Shaima is a researcher focusing on issues related to peacebuilding, women’s political participation, and the arts. She holds a Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies from the American University of Beirut. Her postgraduate thesis examined women’s political participation in pre- and post-unification Yemen. She brings that expertise to her role as an Associate Fellow at the Yemen Policy Center.

An art and culture enthusiast, Shaima co-founded the Madarat Cultural Organization, where she currently serves as CEO. She has more than five years experience in cultural management and using arts for social change and peacebuilding. 

Shaima also has a strong background in cultural exchange, and is an alumna of the US Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program.