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Lara Shbeyr-Maxey, Press Secretary
Lara Shbeyr-MaxeyLara Shbeyr-Maxey was born three years after the start of the Lebanese civil war. After living close to ten years in the war-torn country, her family immigrated to America, but she was faced with leaving behind family and friends while learning an entirely new language and culture. She drew from her experience and curiosity to pursue history, and eventually, politics. Now 28, Lara has a solid root in politics and is working to make a positive change in the world. From working with the Arab American Institute and the California Democractic Party to being press secretary for Assembly candidate Ferial Masry, Lara is always learning and living by the Golden rule. Find out more in this week's Young & Professional Profile.
Website
www.ferialmasryforassembly.com
Name
Lara Shbeyr-Maxey, 28, Press Secretary and Coordinator for Network of Arab American Professionals-Los Angeles
Hometown
South Pasadena, California
Current residence
Studio City, California
Education
Howard University, MA in Public Administration (2004); Notre Dame University, BA in Political Science/ History (2001)
Work experience
Ferial Masry, Candidate, 37th Assembly District, Press Secretary, 2006-Present
Arab American Affairs Magazine, Assistant to the Editor, 2006
Vidyah Inc, Executive Assistant, 2005-06
Network of Arab American Professionals-LA, Coordinator, 2005-Present
Californians for Fair Redistricting Campaign, Director of Operations, 2005
California Democratic Party, Assistant to the Director, 2004-05
Howard University, Graduate Assistant, 2002-04
Arab American Institute, Community Relations Liaison, 2003
Ethnicity
Lebanese-American
What's your story?
I was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1978 during the brutal civil war which lasted from 1975-1990. My family immigrated to the United States in 1986. Transforming to a new life in the United States was not easy. Family and friends left behind became a constant reminder of the price one pays for a better life. Not only did I have to learn a new language upon my arrival, I had to adjust to a new environment. As I did, the questions began.
Living in a diverse society such as the United States made me curious about the myriad of cultures and history that compose its population. One’s outlook of history invariably shapes one’s view of the present, while it was also prescribes answers to existing problems. My curiosity led me to study history as an undergraduate in college. It was during this work that I first discovered my penchant for politics. By the time I graduated, I was immersed in the study of international politics. I later received my Masters in Public Administration/Public Policy and have been involved in many projects ever since.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
My primary responsibility is to be Ferial Masry’s spokesperson. My other responsibilities center on collecting information about what is in Ms. Masry’s campaign, and getting that information to the media in a timely and accurate fashion. The information includes things like a summary of the Candidate’s schedule for the day, which she has seen, called or had interactions with, and the official position of the campaign on the news or issues of the day.
Most notable milestones
My most notable educational milestone was receiving my Masters degree, summa cum laude.
My most notable professional milestone is being able to work in the politicall arena and have an impact which makes a difference in so many people’s lives.
What makes you unique in the industry?
I’m a young Lebanese-American woman that is educated and motivated to make a change in the world.
What's in store for the future?
I would like to be in a leadership position in the Democratic Party.
Unexpected learnings along the way
Like the old saying says, I learn something new every day. I’ve learned so much from working in the political field and being a leader in my community. The most important lesson that I’ve learned is that we have to be the change we want to see in the world.
Lara with William Cohen
Who would you like to be contacted by?
I would like to be contacted by Non-Profit Organizations that are helping the people of the Middle East and Think-tanks that deal with the conflicts in that region.
I would also like to be contacted for work on future Democratic political campaigns.
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Best way to stay ahead
Think ahead.
“I’ve learned so much from working in the political field and being a leader in my community. The most important lesson that I’ve learned is that we have to be the change we want to see in the world.” Guiding principle in life
“Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.”~ Khalil Gibran
Yardstick of success
Having my family believe in me; especially my life long partner Kenneth E. Maxey.
Goal yet to be achieved
Justice around the world.
Best practical advice
Do onto others as you would wish them do onto you..
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
We have and continue to support Lara in all her endeavors. She truly makes us proud.
Most memorable business experience
Teaching undergraduate classed while receiving my MPA.
What motivates you for success?
The injustices that are happening around the world, particularly in the Middle East.
Like best about what you do
Empowering the Arab American community and working for democracy.
Like least about what you do
Unfortunately, there will always be injustice in the world and it’s a very difficult to set a goal of wiping it out completely.
Lara with Dr. James Zogby
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A professor because my father Habib was a principal in Lebanon and my mother Najat was a French teacher in his school…That’s actually how they met!
What was your first job?
Working in real estate to help in my father’s business.
Biggest pastimes outside of work
I love reading, working out, and hanging out with friends.
Person most interested in meeting
I wish I could have met Mr. Rafik Hariri before he died. Hariri was assassinated on February 14th, 2005 when explosives equivalent to around 1000 kg of TNT were detonated as his motorcade drove past the St George Hotel in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Mr. Hariri has spent billions of dollars towards Lebanon rebuilding efforts after the civil war. Beirut now looks like a city in Europe, some compare it to Paris. Unfortunately it is now being attacked by Israel.
I wanted to meet him because he made such an incredible impact in Lebanon and dedicated years and billions of dollars from his own money to Lebanon’s reconstruction.
Leader in business most interested in meeting
I would like to meet Dr. Ray Irani who is a former chemist with dozens of patents became Armand Hammer’s successor as chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer of Occidental Petroleum. He would definitely teach me thing or two about business!
Three characteristics that describe you
Outgoing, motivated, determined.
Three characteristics that describe you
Funny, successful, desired.
Three greatest passions
Politics, making a difference and history.
Favorite book
The Prince by Nicolo Machiavelli
Favorite Cause
The plight of the people of the Middle East against aggression and occupation of Arab lands.
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