Tremain Smith Fundraising Exhibition
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture hosted a fundraising exhibition by acclaimed Philadelphia artist Tremain Smith, whose work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other major institutions. The exhibition brought together artists, collectors, and community members to support humanitarian relief in Palestine, with 100% of artwork sales benefiting the Healing Hands Fund.
As the event coordinator, I managed logistics and communications across multiple stakeholders to ensure a successful exhibition and opening reception. I coordinated closely with the artist and partner organizations, facilitating planning meetings and ensuring all event details were aligned. I oversaw guest registration and RSVPs, managed communications with attendees, and coordinated with the videographer to capture the event.
In addition to leading the event's marketing campaign (including social media, email marketing, digital and print promotional materials, and press outreach) I helped execute all on-site logistics for the opening reception. By integrating strategic marketing with detailed event coordination, the exhibition attracted a strong audience, generated meaningful community engagement, and raised funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine.
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Summer Camp
Al-Bustan's annual Summer Camp is a two-week arts and culture program for students in grades K–12, offering an immersive experience centered on Arabic language, visual arts, music, storytelling, calligraphy, drumming, and other creative programming. Each year, the camp is built around a unique educational theme that connects campers to Arab arts, culture, and history.
As a key member of the planning team, I helped coordinate all aspects of the camp from conception through execution. I collaborated with staff to develop the annual theme, assisted in securing the venue, and coordinated schedules and logistics with teaching artists and instructors. I managed the registration process, serving as the primary point of contact for families by overseeing RSVPs, responding to parent inquiries, and communicating important updates before and throughout the program.
In addition, I recruited and coordinated volunteers, ensured the camp was appropriately staffed, and remained on-site throughout the program to oversee daily operations, troubleshoot logistical challenges, and support staff, campers, and families. My role required balancing event logistics, participant communications, and team coordination to deliver a seamless and engaging experience for more than 60 campers.
Music Behind the Bars
Music Behind the Bars was a powerful cultural event featuring former political prisoners from Syria's Sednaya Prison performing music they had secretly composed while incarcerated using handmade instruments. The evening included a community Iftar dinner, the U.S. premiere of the performance, and a post-concert discussion.
As the event coordinator, I managed the complex logistics required to bring the international ensemble to Philadelphia. I coordinated travel arrangements, assisted with visa documentation, organized flights and accommodations, and provided detailed travel itineraries and venue information for the performers.
I also oversaw all event production logistics, including hiring and coordinating the audiovisual technician responsible for sound, lighting, and stage setup. Additionally, I managed catering for the complimentary Iftar dinner, ensuring a seamless dining experience for attendees.
Working closely with internal staff and volunteers, I coordinated event staffing, secured photography and videography coverage, and managed on-site operations to ensure every aspect of the evening ran smoothly. The event required careful coordination across multiple teams and stakeholders to successfully execute a meaningful international cultural program.
