Past TEDx event

TEDxYarmouk University

ODYSSEY — From Jordan’s Heart to the World’s Horizon

Took placeJuly 19, 2025
LocationIrbid, Irbid, Jordan
FormatUniversity
Odyssey isn't just an ancient legend passed down through time — it's the heartbeat of every dreamer who dared to challenge their reality and carve their voice out of silence. From the soil of Jordan, every step tells a story of resilience — of an idea that refused to fade, of a dream that wouldn't end. And just as Odysseus once journeyed across ancient lands, some of which trace through what we now call Jordan — a land that still carries the remnants of Greco-Roman civilization — our theme is rooted not only in myth, but in the very stones and ruins that echo through our valleys. The spirit of the Odyssey lives in the stories etched into the columns of Umm Qais, Jerash, and the hills of the north — stories of ambition, exile, return, and triumph. And today, it lives in every speaker who walks onto our stage, carrying a modern-day odyssey of their own: a journey of struggle, purpose, and becoming. From the legacy of our ancestors to the echo of future generations, from the smallest battles that ended in quiet victories to the darkest moments that birthed new dawns — our stage is where personal journeys are honored. This year, we invite voices that reflect courage, ambition, and transformation — speakers whose stories remind us that the impossible is a decision, and that real journeys always begin from within. Let every word shared on our stage be a step on a path from Jordan… to the world. 🔍 What the TEDxYarmouk University 2025 Logo Represents Our logo tells a visual story that reflects our theme: "Odyssey — From Jordan’s Heart to the World’s Horizon. " 🌿 The Olive Tree symbolizes the north of Jordan, where our event is held, and the country as a whole — known for its strength and rootedness in olive cultivation and cultural resilience. 🛡️ The Warrior represents Odysseus — not as a mythical hero, but as a symbol for every speaker who steps onto our stage, carrying their personal journey of struggle, discovery, and growth. ✖️ The bold red "X" with a touch of the Jordanian keffiyeh pattern signifies the spirit of TEDx in our local identity. It's the only colored element in the logo — to remind us that all eyes are drawn to the stage, to the voices that matter. 🏛️ The ancient columns represent the Hellenistic ruins of Umm Qais, echoing Jordan’s rich Greco-Roman legacy. Just as civilizations passed through this land, our stage carries voices from the past into the future. Together, this logo becomes more than a graphic — it’s a tribute to identity, heritage, and the journey of becoming.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Cpt. Nadine Qatamin

    pilot

    – “From Aqaba to the Clouds… Three Identities and One Sky” More than just a pilot — a story that soars with inspiration. In a world where the skies are still reserved for the few, Nadine Qatamin took flight to break the norm. She is the first female pilot from the city of Aqaba, an engineer with an Airline Transport Pilot License, a flight instructor in three European countries, and an author of three published books — currently working on her fourth, focused on aviation. Nadine presents a role model worth following, proving that women can soar in every field, and that boundaries are meant to be broken by willpower!

  • Dr. Mohammad Abu Kaff

    Neurosurgery

    Our seventh speaker: Dr. Mohammad Abu Kaff “Neurosurgery, AI, and Victory” When surgical brilliance meets genuine humanity, the true meaning of giving comes to life. Jordanian consultant neurosurgeon Dr. Mohammad Abu Kaff doesn’t settle for medical success—he leaves a mark on the hearts of his patients. Carrying Jordan in his heart wherever he goes, his human voice resonates in every operation, every moment, and every pulse of hope. From his homeland to international conference halls, he elevated Jordan’s name—not through titles or positions, but through skill that impresses and humanity that inspires. His patients remember him not just as a doctor, but as a warm heartbeat restoring life with a word, a touch, and a reassuring glance. He is not just a physician, but a reflection of Jordan’s honorable image—a humanitarian ambassador proving that true giving begins when the heart is Jordanian and the mission is bigger than the profession itself.

  • Dr. Nour Isleem

    pharmacist

    Our sixth speaker: Dr. Nour Isleem “Three Letters That Changed My Life” When pharmacy transforms into a mission and leadership! From the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University to the intensive care units at Hamad Hospital, Noor Islim has steadily built her journey. She earned Canadian accreditation and an American board certification in pharmacotherapy, excelling as a clinical pharmacist specializing in critical care cases. She was not just a healer… but also a pioneering researcher in psychiatric medications, from depression to schizophrenia and ADHD. She stood out as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and the World Cup, contributing to the development of effective pharmaceutical strategies. She has treated chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, restoring pharmacy’s true role in saving lives.

  • ENG. Ayman Hijjawi

    Chairman of the Board of Al-Hijjawi Scientific Foundation

    Our Third Speaker: Eng. Ayman Hijjawi “Knowledge is Power: A Life Between War, Wisdom, and Willpower” When an engineer becomes a creator of opportunities, and knowledge becomes fuel for empowerment… Eng. Ayman Hijjawi is a living example that true excellence is not measured by grades alone, but by the impact one leaves behind. He didn’t stop at academic success in industrial engineering in the U.S., but adopted an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in the belief that success is defined by impact, not titles. He founded an institution that bridges education with the job market, led transformative projects such as the Hijjawi Faculty for Technological Engineering at Yarmouk University, funded students, and created programs that turn graduates into future-ready leaders. Ayman Hijjawi is not merely an engineer of machines — he is an architect of systems that drive change and build generations who believe that education is the strongest investment in a nation.

  • ENG. Hiba Metani

    UX Research Manager

    Our tenth speaker: Eng. Hiba Metani “A Step Outside the Line: From Engineering to User Experience” When curiosity becomes a career and experience leaves a lasting impact, Hiba Mitani emerges as a pioneering female voice in the world of technology and empowerment. A computer engineer and UX research specialist, she holds an NN/g certification and leads the UX Labs team with a vision blending technical intelligence with human-centered design. As the founder and lead of GDG Amman and a Women Techmakers ambassador, she didn’t just pave her own way—she opened doors for dozens of women to step into the digital leadership space. Through initiatives like GFS and ADPList, her role transcends mentorship—she elevates it. Ranked among the top 1% of mentors globally, she doesn’t just ask questions; she transforms every answer into a turning point.

  • ENG. Karam Khrais

    Digital Manufacturing

    Our Second Speaker: Karam Khrais “Digital Manufacturing: The Language of Passion and Change” From the corners of a humble lab in Irbid to a dream that reaches Mars — the spark began with relentless passion as engineer Karam Khrais launched the “MARS-JO Rover” project, creating the first Jordanian exploratory vehicle simulating a Mars rover. It was fully designed and built by local hands in a small lab in the city of Irbid. This project was not just a technical experiment — it was a message of ambition carried by Karam from northern Jordan to international platforms like the SOFEX exhibition, proving that Jordanian innovation is not limited by geography or resources. Karam Khrais is not just an engineer — he is the embodiment of ambition that chose to break orbit and write Jordan’s name among the stars.

  • H.E. Asia Yaghi

    Her Excellency Senator

    Our eighth speaker: Her Excellency Senator Asia Yaghi “A Human’s Responsibility in the Face of Injustice That Doesn’t Touch Them” Asia Yaghi… a Jordanian heartbeat rising above pain, and an echo that refuses silence in the face of challenges. Asia Yaghi is a Jordanian woman who wrote her name with struggle, not ink—with dignity, not titles. Childhood polio and more than 30 surgeries didn’t stop her; they became the fuel for her blazing journey in defending the rights of people with disabilities. In 2008, she raised her voice as the cry of every person denied their rights, founding the “I Am Human” Association, which became a platform for change, raising awareness, and building bridges of empowerment and determination. From the Senate chambers to the arenas of change, she didn’t just raise slogans—she translated them into laws and actions. She was awarded the Hussein Medal for Giving and was recognized globally among the world’s 57 most powerful women with disabilities.

  • Mr. Abdulraheem Alarjan

    photographer and traveler

    Our ninth speaker: Mr. Abdulraheem Alarjan “How to Turn Your Hobby Into Your Career?” When a camera becomes a compass, and a traveler turns into a messenger of identity... From the heart of Jordan, the land of heritage, to the peaks of the Himalayas and the paths of ancient kingdoms, photographer, traveler, and blogger Abdulrahim Al-Arjan uncovers the secrets of the unknown. Through his lens, he carried Jordan’s name, securing a constant presence in the world’s finest exhibitions. With his pen, he authored The Guidebook of Hiking and Trekking Trails in Jordan and launched his online magazine “Arjan,” a visual platform crossing all borders. With his dedication, he contributed to national strategies supporting the future of cultural tourism. Abdulrahim Al-Arjan is not just a photographer and blogger—he is a man on a mission.

  • Mr. Jalal Barjas

    Poet and Novelist

    Our eleventh speaker: Poet and Novelist Jalal Barjas “Why Do We Read Novels… Why Do We Write Them?” When he writes, paper becomes life, and the novel transforms into a mirror of the soul. Jalal Barjas, a Jordanian novelist, short story writer, and poet, has carried the word from Amman to the world, with his prose rising to touch major literary awards. He won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (the Arabic Booker) for The Bookseller’s Notebooks, as well as the Katara Prize, the Rukhs Bin Zayed Al-Uzaizi Prize, and the Rifqa Dudin Creativity Award. His novels have been translated into English, Hindi, Persian, French, and Italian, reaching global award lists from Banipal in the UK to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in the UAE. The Bookseller’s Notebooks was selected among the fifty most important novels of the last quarter of the 21st century and the early 22nd, while The Duduk’s Lament was adopted as a curriculum text for the International Baccalaureate in France.

  • Mr. Lutfi Al-Zoubi

    Jordanian sports journalist

    Our Fifth Speaker: Captain Lutfi Al-Zoubi “From Amman Stadium to Arab Screens" His journey began with passion — and soon, he left a mark on every corner of sports media. Mastering the art of words and presence, he seamlessly blended commentary, coaching, and presenting in a style uniquely his own. Over time, he became a reference and a source of inspiration, leading the scene with experience and charisma, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who followed in his footsteps.

  • Mr. Wael Shokerat

    Member of the Jordanian Football Association and former club president

    Our twelfth speaker: Mr. Wael Shokerat “Positivity… Facts No One Told You” 🇯🇴 From Irbid to the hearts of Jordanians: Wael Al-Shuqairat, a man who made a difference in silence. When love for the homeland becomes a motive—not a slogan—and when quiet work leaves an unforgettable impact, stories worth telling are born. Wael Al-Shuqairat, a Jordanian businessman, carved his path steadily without noise. Starting from Irbid, he turned projects into bridges of trust between him and his community. He supported sports and youth, believing that true impact doesn’t need a spotlight. He generously donated to Al-Hussein Irbid Club, reflecting his belief that belonging is measured by actions, not words. He dedicated his energy to being part of the solution—not part of the scene. Wael Al-Shuqairat is not just a successful businessman; he is a role model for anyone seeking to leave a true national legacy.

  • Mr. Waleed Abo Ukkaz

    Businessman

    Our Fourth Speaker: Waleed Abo Ukkaz “The Stereotype of Failure and the Randomness of Success” From a sidewalk stand to a recognized brand — Jordanian youth Waleed Abu Akkaz carried a dream far bigger than his small space on the street and chose to leave an unforgettable mark. He started with a humble stand, but his ambition was never tied to a place — it was powered by unwavering will. He studied graphic design at Philadelphia University and, despite challenging circumstances, supported himself by working from his small street stand. He didn’t wait for doors to open — he built them himself. He invested every minute in developing his skills and growing his vision. Waleed went on to launch an independent art brand that reflects his unique style and creative fingerprint, proving that success isn’t reserved for anyone — it’s a reward for those who never stop trying. Waleed Abu Akkaz is not just a graphic designer — he is a living symbol of resilience and determination.

Organizing team