Meet our
authors & illustrators

Our authors, illustrators and contributors come from all over the world. United by a passion for stories and for sharing these stories with children everywhere, they are the ones who are really behind all the movement and curiosity happening at Harakat.

Atiaf Al-Wazir

Author

Atiaf began writing at the age of nine when she was gifted a scented colored diary with a golden locket. In it, she wrote her deepest secrets. She realized then, that the only way for her to understand something is through writing. Today Atiaf’s writing is inspired by the imagination and energy of her two children. Through them, she hopes to always channel a child’s curious eye.

Dalia Menhall Mirza

Author & Co-founder

Born and raised in Lebanon, Dalia’s background in literature and journalism landed her in the creative department of an advertising agency, where she felt right at home. A few of her favorite things include knitting, singing along to sad songs and trying new dishes with friends. When she’s not writing or exchanging long voice notes with Siris, Dalia is hanging out with her daughter, attempting to train her dog or cuddling on the couch with a good book.

Lama Al-Zubairi

Illustrator

Born and raised in Paris, Lama considers the three years she spent in her hometown, Sana’a, the most important of her life. When Lama is not busy studying architecture, she brings the beautiful memories of her beloved Yemen to life through her art, in the hope that they spread her love for Yemen across the world.

Lamia Al-Sanafi

Illustrator & Graphic designer

A passionate and energetic artist, Lamia established Arthouse, the first female-led creative studio in Yemen, as soon as she graduated from university. When she’s not brainstorming with her growing team, Lamia is usually found on photoshoots for clients or planning her next big thing. And when she gets a rare quiet moment, Lamia immerses herself in her drawings, art and illustrations 

Lynn Najm

Editor

Lynn Najm is an editor from Lebanon whose passion for books drove her to study English Literature. She has been proofreading texts, editing stories and working around words in Arabic, English and French for the past 8 years. When she’s not immersed in the world of words, Lynn is always running, either for fun or after her two boys.

Mai Noman

Illustrator

Mai is an illustrator based in London. Her soul deeply rooted in Yemen, the only place she calls home and where her earliest memories of childhood were formed, her heart scattered all over the world between places and people she has had the privilege of getting to know, her art inspired by all that she encounters. 

Marta Colburn

Author

Marta first arrived in Yemen in 1984 and since that time has been committed to contributing to positive social change in the country, including through a passion for learning about Yemeni culture heritage and seeking opportunities to share such a rich tapestry with others. Marta is continually inspired by Yemen’s diversity and that even after decades of research she finds that there is always more to learn about this amazing country she considers her second home.

Sine Sofie Nyholm Friis

Web- & Graphic designer

Sine Sofie is a creative designer and popcorn machine, popping new ideas and skills whenever needed. Sine Sofie always puts her heart and soul into new quirky ideas and is fueled by working with people from all over the world. After spending almost 10 years in the Middle East, she is currently back in Denmark, using her design skills to bring projects to life

Siris Hartkorn

Author & Co-founder

Growing up in rural Denmark, Siris spent her childhood surrounded by music, art and books. Later her professional path took her to Yemen, a country she has now called home for over a decade, and where she has been lucky to find herself welcomed in a bursting and vibrant creative scene. When she is not busy growing her other businesses, exchanging long voice notes with Dalia or discussing life’s small and big questions with her two young daughters, she enjoys sitting on her rooftop in Sana’a, writing children’s books in Arabic.

Umhani Al-Warith

Author & Illustrator

Umhani is a Yemeni artist who lives a stone throw away from her beloved Old Sana’a. She devotes her art to reflect the architecture and life style of traditional Yemeni houses to her paintings, weaving in the stories of the people who inhibit them. When she is not painting or studying for her PhD, Umhani can usually be found designing, building and creating with her two children.