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Inas Elmashni
Inas Elmashni of ZawayaThe best way to learn about another culture is to experience it, plain and simple. Especially during times of escalated cultural tensions. Zawaya is answering the call of increasing awareness of Arab culture. Founded in 2001, this Bay Area non-profit has been actively involved in the community and, with the support of volunteers like Inas Elmashni, brings music, arts, theatre, poetry, and general culture from the Middle East. Aside from artistic endeavors like sponsoring an Arab choir, the organization also hosts an annual iftar dinner for low income families. The ambition and drive to educate and give back to the community while fostering creativity in all forms to promote better understanding are what make Zawaya this week's Non-Profit Spotlight. Keep reading to learn more.
Non-Profit
ZAWAYA
Founded
March 2001
Website
www.zawaya.org
Name
Inas Elmashni
Age
28
Hometown
San Francisco, California
Current residence
San Francisco, California
Education
San Francisco, B.A. Interior Architecture & Design, 2000.
Work Experience
Arab Cultural & Community Center, SF, Associate Director, 2000-Present.
Ethnicity
Palestinian
About the non-profit
ZAWAYA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Arabic Music, Art, Poetry, Literature, Theature, and Culture through instruction and presentation. ZAWAYA is a Tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization with 501(C)3 status.
Zawaya was established in 2001 by a group of Arabs and Americans in the Bay Area to promote the public expression of Arab art and culture. By providing a forum for exhibiting all forms of Arab culture, we strive to create understanding of this rich heritage. Zawaya works with any and all existing Arab and American organizations that support Arab culture.
Most notable milestones
Zawaya sponsors "Aswat", the only Bay Area Arab community choir, which has been promoting Arabic music for several years. This multi-ethnic and diverse choir has performed at the Academy of Sciences, at Arab Festivals in San Francisco and Seattle, and at many colleges and universities. Performances have raised funds for Arab families in time of need, but the primary focus is on love of the music itself.
Every year, Zawaya sponsors an annual Ramadan Iftar for low income Muslim Families in San Francisco. The families are treated to an Iftar, gifts, entertainment and Iddiya gifts for the children.
What's the niche?
ZAWAYA is the only non-profit organization aimed at promoting Arab Artists and Musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What's the biggest challenge?
Our biggest obstacles would include overcoming misconceptions and sterotypes about the Arab culture and arts.
What's in store for the future?
Zawaya looks forward to the future where we hope to establish and promote:
- An Arab book club to meet monthly in members' homes.
- An Arab Culture night at a local theater, including a fashion show, poetry, music.
- A night of Islamic world weddings at a local theater.
- A grand exhibit by local Arab artists.
- ASWAT concerts focused on great Arab musicians such as Umm Kulthoum, Sabah Fakhri, and Abdel Wahhab.
- An evening of Arabic proverbs, where all participate in reciting favorite proverbs from all over the Arab World.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Zawaya would like Artists, Musicians, Poets and all others interested in promoting the arts and music to contact us. We encourage other non-profits local and abroad to contact us as well.
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Guiding principle in life
Live life with an open heart.
Goal yet to be achieved
To help build parks and schools for children in Palestine.
Best practical advice
Be grateful for what you have and focus less on what you dont.
Mentor(s) and why?
Nabila Mango! The San Francisco Bay Area knows why :)
What motivated you to get started?
My passion to play a positive role in helping promote Arab culture, history and to help disseminate misconceptions about our people. If we as Arab-Americans dont do so, who will?
Like best about what you do?
Making a direct impact in the lives of newcomer Immigrant Arab families who need all the support they can get.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A weather girl, like the ones you see on Arabic satellite channels!
Person most interested in meeting and why?
Hanan Ashrawi, spokeswoman, human rights activist and political activist for the Palestinian cause. A strong and wonderful role model for women and girls.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. I love to cook and would like to start my own Arabic food business in the future.
2. I was once in a Palestinian Debka troupe.
3. Being born and raised here, people are always amazed at my ability to speak the old school Arabic known as "Falahee"
Three characteristics that describe you
1.Loud
2.Trustworthy
3.Social
Three greatest passions
1.Islam
2.Palestinian Cause
3.Fighting ignorance
Favorite book
Orientalism by Edward Said.
Favorite cause
Palestinian Human Rights.
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