Two of the most impressive people I have interview since I began working on focusondiversity.ie are Zoya Miari – a half Ukranian and half Palestinian woman and One Young World Peace Ambassador and Angelika Sharygina, a half Ukrainian half Afghan woman who is a founder of a startup to help children counter misinformation, and vocal digital rights activist doing a PhD on Misinformation in Warzones at Trinity College Dublin.
Angelika Sharygina
Angelika Sharygina, was at a tech conference in the Middle East when the invasion began. Being unable to fly home, through the tech community Angelika became Ukrainian person to arrive in Ireland after Russia’s invasion. Since then Angelika has become a leading figure in the fight against misinformation. With a background in international relations and technology, she is currently pursuing a PhD at Trinity College Dublin, focusing on the impact of misinformation, particularly in conflict zones, Her research aims to address the dangerous spread of false information, a topic she is passionate about due to its direct impact on the Ukrainian war and other global crises. Alongside her academic work, Angelika has founded a startup that develops tools to protect children from harmful online content, a reflection of her broader commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
Angelika’s has also become an influential advocate in Ireland and abroad which was marked by her involvement in high-profile international platforms like UNESCO and World Economic Forum, and international summits and conferences where she shares her expertise on combating misinformation and powering innovation to drive sustainable, equitable and inclusive development. In addition she has recently been added to Ireland’s 30 Under 30 list. Her work not only highlights the importance of accurate information in today’s digital age but also showcases the resilience and adaptability of displaced people who contribute significantly to their new communities.
Zoya Molari
Zoya Miari, a double refugee, has emerged as a powerful advocate for refugee rights and a peace ambassador. Born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, once the Ukranian invasion began, Zoya had to once again move to Switzerland. Zoya’s journey has been marked by resilience and activism. Zoya is now a One Young World (OYW) Peace Ambassador, having attended the event in 2022 Zoya and her team used her platform to launch Waves To Home.
A platform that highlight the amplfy stories of refugees globally. Through her work, Zoya emphasizes the importance of empowering refugees to tell their own stories, creating a more inclusive narrative that challenges stereotypes and fosters understanding.
Her advocacy extends beyond storytelling, as she is actively involved in initiatives that support refugee communities and promote peacebuilding efforts. Zoya’s experiences as a refugee from two different conflicts give her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by displaced people. She leverages this perspective to influence international discourse on refugees, ensuring their voices are heard in key global forums. Zoya’s work is a testament to the impact that refugees can have on shaping a more just and compassionate world.