Ola Almadhoun
Burke,VA
Summary
Strategic communications and media relations leader with 15+ years of experience delivering humanitarian storytelling, crisis communications, and global media engagement across the Middle East and the United States. With roles at UNRWA HQ Gaza, UN Radio, Alhurra TV, and Radio Sawa, I have led communications and reporting through wars, displacement, and major political developments—translating complex crises into clear, compelling narratives for international audiences, donors, policymakers, and the media. A refugee from Gaza, I bring lived experience in conflict settings and a deep commitment to ethical, dignity-centered storytelling, along with a proven record of securing high-impact coverage and strengthening relationships with top-tier U.S., regional, and international journalists. Currently pursuing an M.A. in Public Relations & Corporate Communications at Georgetown University, I integrate field experience with advanced training in strategic communications, PR writing, media relations, and integrated campaign planning.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Interview Producer
Alhurra TV (MBN)
Springfield, United States
06.2019 - 09.2024
- Produced and coordinated high-profile interviews with global leaders, policymakers, and subject-matter experts, strengthening Alhurra's credibility across the Middle East.
- Led editorial planning on political, humanitarian, and social issues, shaping narratives that informed regional audiences and contributed to public discourse.
- Collaborated with communications, digital, and field teams to ensure accurate, resonant, and audience-focused storytelling.
- Built and maintained relationships with international experts, journalists, and spokespeople, expanding access to diverse and influential voices.
- Strengthened public trust and visibility through strategically curated interviews.
- Increased audience engagement across platforms through editorial planning and content design.
- Expanded a network of high-level media and policy contacts, enhancing future coverage opportunities.
Assignment Editor
Radio Sawa (MBN)
Springfield, United States
09.2015 - 06.2019
- Directed a global network of 70+ reporters across the U.S., Europe, and MENA, guiding coverage of political, humanitarian, and social developments under tight deadlines.
- Coordinated international news planning and resource deployment to ensure timely, accurate, and high-impact reporting.
- Shaped story development from concept to broadcast, applying strong editorial judgment and contextual awareness to complex, fast-moving events.
- Oversaw coverage of major crises, ensuring accuracy, balance, and relevance for diverse audiences.
- Enhanced reporting quality through collaboration with correspondents and producers.
- Strengthened narrative consistency and editorial standards across multiple regions.
- Led rapid responses to breaking news, ensuring credibility and strategic alignment.
Reporter
UN Radio
Gaza, Palestine
03.2010 - 09.2015
- Reported on humanitarian developments in Gaza, providing frontline coverage during three wars and major crises.
- Conducted exclusive interviews with UN officials, beneficiaries, and community leaders to deliver accurate, context-rich reporting.
- Produced stories that brought local perspectives to international audiences, strengthening global understanding of conditions on the ground.
- Ensured accuracy, clarity, and alignment with UN editorial standards under fast-paced, high-pressure conditions.
- Delivered timely, credible crisis coverage that elevated Palestinian voices globally.
- Informed UN communications by providing ground-level insights during emergencies.
- Enhanced international awareness through consistent, high-quality storytelling.
Media & Communications Specialist
UNRWA HQ
Gaza, Palestine
01.2006 - 09.2015
- Developed and led strategic communications plans during multiple Gaza conflicts, aligning field operations with donor priorities and humanitarian messaging.
- Managed high-pressure media relations to protect organizational credibility and built relationships with 100+ international journalists to secure balanced, timely coverage.
- Led UNRWA Gaza's video archive and shaped multimedia storytelling on Palestine refugees, Summer Games, and child-focused programs reaching 250,000 participants.
- Coordinated messaging with leadership and ensured content quality aligned with UN standards.
- Produced storytelling that strengthened donor engagement and public understanding.
- Collaborated across departments to support accountability, visibility, and narrative alignment.
- Oversaw multimedia quality and consistency, ensuring adherence to UN editorial standards.
Consultant
International Institute for Islamic Thought
Herndon, United States
10.2023 - Current
- Provided editorial and digital publishing support for academic titles, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and professional quality across EPUB and audiobook formats.
- Edited and reviewed manuscripts, formatting, and audio scripts to align with institutional standards.
- Supported efficient production workflows by preparing fully formatted, error-free materials for narrators and post-production teams.
- Delivered accurate, publication-ready EPUB files that met editorial standards.
- Improved audiobook quality through meticulous editing and preparation.
- Supported streamlined production processes with precise, reliable deliverables.
Education
M.A. - Public Relations & Corporate Communications
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.05.2026
B.A. - Business Administration
Islamic University
Gaza, Palestine08.2006
Skills
- Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Humanitarian Storytelling
- Strategic Communications
- Writing & Editing
- Cross-Cultural Engagement
- Message Framing
- Brand Positioning
- Advocacy & Outreach
- Reputation Management
Personal Information
A refugee from Gaza and a communications leader, my mission is to elevate the stories of marginalized communities with integrity and compassion, ensuring their lived realities influence international awareness, policy, and humanitarian support.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
Writing International News - Thomson Reuters, London
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Consultant
International Institute for Islamic Thought
10.2023 - Current
Interview Producer
Alhurra TV (MBN)
06.2019 - 09.2024
Assignment Editor
Radio Sawa (MBN)
09.2015 - 06.2019
Reporter
UN Radio
03.2010 - 09.2015
Media & Communications Specialist
UNRWA HQ
01.2006 - 09.2015
M.A. - Public Relations & Corporate Communications
Georgetown University
B.A. - Business Administration
Islamic University