Amira Karaoud

MA Degree Student

About

I received an MBA in financial Management from Pace University, NY. Have worked as Global Financial Analyst in Wall Street for ten years. Four years ago, I quit my career in finance to dedicate my time to activism, using art to express my ideology.

I started my transition to art and activism with a one year trip around the world, sailing through Papua New Guinea and traveling, working and living with tribes across 15 countries. 

To enrich my knowledge and professional outgrowth I joined the Anthropology department for a master degree. The courses I took on my first semester, Digital Ethnography and Linguistic, allowed me to apply ethnographic methods and analysis to my my recent work in Palestine and Western Sahara, done prior joining the program, as well as presenting at conferences. I recently presented at the Sociology of Development conference and will present at the 2017 AAA meeting.

I continue to be an active member in the community volunteering with KRM and offer free art classes for kids with Louisville Free Public Library. Additionally, I started the Community Engagement Academy with UofL to further engage with local NGOs.

I am currently a member of American Anthropology Association, Visual Anthropology, US Women's Caucus in UN, Louisville Photo Biennial, World Affair Council and Louisville Students for Justice in Palestine and I serve as Graduate Liaison for Feminist Development.

Fun Facts:

I am travel addict and a blogger, have travelled to 46 countries. My only souvenir buy when I travel is the translated version of “le Petit Prince.”

I love cooking and collect recipes from around the world.

I am an open water diver who enjoys searching for Nemo when I dive. I have cage dived to see white shark but prefer to swim with dolphins.

I love to take physical and mental challenges, I have hiked the Kokoda trails in 5 days, bikes Boston to NY in 3 days and done 13 days of silence meditation.