Heartistry

We loved this conversation with Sabah Bano Malik who shared her unique story of moving from west to east, and making Pakistan not just home away from home, but truly home base. Once in Pakistan, @sabahbanomalik has endeavored into a role in multimedia journalism, hosting her own radio show, modeling as Pakistan’s first plus size model, becoming an author, and she is a dynamic and overall person on the internet. Sabah’s witty, straight forward, no BS approach, is equal parts thought provoking and hilarious!

We all know representation matters, and our conversation with this week’s guest is a perfect example of exactly that.

Dr. Anne Huang is the Executive Director of World Arts West, a 45 year old arts organization that supports cultural artists sustaining the world’s diverse dance traditions. As the first person of color and a cultural artist to lead the organization, annehuang29 has led @worldartswest through a transformative equity journey that we believe is truly changing the course of this organization, and setting the example for so many cultural artists.

Fashion has the potential to make a statement - sometimes literally!  This week’s guest is Salman Parekh - founder of Manto @wearmanto - a Pakistani born fashion label with a touch of the traditional, delivered on contemporary terms. Manto is bold and eye-catching, with an unapologetically rebellious streak.

We loved having the chance to hear from Salman @maansals - a storyteller, psychology-marketing enthusiast, content creator, reader, and relentless learner at heart - about how this increasingly popular brand came to be!

@auratmarch is a grassroots movement in Pakistan advocating for gender equality and rights of gender-based minorities, challenging patriarchal norms and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and intersectionality. Through peaceful protests, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement, they aim to raise awareness about gender-based violence, discrimination, and other issues faced by women and marginalized groups, with a mission to create a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal rights and opportunities. 
As our guest, and of the founders of Aurat March in 2018, says so beautifully, “The root of the feminist movement is to embrace everyone so that no one is alone.”

Bina Shah is a force, to say the least. Author of six novels, including “Before She Sleeps” (a selection in @lillyslibrary) and “The Monsoon War”and two collections of short stories. Self proclaimed “writer with a global soul”, Bina’s work is recognized and sought out globally - as a commentator on women’s rights and female empowerment in Pakistan and across Muslim countries, and as a regular writer for the New York Times, the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, the Daily Dawn, and the Independent and the Guardian.

What we love about the conversation between @bina_writer and @farahyasmeenshaikh is hearing the unique story about the writer - the one who often writes about others. 

What if we could all be colonized by art (in a good way)?! This is but one of the many aspirations of Saad Sheikh, the co-founder of The Colony in Lahore, Pakistan.

This conversation between @thesaadsheikh and @farahyasmeenshaikh took place during Farah’s recent tour, and there are so many moments throughout this episode that will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated and hopeful.

Doing away with the male gaze, but how?! Through the female gaze of course!

Season 5 kicks off with a powerhouse heARTivist!

Meet Marium Kamal - Pakistan based artist, feminist and entrepreneur. Though a graduate of a renowned arts institution in Karachi, Pakistan, it was the unlearning that Marium did, and her ability to channel her anger and frustration of the male gaze, that led her to her true path of heARTivism.

Barkha and Shachi are NYC based dance artists themselves, and we loved hearing from them about their why, what, how, AND their ability to revise their approach as they continue on this path with Angaan. 

We continue to be impressed by the depth and thoughtfulness of The Citizens Foundation @tcfpak to not just offer access to high quality education to children, but also fosters a sense of community involvement in the various areas of which the schools exist.

@tcfusa @tcssfbayarea

Vidya Murlidhar @vidyamurlidhar is a Conscious Parenting Coach, Author and Creative Writing teacher. This conversation feels even more poignant in current times, as many navigate various aspects of parenting and teaching.