Eman Abduljawad: Remote Connections, Career Developments

For 22-year-old Eman Abduljawad, her refugee status as a Syrian in Lebanon meant limited career opportunities. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, she struggled to find work in Lebanon without eligibility to work, but also to find opportunities abroad due to her lack of experience. She found herself stuck in an endless cycle of applications and rejections, which left her demotivated and frustrated.

Everything changed when Eman was selected as one of the refugee talent for the Aya Project, Jusoor's innovative initiative under the Career Development program connecting refugee talent with global employers seeking highly qualified, well-educated yet affordable talent.

Working Remotely: The Ins & Outs

In 2024, she began a part-time remote position with Circular Design, a UK-based creative agency. For Eman, this wasn't just a job – it was the breakthrough she desperately needed. Her employers at Circular Design, co-directors Jacob Warn and Cyril Romann, quickly recognized Eman's potential.

"Eman consistently maintained a professional and respectful approach in her communication and collaboration," they noted. "She demonstrated familiarity with AI tools and successfully integrated them into her workflow while being a pleasant, positive team member." During her time with the company, Eman expanded her skillset far beyond graphic design, mastering social media management, content creation, and project management tools like Asana and Canva.

The experience transformed more than just Eman's resume – it changed her entire professional outlook. "Before this opportunity, I felt completely stuck," Eman admits. "I was applying for jobs constantly but hitting wall after wall. Having Circular Design on my resume gives me credibility I couldn't get any other way." Perhaps more importantly, working with an international team improved her cross-cultural communication and helped her adapt to remote work. The opportunity also gave her the confidence to pursue more ambitious career goals, including her dream of one day opening her own communications agency.

The Aya Project: Impact on an Individual Scale

Eman's story highlights a critical truth about refugee talent: the biggest barrier isn't ability, but opportunity. The Aya Project's model of connecting skilled refugees with international employers creates transformative moments like Eman's – moments that turn potential into professional reality. For Eman, this experience was just the beginning. Armed with new skills, professional references, and hard-won confidence, she's now positioned to build the career she always wanted but couldn't previously access.

As Eman continues her professional journey, her success serves as both inspiration and proof of concept. "There are so many talented refugees who just need one chance to show what they can do," she says. Thanks to Jusoor's innovative approach, Eman got that chance – and is now paving the way for others to follow. Her story demonstrates how targeted employment initiatives can break the cycle of refugee underemployment, turning wasted potential into professional success stories that benefit individuals and global businesses alike.