Yamama describes herself as a 'third culture kid'. Born in
Turkey, raised in Iraq, Australia, Saudi Arabia and London, Yamama
has a clear grasp of both Western and Arab cultures.
She received her BA and MA from the University of Cambridge in
Middle Eastern Studies. After completing her studies, Yamama joined
Coutts, a leading private bank in the United Kingdom, where she
managed a portfolio of international high net worth clients. During
her career, Yamama attained the Investment Management Certificate
and the Securities & Investment Institute Diploma. After four
years in private banking, she shifted her focus onto development
issues in the Middle East.
Yamama helped found SHABAB, an NGO focusing on youth
employability and entrepreneurship, in Damascus, Syria in 2005.
During her five years with SHABAB, Yamama presented at numerous
international and local conferences on the matter of youth
employability.
In September 2011, Yamama joined Common Purpose as the director
for the Middle East and North Africa, spearheading the
organisation's expansion into the region.
