Dalal Shahid is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Birmingham, Alabama, also serving clients in the Huntsville area. She works with individuals, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, parenting struggles, and identity or cultural issues. Dalal specializes in supporting those facing eating disorders and body image concerns, offering compassionate, evidence-based care rooted in respect for each person’s unique story. She provides a safe, affirming space for clients to reconnect with themselves and others, improve communication, and build the life they want to live. Beyond her professional role, Dalal embraces her Lebanese-Palestinian heritage through cooking family recipes, exploring walking trails, and creating meaningful moments with her twin boys. Her work reflects a deep commitment to blending cultural values with personal growth, empowering others to thrive in both worlds they call home.

 Dr. Maher Massis is a Palestinian-American scholar, author, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to amplifying Palestinian voices and advancing global awareness. Born in Dahran, Saudi Arabia to Palestinian diaspora parents, he holds a Ph.D. in International Relations, along with master’s degrees in Law, International Relations, and Clinical Mental Health. He serves as President of New Dominion PAC and sits on the boards of the Coalition of Palestinian American Organizations and the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace. Dr. Massis is the founder of Massis Properties LLC and editor of Poems for Palestine. His writings appear in the Middle East Report, Jordan Times, Mondoweiss, Palestine Chronicle, and Arab Studies Quarterly. A frequent guest on international news platforms, Dr. Massis uses his voice and platform to advocate for justice, education, and the power of the Palestinian intellect. 

 Dr. Nour Alzubaidi is a Palestinian American dentist based in South Boston. Born and raised in Jordan, she carries a deep-rooted sense of community and cultural pride. Her journey to the United States was driven by a desire to grow professionally and create a meaningful impact. While navigating the challenges of immigration—adapting to a new language, culture, and environment—she stayed grounded in her heritage. Today, Dr. Nour is not only building a thriving dental career but also dedicating herself to uplifting others, especially immigrants striving to find their voice in a new world. Her story is a testament to resilience, identity, and the courage to honor your past while shaping your future. 

Driany Crus is a proud immigrant, mother, and dental professional whose journey reflects resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of education as a pathway to success. Born into a family that deeply valued learning, she witnessed firsthand the sacrifices her parents made to ensure she had opportunities they never had. Starting out with odd jobs, Driany entered the dental field as a dental assistant, where she discovered her passion for oral health, patient care, and the business of dentistry. Over the years, she advanced her career and now serves as a coach for dental practices, helping teams strengthen their systems, improve patient experiences, and achieve long-term growth. As a mom of two, she emphasizes bilingualism and multicultural competency, instilling in her children the pride of embracing more than one culture. Driany’s story is a testament to the immigrant spirit—overcoming obstacles, reassessing beliefs, and creating a brighter future for the next generation. 

Elizabeth Shahid is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Alabama with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in diverse settings, including clinics, hospitals, university counseling centers, inpatient and outpatient programs, and private practice—bringing a wide lens of experience to her work. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University in Georgia. She is the founder of Your Story Therapy, a teletherapy practice serving clients across Alabama. Much of her work focuses on helping individuals navigate life between cultures, exploring identity, belonging, and the complexities of living in more than one world. Her personal and professional journey has been shaped by her Lebanese-Palestinian heritage, inspiring her advocacy for education, empowerment, and cultural understanding.

Gisselle Alvarez is a certified phlebotomist, content creator, and proud first-generation Dominican American who uses her voice and story to inspire others navigating identity, culture, and transformation. Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Lawrence, MA, Gisselle eventually found home and healing in New Hampshire, where she now lives as a devoted wife and mother. Her journey is one of strength, resilience, and deep mindset shifts — shaped by her family’s sacrifices, her cultural heritage, and her evolving roles as a woman and nurturer. Whether she’s working in healthcare or sharing snippets of life on TikTok (@gcooks_), Gisselle leads with compassion and authenticity. Her story is a powerful reminder that embracing your roots and rewriting your narrative can coexist — and that healing is generational work. In Episode 15 of Chatting with Slava the Jordanian, she opens her heart in a way that’s both personal and universal.

Nada Abukishk is a Palestinian Jordanian American epidemiologist and global health scholar with over a decade of experience in humanitarian settings. She currently serves at the CDC Foundation in Boston and previously spent 10 years with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), supporting over 5.6 million Palestinian refugees. Her work spans critical areas including malnutrition, food insecurity, and non-communicable diseases, with field experience in Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nada holds a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School and a Master’s in Human Nutrition from the University of Jordan. Her research is published in top medical journals, including The Lancet and BMJ Open. With a deep commitment to equity, identity, and impact, Nada is dedicated to transforming lives through public health. 

Naomi is a proud first-generation Dominican American whose journey is a testament to resilience, love, and purpose. Becoming a mother at just 16, she defied the odds by pursuing her education and building a meaningful life rooted in family, faith, and determination. Today, she is living her dream job and thriving in a loving marriage with the partner who supported her unconditionally. Naomi’s story is deeply shaped by the strength of her cultural heritage and the guidance of a powerful mentor who inspired her transformation. She now uses her voice to uplift others and honor the path that shaped her.

Tarek Abu-Jabarah is an electrical engineer and seasoned robotics expert with over 20 years of experience leading automation projects for top tech companies including Ford, Amazon, Google, and Symbotic. A proud Jordanian-American, Tarek blends his technical expertise with a deep commitment to humanitarian work. He currently serves as President of the Boston chapter of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), a nonprofit dedicated to providing medical aid to children in Palestine. A former National President of NAAP, Tarek is passionate about empowering Arab-American communities, advocating for justice, and raising awareness through service, storytelling, and strategic leadership.