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1woman interview -Mary Nazzal-Batayneh
My 1woman this month is one of the ‘Most powerful Arab women’ according to Forbes! she marks her own path, doesn’t really “play” and doesn’t tend to do “social” without a cause, she will even clear cut not respond to some snoopy questions I might have! but underneath this determined temperament is a humble , loyal , protective mother that is substantially committed to her values and although she feels that she hasn’t done anything worthwhile (except raising her children) she has achieved more than anyone could in a lifetime.
Thus without further ado, get to know this extraordinary woman with many hats :Mary Nazzal-Batayneh
Bio
Mary Nazzal-Batayneh is deputy chairperson of Landmark hotel Amman, after taking over ownership of the property from her hotelier father, Yousef Nazzal, in 2009. Nazzal-Batayneh then canceled the hotel’s management contracts with Radisson SAS and founded the first (and only) Jordanian owned and run five-star hotel in the Kingdom with her husband Aysar Batayneh, whom she affectionately calls her rock and ‘The best idea she ever had’.
Taking the hospitality sector by storm, she breathes new life into an industry her grandfather once pioneered. (I know where I am staying in my next visit to Amman )
In addition, Mary is a barrister specialised in international human rights law with a particular emphasis on Palestinian legal rights. She is a member of the Bar of England and Wales.Her academic background includes a BA in political science from Columbia University in New York; a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the College of Law in London and the Bar Vocational Course at Inns of Court School of Law.
She is the co-founder and Chair of the Palestine Legal Aid Fund (PLAF), which is non-profit entity was designed to facilitate strategic legal action on behalf of Palestinian victims of human right abuse and to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law. PLAF was responsible for the planning and execution of several civil and criminal cases across a variety of jurisdictions including England and Spain.
In 2013 , She was the only Jordanian selected as a Young Global Leader (part of the World Economic Forum) who are chosen based on their commitment of their time and talent towards making the world a better place. And in 2014, she was chosen as a cover story for Forbes magazine and one of “Forbes’ 200 Most Powerful Arab Women”. She is also a devoted mother of 3 young children.
1w: What woman inspires you and why?
MNB: My mother of course – she is self-made, real and totally devoted.
My daughter, although she is tiny, is also an inspiration because she is a true star – she is happy, fun and kind.
Also recently, I’ve been working with a small group of women who are the founders of the boycott, sanctions, and divestment (BDS) movement in Jordan. They are intelligent, motivated, and dedicated to an important cause.
1w:How were you as a child?
MNB: I think I came across as quite mature for my age. I went to a Catholic Convent for primary school which I suppose played a role in shaping me to take responsibility at an early age. I had a very exciting imagination too and played a lot alone in the outdoors.
1w: What type of people do you normally gravitate towards? What influence do they have on your life/business?
MNB: I tend to connect with extroverts and passionate people. I suppose we energise and feed off each other. But overall I can’t say that I get influenced easily, I seem to mark my own path.
Source: onewomanmanyhats.com