Inspired by the enduring legacy of her mother Fatmeh Al-Qubbaj and her aunt, Samiha Khalil, who are pioneering advocates for social justice and education in Palestine, Orayeb Samara has spent over 20 years championing the rights and well-being of Palestinian refugees in Jordan's UNRWA camps. Through her work with the Heart of Orayeb organization, she builds on her family’s vision of education as a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering self-sufficiency. 

Orayeb’s research on the impact of play for children under occupation, combined with her hands-on community engagement in the Al Baqaa and Jerash (Gaza) camps, led her to establish a scholarship fund that has supported over 35 students in accessing higher education. Her initiatives empower graduates to uplift not only their families but their entire communities, leading to sustainable development and self-reliance. Beyond scholarships, Orayeb’s commitment extends to seasonal aid for struggling families, driven by the belief that education is the most powerful catalyst for lasting change.

Building on the intergenerational legacy of her mother, Orayeb Samara, grandmother and great-aunt, Samiha Khalil, Sama Ghnaim continues the family’s mission of education and empowerment as the Founder and Director of Heart of Orayeb and Co-founder of Parents for Palestine. 

A curriculum developer and subject matter expert mentor in post-secondary education, Sama draws from her health sciences background and lived experience as a descendant of the Nakba to advocate for marginalized communities. She collaborates closely with her mother on projects that provide educational scholarships to Palestinian refugees, believing, that education is key to liberation and self-determination. Sama’s efforts to integrate Indigenous learning models into higher education reflect her commitment to social justice, ensuring that knowledge empowers not just individuals, but entire communities. A mother of three, Sama remains deeply committed to transforming lives through education, carrying forward the work of her foremothers to uplift future generations.

a Palestinian mother of three and activist, co-founded Heart of Orayeb and was raised by a mother deeply dedicated to the Palestinian cause. This upbringing instilled in her a commitment to create positive change. From a young age, Sima frequently visited Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, witnessing the hardships faced by children growing up with limited resources yet working tirelessly to pursue an education. These experiences ignited her determination to empower Palestinians and amplify their voices. As an anchor and spokesperson with Parents for Palestine, Sima leads social media efforts, fundraising, and community engagement, inspiring hope for a better future across generations. Through her work, she channels the resilience she saw in the camps, fighting for a future where Palestinian voices are heard and empowered.