Martine Zaarour

I hold an honors degree in architecture and design from Lebanese American University. I started my design career in Madrid working for a Spanish studio, I pursued my career development in architecture alongside volunteering for different NGOs that implemented sustainable projects related to public transportation, the environment, and gender advocacy. I founded a social enterprise called Jar Thuraya, an inclusive community of women from Lebanon who specialize in making traditional preserves inspired by our traditional cuisine. I completed a fellowship in Economic Empowerment in Washington, DC, in 2019, and another in Community Solutions in San Francisco, CA in 2022, with a minor in Data Monitoring and Evaluation with the US Department of State. I was a business advisor for a non-profit where BIPOC Women start their businesses. I completed two Accelerators in California, Seed Spot and Because, where Jar Thuraya won the People’s Choice Award. I am currently leading roles in mentorship and entrepreneurship training with NGOs in Lebanon, in addition to being on the BOD, I am completing my degree in Business Innovation with the Global Innovation Insitute and scaling the company from San Francisco.