Hesna Al Ghaoui
With over twenty years in the media industry, Hesna transitioned from a decade-long career as a foreign affairs editor and war correspondent into advocacy and communication about mental health, focusing on fear, resilience, trauma informed communication, and posttraumatic growth.
Main theme
Hesna has a deep commitment to societal change, utilizing multiple platforms to convey compelling narratives about mental health. Her latest area of interest is moral injury.
Bio
Working across more than 20 hotspots of the world, Hesna observed firsthand how fear and trauma profoundly impact human behavior.
Evidence of Merit
Books and publications
Fear Bravely! / Félj bátran!
Why do people long for the secret recipe to a life without fear? Why is everyone afraid of fear? And have I already faced all of my demons?
Over the past fifteen years, having traveled through countless war zones and peaceful regions, I’ve sought answers to these questions and begun to examine my own fears—as a reporter, a mother, a woman of mixed Arab heritage, and a Hungarian citizen. I’ve come to realize that fear acts as fuel within us, capable of bringing out both the best and the worst in us. But what determines which one it brings out?
In the Land of Wars / Háborúk földjén
What is just a news story to us is an everyday, painful reality for millions. Bombs fall from the sky, soldiers’ gunfire echoes through the streets—yet life must go on.
But the everyday reality of war rarely fits into the brief news clips. That is why the reporter sets out on a journey to show, through personal stories, how it is possible to survive the impossible.
Holli, the Hero / Holli, a hős
Who do you think is truly brave? For example, someone who, even though they’re afraid, dares to do the very thing they fear.
When you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, stepping into a dark room, or having to perform in front of a large audience—it’s completely natural to be afraid. But fear, as strange as it may sound, is an important and useful emotion. In fact, it can work in your favor if you learn how to manage it!
Never Give Up / Soha ne add fel
Hesna Al Ghaoui, known for her war reporting and now a mother of two, invites her young readers on a special journey in her latest book, following her children’s book "Holli, the Hero", which is about overcoming fear.
Featured in: Pesti Nő (Women of Pest)
“Women of Pest are ordinary, famous, or quite exceptional. Their stories are captivating, entertaining, or thought-provoking.”
Featured in: Példaképek (Role Models)
A children’s book about role models, telling the life story of 13 Hungarian people from different fields – including Hesna Al Ghaoui’s story.
Featured in: Ha szeretsz (If You Love Me)
A book featuring 25 well-known Hungarians and their relationship to poetry - featuring Hesna Al Ghaoui
Photos
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