Zainab Salbi, BIS ‘96, a humanitarian and author who founded global relief organization Women for Women International, is the featured speaker at George Mason University's 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Winter Graduation ceremonies, Dec. 19, 2019, at EagleBank Arena.
Zainab Salbi
Q: You’ve returned to Mason often. Why is staying in touch with the university important to you?
A: Of course I stay in touch with Mason. I got the best education from the university at a pivotal moment in my life, and a very vulnerable one as well. As a new immigrant to the U.S., I felt both welcomed and supported by all faculty. And as a young founder of a humanitarian organization, it meant the world to me that my teachers believed in my work. I am utterly grateful for my experience at Mason.
Q: You founded Women for Women International while you were a Mason student. How did your Mason experience serve you in establishing a global relief organization?
A: Well, I was studying sociology and women’s studies for my independent studies degree at Mason and was immediately applying as much of the lessons I was getting in the field as possible. There is a direct correlation between what I ended up doing and what I was studying. As a working student, it made a huge difference to get professors' support and even encouragement of my work. I will never forget that. Is it too clear that I love Mason?
Q: What is the best thing you did in college, or early in your career, that prepared you to be successful?
A: I followed my heart and passion and didn’t let what other people think I should do get in the way.
Q: In your latest book, “Freedom Is an Inside Job,” you write that, “If we want to change the world, we must begin with ourselves.” What do you mean by that, and how might Mason graduates benefit from that advice?
A: We have two choices in life: to live it from our authentic self or to try to implement what others have defined as success and happiness. Every time I followed my voice despite societal pressure and criticism, I thrived. Every time I sacrificed my ways to fit in with the norms, I suffered and was miserable. It is pivotal that each person, especially at the start of their career, take the moment to define the person and the life they want to be having. Having that clarity and having it be authentic and not about what others have to say provides you the road map for real fulfillment, and with that comes success.
Q: As both a CEO and changemaker, what attributes do you look for in the people you hire and work with?
A: What I always look for is the person's genuine belief and passion about the job and its mission. I never care about their work experience. Excellence at work comes from being a true believer in what one is doing. Skills can always be taught, but authentic passion is either there or not.