Atia Abawi
Atia is on a mission to open minds, create empathy and bridge divides with a hope to create change.
Atia Abawi is a journalist, author, analyst, and inspirational public speaker.
From an early age, Atia knew she wanted to be a journalist.
After graduating from Virginia Tech, she went to work for CNN. Rising up the ranks from a production assistant to producer to an on air foreign correspondent – where she traveled the globe covering breaking news events. Atia was based in Kabul, Afghanistan for CNN from 2008 to 2010 and then was hired by NBC News as their Kabul based correspondent and bureau chief from 2010-2013.
She was then based in Jerusalem for NBC News from 2013 until 2015 covering the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the wider Middle East and Africa.
In 2021 Atia returned to NBC as an on-air International Affairs analyst.
Atia is the author of three books, including “The Secret Sky” a novel set in Afghanistan.
Her second book, "A Land Of Permanent Goodbyes," is based on the ongoing Syrian Refugee crisis.
Her most recent book, “She Persisted: Sally Ride” is part of the book series created by Chelsea Clinton.
Currently, Atia travels the country speaking at schools and corporations about the importance of diversity and equality.
Atia Abawi is a journalist, author, analyst, and inspirational public speaker.
From an early age, Atia knew she wanted to be a journalist.
After graduating from Virginia Tech, she went to work for CNN. Rising up the ranks from a production assistant to producer to an on air foreign correspondent – where she traveled the globe covering breaking news events. Atia was based in Kabul, Afghanistan for CNN from 2008 to 2010 and then was hired by NBC News as their Kabul based correspondent and bureau chief from 2010-2013.
She was then based in Jerusalem for NBC News from 2013 until 2015 covering the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the wider Middle East and Africa.
In 2021 Atia returned to NBC as an on-air International Affairs analyst.
Atia is the author of three books, including “The Secret Sky” a novel set in Afghanistan.
Her second book, "A Land Of Permanent Goodbyes," is based on the ongoing Syrian Refugee crisis.
Her most recent book, “She Persisted: Sally Ride” is part of the book series created by Chelsea Clinton.
Currently, Atia travels the country speaking at schools and corporations about the importance of diversity and equality.
Multil-layer approach to combating Misinformation
Now more than ever, young students are struggling with understanding the modern American news and media landscape.
As an author and journalist who has covered wars and conflicts around the world, Atia helps young students understand how to navigate misinformation.
Democracy Through the Eyes of a Foreign Correspondent
As a former CNN and NBC correspondent, Atia shares her extensive knowledge and insight from the fragile democracies and divisive conflicts that she has covered first hand during her career.
Atia will also layer in her own personal story as an Afghan refugee whose parent fled a stable and budding country after a communist takeover.
Atia will invite student into empathetic listening in order to interrupt the dangerous narratives that cause divides which ultimately perpetuate...
Dismantling the De-humanization of both Israelis and Palestinians
Atia Abawi bring an objective journalistic perspective that is based on her own knowledge of living in Jerusalem for six years and covering the region for more than a decade.
Working through a lens of empathy and equity, Atia invites her audience into the stories of those she has met through her extensive journalism career covering the conflicts and wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East for CNN and NBC News. Through her journeys as well as her own experiences as a refugee and...
Hospitality + Empathy
For both younger and older students, Atia will lead an Afghan tea ceremony where the kids will crush cardamon with a mortar and pestle.
Students will then sit in a circle to talk about the importance of cultural connection through conversation and how it leads to empathy and understanding.
Finding Empathy through our Differences
As a former CNN and NBC correspondent, Atia shares her extensive knowledge and insight from the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the importance of seeing the humanity on both sides.
Atia will also layer in her own personal experiences from living in Jerusalem for six years.
Atia will invite students into empathetic listening in order to interrupt the dangerous narratives that cause divisions which ultimately perpetuate oppression.
The Crisis for Women and Girls in Afghanistan
Since the latest Taliban takeover in Afghanistan women and girls have been prevented from attending schools and universities. Most have been banned from the workforce.
Atia will lead a conversation of the state of Afghan women today and why it should matter to us.
Understanding Fundamentalism
Atia dives into the rise of fundamentalism and the struggle many countries are having with younger generations who keep falling into its grasps.
Atia will incorporate her own experiences in the countries she has covered as a correspondent for both CNN and NBC News as well as her book, “The Secret Sky”, that tackles this issue
