“In Solidarity, Not Charity”: What Migrants Organise Taught Me About Leadership
Final LiA Reflection
About Jannah Elgamal
I’m an International History major at Georgetown University in Qatar, also pursuing a certificate in Media and Politics. My academic focus lies in understanding the post-Arab Spring Middle East through qualitative research—examining revolutions, civil wars, and Islamist movements to uncover the human stories behind these events.
I’m especially drawn to the intersection of academia, art, and journalism. I recently worked on a creative media project documenting the making of a Sudanese feature film during the ongoing conflict in Egypt, and I’ve explored the political culture of Syrian diaspora youth and the voices of Gazan evacuees in Qatar.
This summer, I’m interning with Migrants Organise in London, supporting grassroots advocacy, community organizing, and storytelling projects with migrants and refugees. Across all my work, I aim to tell stories with empathy and depth—highlighting resilience, dignity, and the power of collective action.
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Influencer Of
Colleen Dougherty
Assistant Director, Center for Research & Fellowships, Georgetown University
Youness Robert-Tahiri
MSocSci Psychology Candidate (Laidlaw Scholars Alumnus), University of Cape Town
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It’s been both inspiring and heartbreaking to read your blogs, Fiona. Inspiring in how you’ve embraced this unique experience and shared your reflections with such honesty. But also heartbreaking—especially the last part—to learn about the exploitative and inhumane treatment of agricultural workers, and the impact of high unemployment on young people’s sense of hope. I’ve recently been reading about Syrian workers in oil companies being exposed to dangerous radiation without even knowing it. It’s outrageous how easily large corporations profit from the exploitation of vulnerable workers. Thank you for shedding light on these issues and I hope to see more models like UGTT.