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Majd Mashharawi

Founder & CEO at SunBox

Professional Background

Majd Mashharawi is an inspiring entrepreneur and engineer based in Gaza, who has passionately dedicated her career to addressing the pressing challenges facing her community amidst ongoing strife and disruption. As a trailblazer in sustainable construction and renewable energy solutions, she has founded two impactful companies, GreenCake and SunBox, which focus on creating a brighter future for Gaza.

In 2015, recognizing the dire need for accessible construction materials to rebuild the war-torn environment around her, Majd founded GreenCake. This innovative company produces environmentally friendly bricks made from ash and rubble, efficiently utilizing local waste materials to contribute to Gaza's reconstruction efforts. GreenCake's ambitious vision earned her recognition as a runner-up in the prestigious MIT Pan Arab Competition, highlighting her leadership and ingenuity in business at an international level.

In addition to GreenCake, she launched SunBox in 2017, a cutting-edge project designed to combat the severe energy crisis in Gaza. Given the restrictions that often limit electricity access to mere hours per day, Majd's SunBox provides affordable solar energy systems that have empowered hundreds of families with reliable power. Her work has not only improved the daily lives of many but has also worked to bring sustainability to a region grappling with its infrastructure challenges.

Education and Achievements

Majd Mashharawi's educational journey began at the Islamic University of Gaza, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Her commitment to learning continued as she pursued further professional development through a fellowship in Business Administration and Management at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management of Brandeis University. This combination of engineering skills and business acumen has equipped her to effectively tackle the challenges presented by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for innovative yet practical solutions.

Among her numerous accolades, Majd was honored as one of the "Most Creative People in Business" by Fast Company in 2018, reflecting her influence and contributions to the fields of social entrepreneurship and sustainability. Her project SunBox went on to win the MIT Pan Arab Competition, competing against more than 6,000 entries from all over the region. Additionally, Majd's compelling TED Talk, titled "How I’m making bricks out of ashes and rubble in Gaza," has captivated nearly 1.3 million viewers worldwide, emphasizing the innovative spirit of the people of Gaza.

In September, she received the esteemed Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in Louisville, Kentucky, presented by the Muhammad Ali Center, further solidifying her place within the community of global humanitarians dedicated to making a significant difference in the world.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Throughout her career, Majd has played a pivotal role in various organizations aimed at fostering innovation and supporting displaced communities. Her former role as Local Coordinator at ImpACT involved developing strategies to facilitate the delivery of aid in crisis situations, demonstrating her unwavering resilience in advocating for her community. Additionally, as a Fellow at SI-Works (Social Innovation), Majd worked collaboratively to implement solutions that enhance social and environmental outcomes.

Majd's entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found several organizations dedicated to improving healthcare and supporting refugees. Notably, she was the Co-Founder and CEO of Piece of Palestine and I-Heart Startup for HealthCare, two initiatives focused on providing necessary resources and services to those in need. Furthermore, her leadership capabilities were evident in her involvement as a Site Engineer at IDCO Co-op and as a former civil engineer for Mashharawi Bro. Company, where she applied her engineering expertise to critical projects.

In addition to her professional work, Majd has shown deep commitment to fostering community engagement, having co-founded the Civil Peace Youth Movement and volunteering at the Iwan Center to aid local youth development. Her dedication to youth leadership is also reflected in her role as the Leader of the Youth Committee at the General Union of Cultural Center (GUCC), where she actively sought to inspire the next generation.

Conclusion

Majd Mashharawi stands out as not only an influential entrepreneur but also a beacon of hope and determination in Gaza. Her innovative approaches to solving critical infrastructure and energy challenges have established her as a leader in sustainable practices. Through her tenacity and vision, she is actively reshaping the future of her community and inspiring the global audience about the resilient spirit of the people of Gaza. Her journey showcases the power of innovation and social entrepreneurship in creating meaningful change, making her a truly impactful figure in the realms of construction, renewable energy, and humanitarian outreach.

Related Questions

How did Majd Mashharawi come to develop innovative solutions like GreenCake and SunBox?
What motivated Majd Mashharawi to start her journey in sustainable construction and renewable energy?
What challenges did Majd Mashharawi face while creating GreenCake and SunBox in Gaza?
How has the international community responded to Majd Mashharawi's work in Gaza?
In what ways has Majd Mashharawi's education shaped her career and initiatives?
What are Majd Mashharawi's future goals for her initiatives in Gaza and beyond?
Majd Mashharawi
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Location

Palestinian Authority