Monia Ashayer
Our Jerusalem-based manager, Monia Ashayer, is an ambitious artist known for her intricate linear calligraphic Arabic art and dynamic VJ performances. A passionate advocate for self-expression in a city where it can often be stifled, she was one of the first to join Open Mic Palestine’s Jerusalemite team. Through this platform, Monia has dedicated herself to encouraging the voices of those who may otherwise go unheard, using art as both a personal and collective form of resistance. With her work, she blends tradition and modernity, creating pieces that speak to the complexities of life in Jerusalem. Instagram link email address
Ali Jallad
Our advisor as well as Ramallah-based manager, Ali Jallad, is a Human Rights and International Law student at AlQuds University - Abu Dis, and has been volunteering with Open Mic Palestine since its establishment. Ali has been interning at the Palestine Red Crescent Society since February 2023. He loves poetry and has been writing poetry for a few years now, and Open Mic Palestine has been a home for his creativity from the very start of his journey of self expression.
Stephanie Saieh
Our Bethlehem-based manager, Stephanie Saieh, is Palestinian-Colombian. She studied English Literature and Language, with a minor in Psychology, and is currently completing an intensive diploma in Project Management. She joined Open Mic Palestine in 2023. She felt that Open Mic Palestine has given her the space to share her thoughts, feelings and to be herself; she wanted to give the same safe place for others, and for everyone to experience something new.
Diala Taneeb
Our Ramallah-based hostess, Diala Taneeb, has experienced culture shock everywhere, from Roanoke, Virginia to Ramallah, Palestine. She is a comedian who brings an unexpected twist to humor. She has performed across Palestine and the U.S, including at Caroline’s and Gotham, where she shared the stage with Ramy Yousef. When she’s not writing jokes, she’s writing advertisements.
Konrad Suder Chatterjee
Our co-founder and producer of Open Mic Palestine, Konrad Suder Chatterjee, is of Czech-Polish descent. He is a Poland and UK-educated multimodal and multi-award winning artist, a former artist in residence (research associate) at Development Department, SOAS, University London, UK, and a trained educator in the UK (PGCE) and language teacher (Latin and Greek). He holds an MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development from SOAS as well as BA and MA in Classics (Latin and Greek) He believes in the unparalleled generative and regenerative power of creativity as a tool to mitigate traumatic impact of and prevent local and global violence.
Hashem Ayesh
Hashem, our Bethlehem-based content creator, was born on December 28th 1999, is a multimedia and digital production graduate. Passionate about content creation since 2016, he began sharing his work on social media to inspire others and grow alongside his audience. He currently works as a gallery coordinator at Bab Iddeir Art Gallery, while also managing content and social media accounts for several local businesses. With experience in graphic design, he has created posters and social media visuals for various clients. He also started sharing his passion for art with others by giving acrylic pouring workshops in collaboration with some local institutions such as Dar Al Majus and Al Hara Theatre, back in 2021 he won the Nur sustainability project award for the best short film with Bethlehem municipality and Italy. Hashem joined Open Mic Palestine in 2023 when he offered to photograph and document an event he was attending, eventually becoming an integral part of the team.
Kamelia Abu Fadda
Our Bethlehem-based Front of House, Kamelia Abu Fadda, joined the team in September of 2023. Ever since she was little, she felt a calling towards art, specifically the written art, and has been writing poetry and short stories since her teen years. This encouraged her to pursue studying English Language and Literature. You'll often find her reading a book or drowning in a story. Otherwise, she'll be in the kitchen trying new vegetarian recipes or eating fruits, she loves fruits. Kamelia is a spring of serenity who tries to find peace and art both within and without her. In Open Mic Palestine, she found a semblance of that among artists of all kinds and that's why she chose to join. Alongside her involvement with Open Mic Palestine, she seeks to further her studies in her field or venture into the world of philosophy. She is our welcoming face upon joining our events so don't forget to say hello when you see her, as she adores all the participants and attendees.
Malaak Atyani
Our Ramallah-based hostess, Malaak Atyani, is a warm and welcoming presence who brings enthusiasm and authenticity wherever she is. A 22 year old passionate singer with a deep love for music, Malaak enjoys expressing herself through her voice and connecting with others through melodies. She also finds comfort and inspiration in caring for plants and animals, reflecting her appreciation for the beauty of nature. Malaak has a keen interest in understanding emotions and how people experience and respond to them, which drives her curiosity and empathy in building meaningful connections. Known for her fun-loving and open-minded nature, she approaches life as an opportunity to grow, learn, and share. Excited to meet and collaborate with everyone, Malaak sees her journey with Open Mic Palestine as a shared experience where creativity and growth can thrive. She’s ready to embrace the process with a positive outlook.
Georgette Maskobi
Our coordinator, Georgette Maskobi, is an English Language and Literature graduate from Bethlehem University. She speaks a total of 6 languages and currently works as a freelance translator, editor, and language instructor. Her favorite book genre is fantasy fiction and she aspires to publish her own novels and poetry. Besides being a wordsmith, she is an herbal collector, nature admirer, and dog lover. She's worked with multiple animal welfare organizations, such as Holland-based NGO Animal Heroes and the Bethlehem Animal and Environment Association in Palestine. Her favorite places in the world are the Old City of Jerusalem and Taybeh village. She joined Open Mic Palestine before she moved to Switzerland because she wanted to carry her homeland beyond her heart; to water the roots of Open Mic Palestine in the midst of a dusk craze for plucking the blooming voices of her people is her homage to Palestine.
Karma Barghothi
Our Jerusalem-based hostess, Karma Barghothi is an artist and vocalist with a diverse range of influences in both art and music, with a background in Cinema and Film. Karma joined Open Mic because she felt the importance of cultivating such an initiative in Jerusalem especially, a city where voices are silenced and where expression is demolished.
Vanessa Gazzawi
Our Jerusalem-based Front of House, Vanessa Gazzawi, is an emerging Palestinian writer and artist who joined the team in early 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Languages with a Minor in Psychology from Bethlehem University. Writing has always been her passion; a powerful medium for self-expression and connection. Vanessa’s passion for art and writing is deeply connected to her Palestinian identity, allowing her to preserve her heritage while exploring themes of resilience, belonging, and hope. Currently working as a fundraising officer at PalVision, Vanessa continues to make an impact through her writing, albeit in a more traditional capacity. Beyond her professional endeavors, she dedicates her time to a variety of artistic projects, including pottery, stained glass, creative writing, and baking. When she’s not immersed in her creative pursuits, you might find her unwinding with a good movie or book, adding yet another layer to her personality.