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Aya Atassi Khanji
[[File:Aya Atassi Web Summit Speaker.png|thumb|Web Summit Qatar 2024

Aya Atassi (born October 16, 2002) is an Arab-American social entrepreneur, businesswoman, and public speaker. . She is the founder and president of Click Ink Media, Arab American Times, and AyaBeauty, and the youngest digital diplomacy advisor in U.S history.
 * Born: October 16, 2002 (age 21)
 * Nationality: American
 * Alma Mater: George Washington University
 * Occupation(s): Click Ink Media, Arab American Times, AyaBeauty]]

Click Ink Media
Click Ink Media is a dynamic digital media company specializing in media and advertising services with a strong focus on digital diplomacy. Click Ink Media goes beyond conventional media services, embracing a comprehensive approach to empower clients in the digital landscape.

Specializing in media and advertising services, Click Ink Media’s offerings include Ecommerce, SEO, Google Ads, Content Creation, Strategy Formulation, Email Automating, Digital Marketing, Social Media Management, and more. With a holistic suite of services, they tailor their strategies to meet the unique needs of each company. Positioned at the intersection of technology and diplomacy, Click Ink Media is a leader in digital diplomacy. Their expertise in fostering global connections is evident in their collaborations with Embassies, Government Entities, the DC and NYC Mayor's Offices, the DC Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Agencies, Tax Consulting Agencies, Travel Agencies, and more. They recently expanded globally, partnering with Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Notable mentions include advertising for the 2022 Fifa World Cup and Government Campaigning.

Arab American Times
Arab American Times stands as both a news company and a trailblazing digital diplomacy initiative, passionately committed to fostering cultural understanding and dialogue. Their mission is to illuminate the accomplishments of prominent Arab Americans through various platforms, including interviews, e-commerce, and digital diplomacy, all geared towards building positive connections. Through engaging conversations with influential individuals across diverse sectors - business, science, technology, art, entertainment, lifestyle, sports, media, and more - AATimes aims to challenge stereotypes and construct bridges of trust and dialogue. By spotlighting the achievements and impact of Arab Americans, they contribute to a richer understanding of diverse cultures. Notable mentions include interviews with Dina Powell, Jack Hidary, DJ Khaled, Darrell Issa, Alec Gores, Amin Khoury, Ray Irani, Salma Hayek, Gigi Hadid, Doug Flutie, Rich Kotite, Mona Simpson, Donna Shalala, Charles Elachi and more.

Beyond storytelling, AATimes is dedicated to making a tangible difference. They actively organize events and fundraisers with a special focus on supporting refugees in the Middle East. Recognizing the challenges they face, their goal is to provide sufficient relief and contribute to positive change in their lives. AATimes also serves as an online e-commerce platform, connecting businesses in the Middle East with opportunities in the United States. This dynamic exchange not only enhances cultural understanding but also stimulates economic partnerships, creating a collaborative and prosperous global community.

Aya Beauty
Ayabeauty is a pioneering cosmetics brand dedicated to merging beauty with purpose. Founded with a commitment to cruelty-free and vegan beauty, Ayabeauty offers a range of high-quality lip products designed to hydrate, shine, and captivate the senses.

Transparency is a cornerstone of Ayabeauty's philosophy, evident in their practices, ingredients, and sourcing. The brand upholds fair labor standards throughout its supply chain, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions while adamantly opposing child and forced labor. Ayabeauty takes pride in creating products that are never tested on animals, advocating for an ethical and cruelty-free beauty industry. What truly distinguishes Ayabeauty is its dedication to giving back. With each purchase, customers have the opportunity to select a nonprofit organization from a carefully curated list covering a diverse range of causes, including climate change action, refugee support, leukemia research, Alzheimer's care, education access, clean water initiatives, gender equality advocacy, mental health awareness, and global hunger relief. Ayabeauty pledges to donate a portion of proceeds to the chosen nonprofit, allowing customers to support causes close to their hearts without any additional cost.

Recognition
Aya Atassi is a distinguished young entrepreneur whose impactful contributions have significantly shaped and strengthened the Arab American community. Born in the heart of Washington D.C. to parents of Lebanese and Syrian descent, Aya has dedicated herself to challenging stereotypes and fostering positive change. Her commitment to empowering the Arab American community is exemplified through her founding of Arab American Times, a groundbreaking media outlet that provides a powerful platform for Arab Americans to showcase their achievements and celebrate their cultural heritage. Aya's journey is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, having witnessed and endured the negative stereotypes associated with Arab identity. Driven by a fervent desire to challenge these misconceptions, she founded Arab American Times to create a space for positive representation and to inspire others to embrace their cultural identity with pride. In addition, Aya focuses on Sustainability, AI, and Women empowerment.

The impact of Aya's work extends beyond the media realm, earning her widespread recognition and admiration. Her passion for community empowerment and dedication to positive change have garnered her numerous accolades, including the prestigiousGene Cohen Entrepreneurial Scholarship and the Presidential Academic Scholarship at the George Washington University. Her entrepreneurial achievements have also been celebrated at the George Washington University School of Business Leadership Awards Aya's influence is not confined to academic circles; she is an esteemed member of various exclusive clubs and organizations, including the DC Chamber of Commerce, DC Congressional Club, Executive Office of the DC Mayor, Onero Institute, The University Club of Washington DC, Media City Qatar, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, the National Council on US-Arab Relations, the Meridian International Center, the US-Qatar Business Council, The Association of Women in International Trade, Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers, and the Women Ambassadors Foundation.

Public Speaking
Aya is frequently invited to speak at high-profile gatherings, including Web Summit, the Qatar Economic Forum powered by Bloomberg, the Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards Ceremony, the Annual Meridian Ball, Concordia Summit, United Nations Delegations, Qatar America Institute, Onero Institute, Harvard Business Review Summits, Select USA Summits, World Economic Forum, Forbes 30 Under 30, among others. During her panel titled "Why storytelling is a marketing superpower," at the first ever Web Summit in Doha, Qatar, Aya represented the endeavors of her company, Click Ink Media, delving into the realms of innovation and marketing. She articulated her belief that marketing transcends mere profession, serving as a form of expression permeating every aspect of life. Alongside two other marketing experts and moderated by J.D. Durkin from CBS News and Stations, Aya explored diverse topics, including the impact of AI and e-commerce on the future of brand communication. The significance of storytelling in modern marketing strategies emerged as a key theme, emphasizing its role in capturing audience attention and fostering genuine connections.

Aya spoke on the "Powering the Future" Energy Stage and emceeing the program for industry leaders across various sectors. The discussions centered on envisioning a diverse and sustainable future in the energy landscape, highlighting the importance of sustainable and efficient energy solutions. Aya discussed the upcoming launch of her new cosmetics company, Ayabeauty, dedicated to merging beauty with purpose through cruelty-free and vegan products while supporting various nonprofit organizations. She discussed Ayabeauty's extensive collaborations across diverse fields and its commitment to fostering social progress and addressing humanitarian crises worldwide. Furthermore, Aya emphasized Ayabeauty's focus on environmental sustainability and clean energy solutions, aiming to combat the climate crisis by promoting renewable energy and eco-friendly alternatives within the industry.

Aya was recently interviewed by Al Jazeera, shedding light on the groundbreaking initiatives of AATimes. As President and key figure behind AATimes, Aya has dedicated herself to reshaping the realm of digital diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Personal Life
Aya lives with her family in McLean, Virginia. She studied at Cooper Middle School and at Langley High School, where she served as DECA President. After graduating high school in 2021, she now attends George Washington University, where she is majoring in Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Law & Society. She currently serves as the Director of Public affairs for Phi Alpha Delta, and is a member of the GW Women’s Pre-Law Association. In addition, she is on the board of the American Marketing Association, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association, George Washington University Fencing Club, and the George Washington University Arab Student Association.

Aya has a notable lineage, directly descended from the Syrian royal family. She carries the legacy of her esteemed ancestors, particularly Hisham Al-Atassi, who holds the distinction of being the first President of Syria. Hisham Al-Atassi played a pivotal role in the formation of Syria, contributing significantly to the establishment of the Syrian constitution. His service to the nation spanned three separate terms, from 1936 to 1939, 1949 to 1951, and 1954 to 1955, leaving an indelible mark on Syrian history. Aya is also closely related to other prominent figures in Syrian politics, including Nureddin Al-Atassi, the last official President of Syria, who served from 1966 to 1970, Lu'ay Al-Atassi, who assumed the presidency in 1963, and Wasfi Al-Atassi, a key contributor to the drafting of the Syrian constitution.

Aya is the daughter of Farah Al-Atassi, a distinguished political activist, entrepreneur, and the United Nations Ambassador of Peace. Farah is the President and CEO of ACT Center, a leading research, translation, media, government relations, and business development company based in Washington D.C. She is also the President and Founder of the National Syrian Women Association (NSWA) and the founder and president of the Arab Information & Resource Center in Washington D.C. A holder of an MA in English Literature, Philosophy, and History, Farah Al-Atassi holds graduate certificates in Economy, Public Diplomacy, and Political Science from Georgetown and Harvard Universities. Recognized for her efforts in interfaith dialogue and building cultural bridges between the United States and the Arab world, she has been chosen as an Ambassador of Peace by the Universal Peace Foundation.