Reem Assil
Co-Founder – Makani Cambridge CIC
Reem designs, manages, and facilitates leadership programmes in three languages: English, French, and Arabic with over 1000 hours of facilitation experience globally spanning various sectors and generations. As a mentor with over 15 years of experience and a certified Transformational Coach, Reem is leveraging her skills to drive positive change and growth in individuals and organisations.
A British Syrian, born in London and grew up in Damascus. Reem holds an MSc in Biotechnology. She worked as a University Lecturer in immunology at the University of Damascus from 2007 to 2010. Reem worked on her PhD degree in Immunology at the Université Montpellier II/France from 2009 to 2012. She worked as a Chief Biomedical Technician in the Cardiovascular Department at the University of Cambridge before embarking on her second PhD in identity studies and peacebuilding at the University of Winchester between 2016 and 2019. She worked as a Programmes Director and Development Director at Common Purpose between 2018 and 2023. She holds 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, a certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and a certificate in Mind-Body Coaching.
Reem is the Co-Founder of Mankani Cambridge CIC, a Trustee at the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF) and a member of the One Strong Voice coalition. She is also a member of the Community Scrutiny Panel at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police. She is a founding member of the Syrian Nonviolence Movement; where she headed its Media department. She is also a co-founder of the Free Syrian Translators. She chaired the Syrian Platform for Peace-UK from 2015 to 2019. Reem is a blogger and has written for several media outlets in both Arabic and English. She is a co-author of “The Arab Spring, Five Years On”. She is a single mother, a social activist, and a public speaker. She was the top-rated public speaker at the Amnesty International Student Conference in 2013.
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Azzam Al Kassir
Co-Founder – Makani Cambridge CIC
Azzam is a political scientist and researcher based in London, with a PhD in Politics from Birkbeck, University of London, and a Master’s degree with Distinction in Middle East Politics from the University of Exeter.
His research spans modern political Islamic thought and the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. His work aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the ideological, geopolitical, and operational forces that drive both state and non-state actors.
In addition to his academic work, Azzam leverages his research background and established networks to offer consulting services in geopolitical analysis and security risk assessments, as well as to advise on social justice, civic engagement, and political literacy.
Azzam is the Co-Founder of Mankani Cambridge CIC and a Trustee at the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF), where he serves as Treasurer. He is also a founding member of the Syrian Academics and Researchers Network (SARN-UK). His contributions to prominent think tanks such as the Atlantic Council, OpenDemocracy, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, along with his frequent media appearances, underscore his dedication to public scholarship. Beyond his academic and public engagements, he is also a passionate drummer.
Find out more about Azzam Here