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Faiza Elmasry

Faiza Elmasry writes stories about life in America. She wrote for several newspapers and magazines in the Middle East, covering current affairs, art, family and women issues. She joined VOA after working in broadcasting in Cairo for the Egyptian Radio and Television Corporation and in Tokyo for Radio Japan.

Produced by Faiza Elmasry

January 26, 2024
Green Bus Stops

David Tilley, a University of Maryland Environmental Science and Technology Assistant Professor and entrepreneur, harnesses nature for innovative creations like the Green Umbrella, Green Wall, and the latest, Cool Green Bus Shelter.Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera: June Soh, Editor: Philip Alexiou
January 26, 2024
Plantful Living

Tracey Hairston is an interior design, plant, and lifestyle content creator. After retirement in Chesapeake, Virginia, she pursued her passion for raising plants. Through her virtual platform, MochaGirl Place, and Instagram, Hairston shares her projects and love for over 80 house plants.
September 15, 2023
Calligraphy

Shannon Ho, a local entrepreneur, teaches Calligraphy workshops and designs stationery. Despite declining attention to handwriting, Ho shares her passion for calligraphy, showing us that it is not a lost art form. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Producer | Editor: June Soh
September 15, 2023
Family Legacy

Meet Heather Nickerson, co-founder and CEO of Artifcts, a platform that transforms cherished objects and their associated stories into tangible heirlooms meant to be passed down through generations. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Producer | Editor: June Soh
September 08, 2023
Creating Sculptures

Sculptor Jeff Hall pushes his creative boundaries by venturing into different mediums for his sculpture. He finds his greatest joy when his sculptures, displayed locally and nationwide, become part of people’s daily lives. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Producer | Editor: June Soh
August 04, 2023
Puppy Raiser

Deborah Wydra has been raising service dogs since she was in high school. She introduces us to Ike, the puppy she is training now. See how formal training begins as well the special bond that is formed between dogs and their trainers. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Producer | Camera | Editor: Lisa Vohra
July 07, 2023
Women Automotive Mechanics

Virginia Tire & Auto (VTA), a company with a rich history spanning 46 years, stands as one of the largest women-owned businesses in the DC area. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Producer | Editor: June Soh
March 17, 2023
Inventive History Teacher

High school teacher, Sean Miller, has invented his own creative approach to teaching history. Through various forms of art, he brings historical events and figures to life for his students. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Producer | Camera I Editor: June Soh
March 10, 2023
Social Influencer

Meet Min Jung Kwon, who works as an influencer, along with her sister and her three little kids. One of the hottest jobs among young people, influencers are people who have the ability to influence potential customers for a product or service by promoting them on social media platforms.
March 03, 2023
Hope Changing Lives

Dei Jay Jamison grew up without many adult role models and a lot of negative peer pressure. Learn how he overcame his childhood adversity and is nurturing resilience in other young at-risk kids. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera: Adam Greenbaum, Philip Alexiou, Editor: Philip Alexiou
February 10, 2023
Child Entrepreneur

With the help of his mother, an 11-year old learns how to make candles using natural and organic ingredients, becoming the CEO of his own company, The Smell of Love Candles. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Producer | Camera I Editor: June Soh
January 20, 2023
Captain Amaani’s Dream

Amaani Lyle has always followed her passion pursuing new challenges and making career transitions. Now, in the third chapter of her life, she is immersing herself into the world of boating. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Producer | Camera I Editor: June Soh
September 16, 2022
Lambs Mowing Lawns

Meet Corey Suter, a shepherd who has made a business using his flock of sheep for a mowing and lawn care services. Learn how beneficial sheep are in making grass healthier and providing key nutrients to the garden. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Editor: Adam Greenbaum
September 16, 2022
Drone Farming

We visit Botanical Bites and Provisions, a family farming business since 1988. They talk to us about the changes in the farming industry over the years and how adopting drone technology has helped make their farm more efficient and less wasteful.
August 26, 2022
Artfully Joe

Meet Joe Baker, a 21-year-old artist with autism who, with his mother, runs a successful online business selling his drawings. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera | Editor: June Soh
April 15, 2022
Teaching Dance

We drop in on a high school dance teacher who provides lessons not just in the arts but life as well. Learn how she creates an environment for her students to express themselves, and some of her wellness strategies that go beyond the classroom.
February 25, 2022
Black History Education

Meet Tiffney Laing, a Black history educator who is expanding on the work of an earlier generation, taking her students on a journey back in time to learn more about Carter G. Woodson, a pioneer in the field of Black History. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Camera/Editor: June Soh
February 18, 2022
A Female Boxer Story

Meet 13-time World Champion boxer Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson, who now shares her love of the sport with the next generation. Learn more about her journey and how she managed her pre-fight nerves to make it to the top. Faiza Elmasry, Camera/Editor: Mike Burke
January 21, 2022
The Joys of Cycling

Meet Kellie, a bike store owner who opened her store during the pandemic.
January 01, 2022
The Benefits of Walking

A story about a woman who discovers her neighborhood and the joys of walking during the pandemic, while forming a closer bond with Lucky, her equally curious pet dog. Reporter: Faiza Elmasry, Producer | Camera I Editor: June Soh

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