In this 50th episode of the Riyada podcast, host Merissa Khurma records from the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan with Deputy Chief of Mission Rohit Nepal and MEP Chair Ambassador Jim Jeffrey. They discuss the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in Jordan and the MENA region, in addition to how the U.S. government can work with the Jordanian government and region officials to propel the startup scene through funding, economic exchanges, trade, and sharing the American experience.

This month, the Riyada podcast featured the talented men and women advancing MENA’s film scene to better understand how creators in the region fare against the global media industry. To conclude, co-hosts Merissa Khurma and Imad Shawa spoke with film director, writer, and poet Hind Shoufani. Hind’s life experiences in Damascus, Amman, Beirut, Dubai, and NYC have shaped her values, stories, and career trajectory, while celebrating her Palestinian identity.

Co-hosts Merissa Khurma and Imad Shawa spoke with Sherry Carlin, who serves as Mission Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Jordan. MD Carlin discussed USAID’s extensive programs targeting youth economic empowerment, breaking down barriers to women’s employment, and addressing issues related to climate change and water scarcity, among other efforts.