic
Creative Strategist Curator
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Mariam Al-Ayyash
Founder
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Jessica Hornsey
Content Strategist
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Shehab Waleed
Creative Consultant & Concept
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Felipe Daniel
Motion Designer
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Nour Abdalla
First ever Makaani Intern
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Julia Raffetseder
Content Creator
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Cristina Kashma
Head of Design & Branding
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Lorena Costa
Lead Visual Designer & Motion
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Nani Oliveira
Lead Illustrator & Designer
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Annie Nguyen
Asian Region Content Curator & Production Lead
Fusce purus urna, blandit et iaculis in, imperdiet non magna. Donec ullamcorper eget purus at maximus. Vestibulum eget fermentum lorem, sit amet consectetur nunc.
Emilia Savic
Creative Strategist Curator