Rahaf is a Palestinian born in Qatar, her life has been shaped by living, studying, and growing up in three different countries.

Her passion for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) started during her undergraduate studies at Al al-Bayt University in Jordan. After that she worked in Amman - Jordan for almost a year. She then decided to move to her hometown in Palestine, to work there, it holds a special place in her heart as the foundation of her identity and the source of her deep-rooted values. Leaving her family and life for the past 12 years to start her professional journey further solidified her commitment to GIS.

She has chosen to pursue a master’s degree in Geospatial Sciences (GIS and Computing) at University College London (UCL) to deepen her knowledge and expand her skills, particularly in programming and data analysis. The UK is her ideal destination—not only because it’s a leader in GIS innovation but also because it offers a dynamic learning environment where she can grow academically and personally. University College London (UCL) was her choice, with its cutting-edge curriculum that includes programming languages like Python, R, and SQL, which are essential for her career goals.

After completing her studies, Rahaf envisions working with humanitarian NGOs, using GIS to tackle global challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, her dream is to establish her own GIS company in Palestine. This company would not only create advanced maps and applications tailored to Palestine’s unique geopolitical context but also provide educational programs to nurture the next generation of GIS professionals.

Her unique journey has taught her the value of adaptability and the importance of connecting with people, building relationships became second nature—a part of her personality rather than just a skill.