People in Fundraising, ep. 123: Sherifa Krisht, Development, Amman Baccalaureate School

Sherifa Krisht is the first development leader from the Middle East to join "People in Fundraising." I highly enjoyed our conversation! Due to the volatile situation in Lebanon over the last few months, our interview was rightly shuffled a few times so that Sherifa could focus on her family's and her safety. I was, and remain, very relieved that all is well with her.

Born and raised in Nigeria to Lebanese parents, Sherifa discusses:

* The various cultural mindsets that different peoples across the Middle East have about fundraising. For example, many people give to those in need who are in closest proximity to them; donors see an immediate need, and support. Many others also give for religious reasons, either as "zakat" - one of five obligatory pillars of Islam - or as "sadakah," a voluntary additional donation. Sherifa shares how this cultural and religious backdrop impacts fundraising for educational and cultural causes.

* How she started her development career, as a student worker at the American University of Beirut's advancement department. "The office is considered the key fundraising hub in the Middle East," Sherifa adds.

* "That they may have life, and have it more abundantly." Where Sherifa saw this motto, and why it has become her guiding career philosophy.

* The emerging fundraising environment in Jordan, where she works on behalf of specific clients and causes. She has also worked for King's Academy Jordan and for Mentor Arabia, an educational NGO triangulated between Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

* How the different cultures, political stability levels, and economic disparities vary among the countries in which she has worked (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, and Lebanon).

* Her event management company, BLACK LINE, and what led Sherifa to launch this firm.

Thank you Sherifa for a wonderful and highly interesting conversation! I look forward to staying in contact with you.