2018 was the turning point for Mariam’s environmental journey. From switching to a vegan diet to becoming a Senior Youth Sustainability Ambassador in the UAE, Mariam has established a new definition for Mother Earth. She is a 4th-year full-time student at Dalhousie University, double majoring in Environmental Science and Environment, Sustainability, and Society with a certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment. Mariam is a Syrian, born and raised in the UAE until her immigration to Halifax in 2020 for her post-secondary education. She spent her last few years in Halifax discovering the Western culture and its local environmental management and policies.
Mariam hosted many public speeches throughout her life, such as a TEDx Talk @SAIS in 2019 about Humanity, equity, and Breaking Barriers. She also presented a 'Sustainability 101' stage talk in the Youth Hub of Abu Dhabi. It targeted young adults and high school students who have passion towards the environment. In addition, Mariam has broad experience in mentoring. She has organized a four-week mentoring session in the sustainable Masdar City, as well as mentoring students from Canada and the US, for the Climate Reality Project in 2021, and becoming a climate leader and mentor. She has also participated in the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and worked with environmental scientist and got the experience needed to become one. During the event, she had the opportunity to meet HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, president of the UAE, and discuss potential projects that aim to make the UAE greener.
Mariam's interest focuses on environmental law and the climate change case, and she hopes to become a policy maker to build a better future for the current and next generations.