Najwa Zebian

Najwa Zebian[1†]

Najwa Zebian is a Lebanese-Canadian activist, author, speaker, and educator. Born April 27, 1990, in Lebanon, she migrated to Canada in 2006 due to the Lebanon War. Known for her impactful writings, including instapoetry and books like "Mind Platter", "The Nectar of Pain", and "Sparks of Phoenix". Her work explores themes of love, friendship, honesty, and identity, resonating with millions globally. A prominent voice in the Me Too movement, she delivers inspiring TEDx talks. Zebian's journey of healing from abuse is detailed in "Sparks of Phoenix"[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Najwa Zebian was born on April 27, 1990, in Lebanon[1†]. She moved to Canada in 2006 at the age of sixteen due to the 2006 Lebanon War[1†]. This lack of choice led her to spiral into years of depression and sadness[1†][2†].

Zebian completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2010, a Bachelor of Education in General Science and Biology in 2012, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies in 2013, all at The University of Western Ontario[1†]. She completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2022 at the University of Western Ontario[1†]. Her dissertation, titled “Breaking Barriers: A Blended Mosaic Model of Inclusion for English Language Learners,” presents an organizational improvement plan for English language learners at a secondary school in Ontario, Canada[1†].

Zebian’s first teaching assignment at UWO was to teach writing to a group of young Libyan refugees[1†]. Zebian saw her 16-year-old self in her students and found the courage to resume her writing journey[1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Najwa Zebian’s career is marked by her passion for language and her commitment to empowering others through her words[1†][3†]. She began her career as a teacher, with her first assignment at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) teaching writing to a group of young Libyan refugees[1†]. This experience resonated deeply with her, as she herself had experienced displacement at the age of 16 when she moved to Canada from Lebanon[1†][3†].

Zebian self-published her first book, “Mind Platter”, in January 2016[1†]. She described it as a "compilation of reflections on life as seen through the eyes of an educator, student, and human who experienced her early days in silence"[1†]. The book was a success, raising $2,300 in the first month for donations to the Syrian Refugee Fund in London[1†]. A revised and expanded version of the book was published in March 2018 by Andrews McMeel Publishing[1†].

Her second book, “The Nectar of Pain”, is a collection of poetry and prose self-published in October 2016[1†]. Her work slowly gained public recognition on social media, with celebrities such as Mathieu Kassovitz, Lisa Rinna, LeAnn Rimes, and Hilary Swank acknowledging her talent[1†].

In 2019, she launched Soul Academy, a digital school, and a podcast, "Stories of the Soul"[1†][3†]. Her work has been featured in renowned magazines such as HuffPost, New York Times, and Elle[1†][3†].

Zebian’s writings are usually centered on identity, healing, and empowerment[1†][3†]. She has used her own life experiences and poured her heart out in her books and poems, in the hopes that her audience might find the strength to heal their broken spirit[1†][3†]. Touching on vulnerable subjects such as mental health and abuse, Zebian quickly became a powerhouse to be reckoned with[1†][3†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Najwa Zebian’s literary journey began with the self-publication of her first book, “Mind Platter” in January 2016[1†]. Described as a "compilation of reflections on life as seen through the eyes of an educator, student, and human who experienced her early days in silence,"[1†] it raised $2,300 in the first month for donations to the Syrian Refugee Fund in London[1†].

Her second book, “The Nectar of Pain,” is a collection of poetry and prose self-published in October 2016[1†]. This was followed by “Sparks of Phoenix,” published in 2019, which recounts Zebian’s journey in healing from abuse and rebuilding[1†].

In 2021, she published “Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul,” [1†][4†]. The same year, she also published “The Book of Healing: Selected Poetry and Prose,”[1†][4†].

Her other works include “Conversations on Letting Go,” “Trust Your Heart,” and "The Only Constant: A Guide to Embracing Change and Leading an Authentic Life"[1†][3†].

Here is a list of her main works with their first year of publication:

• “Mind Platter” (2016)[1†]
• “The Nectar of Pain” (2016)[1†]
• “Sparks of Phoenix” (2019)[1†]
• “Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul” (2021)[1†][4†]
• “The Book of Healing: Selected Poetry and Prose” (2021)[1†][4†]
• “Conversations on Letting Go” (Unknown)[1†][3†]
• “Trust Your Heart” (Unknown)[1†][3†]
• “The Only Constant: A Guide to Embracing Change and Leading an Authentic Life” (Unknown)[1†][3†]

Analysis and Evaluation

Najwa Zebian’s work has been widely recognized for its raw and passionate writing style[3†]. Her poetry and prose often center on themes of identity, healing, and empowerment[3†]. She has used her own life experiences and poured her heart out in her books and poems, hoping that her audience might find the strength to heal their broken spirit[3†].

Her writings touch on vulnerable subjects such as mental health and abuse, quickly establishing her as a powerhouse to be reckoned with[3†]. Her eloquent recitation of her insta-poetry in her calming voice has garnered her more than a million followers on Instagram[3†]. She has sold more than 250,000 copies of her three books[3†].

Zebian’s poetry resonates with people from all walks of life[3†]. As a poet, speaker, and teacher, she continues to unsilence the silenced and oppressed[3†]. Her presentation shares unique insights about her own experiences overcoming challenges, including her family’s displacement[3†][5†].

Her writings have moved many in ways that they didn’t know were possible, and have given them lessons they could never forget[3†]. For instance, one of her quotes from her book “Mind Platter” reads, "Don’t break a bird’s wing and then tell it to fly. Don’t break a heart and then tell it to love. Don’t break a soul and then tell it to be happy. Don’t see the worst in a person and expect them to see the best in you. Don’t judge people and expect them to stand by your side. Don’t play with fire and expect to stay perfectly safe."[3†]

In conclusion, Najwa Zebian’s work is not just about writing, but also about activism. Her writings have become a beacon of hope for many, providing them with the strength to face their own struggles[3†].

Personal Life

Najwa Zebian was born in Lebanon and moved to Canada when she was sixteen[1†][6†]. The pressure to fit in and rebuild a sense of comfort in a place so foreign, isolated Najwa further[1†]. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada[1†].

In her personal life, Zebian has been open about her experiences with depression and sadness, which she attributes to the displacement she felt after moving to Canada and the subsequent war in Lebanon[1†][2†]. She has spoken about how writing became a form of healing for her, helping her navigate through these challenging times[1†][2†].

Zebian’s personal journey and experiences have greatly influenced her work. Her book, “Welcome Home,” powerfully weaves memoir, poetry, and deeply resonant teachings into her storytelling, from leaving Lebanon at sixteen, to coming of age as a young Muslim woman in Canada, to building a new identity for herself as she learned to speak her truth[7†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Najwa Zebian’s journey from a young immigrant to a celebrated author, speaker, and educator is a testament to her resilience and determination[1†][8†]. Her work, which draws from her personal experiences and feelings of displacement, has resonated with millions of people worldwide[1†].

Zebian’s writings, particularly her instapoetry shared on Instagram, gained her recognition and popularity[1†]. Her contributions to the Me Too movement and her subsequent TEDx talks and interviews on Canadian news outlets such as CBC further amplified her influence[1†].

Her books, including “Mind Platter,” “The Nectar of Pain,” and “Sparks of Phoenix,” have been widely acclaimed[1†]. Her latest book, “The Only Constant: A Guide to Embracing Change and Leading an Authentic Life,” offers timeless wisdom and a blueprint for becoming one’s true self by navigating the unfamiliar terrain of change[1†][8†][9†].

Zebian’s legacy extends beyond her written works. As an educator, she has made significant contributions to the field of education, particularly in supporting English language learners[1†][8†]. Her teaching and writings have been instrumental in her own healing process and have inspired many others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing[1†][8†].

In conclusion, Najwa Zebian’s life and work exemplify the transformative power of authenticity and the potential of every individual to overcome adversity and make a positive impact[8†][7†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: N/A
• Born: April 27, 1990 (Lebanon)[1†]
• Nationality: Lebanese-Canadian[1†]
• Occupation: Activist, author, speaker, and educator[1†]
• Notable Works: “Mind Platter”, “The Nectar of Pain”, "Sparks of Phoenix"[1†]
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Education in General Science and Biology, Master of Education in Curriculum Studies, Doctorate in Educational Leadership[1†][2†][10†][11†][12†]

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Najwa Zebian [website] - link
2. Najwa Zebian's Site - About Najwa Zebian [website] - link
3. Arts To Hearts Project - Najwa Zebian: A writer and an activist empowering women through her words [website] - link
4. Goodreads - Author: Books by Najwa Zebian (Author of Mind Platter) [website] - link
5. A-Speakers.com - Najwa Zebian: Top Speaker, Author, and Activist Inspires [website] - link
6. Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries - Najwa Zebian – Asian Heritage in Canada [website] - link
7. Najwa Zebian's Site - Books by Najwa Zebian: Poet, Author, Speaker, Educator [website] - link
8. Western University - Faculty of Education - Dr. Najwa Zebian on the transformative power of authenticity [website] - link
9. Najwa Zebian's Site - Books by Najwa Zebian: Poet, Author, Speaker, Educator [website] - link
10. Najwa Zebian's Site - Najwa Zebian [website] - link
11. Penguin Random House Canada - Najwa Zebian [website] - link
12. Google Books - Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul - Najwa Zebian [website] - link