Wael Haffar Habbal

Wael is a CUSDS Scholar pursuing a double major in Sociology and Urban Studies at the School of General Studies, Columbia University. He serves on the Committee on Forced Migration through the Columbia Global Centers and works in communications at International House New York. Previously, he was an Obama Scholar with Columbia World Projects, where he advanced his research and advocacy on refugee leadership.

Wael’s work explores how urban geography, storytelling and lived experience intersect to challenge “passive victim” narratives and recognise refugees as active agents of social change. He co-founded the Syrian and Greek Youth Forum and was named an Obama Foundation Leader in 2020. A survivor of torture and forcibly displaced since 2012, Wael continues to advocate for justice reform following the unjust revocation of his asylum by the Greek Ministry of Migration. He is also a certified Public Narrative Coach through the Leading Change Network, and his recent work includes the immersive exhibition No Longer Me (2024) and the community initiative In Dance We Trust.