Riham Alkousaa of Damascus, Syria, is the recipient of a $5,000 tuition grant.
She is a Palestinian Syrian journalist who most recently worked in Berlin for Cicero, a monthly German magazine. She was previously a fellow at ARA (Associated Reporters Abroad) and has been published in USA Today, Global Post, and Alfanar Media. Following graduation from Damascus University in 2012, Riham worked for several Arab and Syrian media outlets such as Sham FM, Barakabits, Aliqtisadi and the SOS Children’s Villages website. Riham earned a BA and a first Master’s Degree in media and mass communications at Damascus University. She is attending Columbia’s Journalism School for a second MA.