Allow me to introduce myself and provide you with a glimpse into my diverse background and experiences.

My name is Reem Assil, and I consider myself a multipotentialite!

Someone with a wide range of interests and talents.

My journey begins with a fusion or as I’d like to say “a mash-up” of identities. I am multicultural at heart.

Born in London and raised in Damascus within the French education system. My heritage spans Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey, and I have had the privilege of living, studying, and working in various cities such as London, Damascus, Montpellier, Istanbul, and Cambridge.

Professionally, I specialise in designing, managing, and facilitating leadership training in three languages: English, French, and Arabic. With over 800 hours of global facilitation experience across different sectors and generations, I am recognised as a Master Facilitator. Additionally, I have over 15 years of mentoring experience and hold a certification as a Transformational Coach.

In terms of education, I hold an MSc in Biotechnology and have worked as a University Lecturer in immunology and animal biology in Damascus. I pursued a Ph.D. in Immunology at the Université Montpellier II/France and later worked as a Chief Biomedical Technician in the Cardiovascular Department at the University of Cambridge. Later, I embarked on a second Ph.D. in religious studies and peacebuilding, focusing on the large-group identities of Syrians in exile at the University of Winchester.

My commitment to personal growth and development is evident through my additional qualifications. I hold a diploma in Transformational Coaching from Animas, a certificate in Business and Social Justice from the University of Cambridge/ Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), a certificate in Embodied Conflict Resolution, a certificate in Working With Somatic Wounds with Dr. Peter Levine, a certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and I’m currently pursuing a certificate in Mind-Body Coaching.

Volunteering is an integral part of my life. I actively participate as a member of the Community Scrutiny Panel at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and attend Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF) Trustee meetings as an invited observer. I am a founding member of the Syrian Nonviolence Movement and have led its Media department. Additionally, I co-founded the Free Syrian Translators, a media activism group, and chaired the Syrian Platform for Peace-UK in collaboration with International Alert.

Beyond my professional endeavours, I am an avid blogger and have contributed to various media outlets in both Arabic and English. I am also a co-author of the book “The Arab Spring, Five Years On”. In my leisure time, I find joy in practising yoga, tending to my garden, and dancing.

Lastly, I am a proud single mother to two confident young men, a dog and a cat. As a social activist and public speaker, I possess the ability to engage, motivate, and empower my audience. In fact, I was honoured as the top-rated public speaker at the Amnesty International Student Conference in 2013.

I hope this glimpse into my background has provided you with a better understanding of who I am and the unique perspectives I bring to my work. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and explore how we can collaborate to achieve your goals.