Christine Sedky

Founder and Director Ayadi Organization

I was born in Egypt, grew up in the US and now returned to Egypt to start a nonprofit organization. Ayadi’s mission is to retain traditional craftsmanship, providing employment for artisans, dignifying their work and creating beautiful items for the marketplace. We are currently working with the traditional tentmakers (khayameya). I wish every day of my life that Cairo and Los Angeles were next to each other.

At eight I had a pivotal moment of change and realization. I was on the beach with my grandmother in Alexandria, Egypt and noticed that while I was enjoying the beach and the sun a girl my age was hard at work selling gum. This image of disparity was my first lesson in inequality which stayed with me, motivating me to study Economics and International Relations in college, and to pursue a graduate degree in International Development thereafter.

PS: Before starting Ayadi I was Youthink! coordinator at the World Bank!