Rana Hamadeh, MFA

Experience

Rana Nazzal Hamadeh (she/her) is a research analyst with Firelight’s Governance and Wellbeing team. She is a Palestinian artist, writer, and researcher currently residing on unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory in the city colonized as Ottawa. Before joining Firelight, Rana worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade, with a focus on strengthening communications, developing secure funding, and implementing frontline programs. Most recently, Rana served as Programs Manager for a Palestinian human rights organization providing support and advocacy for political prisoners. Prior, she managed communications and campaigns for the Decent Work and Health Network, mobilizing health workers to push for improved labour laws in Ontario. Rana also coordinated the Next Up Leadership program in Ottawa and Toronto for over 5 years, facilitating intensive skills- and knowledge-building programs for young adults dedicated to social and environmental justice. Rana holds an MFA in Documentary Media from Toronto Metropolitan University and a BA in Human Rights and Law from Carleton University. Her interdisciplinary research and arts practice focuses on settler-colonialism, exploring its impact on knowledge production, food practices, and memory.