Samah Nasr

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An unexpected conversation with a WordPress community builder who fosters diversity with a smile.

In my conversation with Samah Nasr, I learned about her deep love for horror movies, a passion she’s carried since her teenage years. She enjoys the thrill and adrenaline rush that these films provide, finding particular enjoyment in movies like The Exorcism of Emily Rose and the Saw series. This enthusiasm for horror connects her with others who share similar interests, like Nyesha Green, another member of the WordPress community. Beyond horror, Samah also has a passion for dancing, which she uses as a way to lift her spirits and inject positivity into her day. Whether it’s hard metal, pop, or rock, dancing helps her maintain a positive outlook.

Samah’s linguistic skills are impressive; she speaks English and Dutch fluently, has a working knowledge of Somali from her time living in Somaliland, and is brushing up on her French in preparation for visiting her husband, who is currently working in Congo. Their relationship often involves long periods of separation due to his work as a water and habitat engineer with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Despite the distance, they maintain a close connection through regular communication, and Samah expressed immense pride in the meaningful and impactful nature of his work, which ensures safe water and living conditions in challenging environments.

Professionally, Samah is a key figure at Yoast, where she works on the community team and manages the Yoast Diversity Fund. She is deeply committed to promoting diversity within the WordPress community, helping speakers from around the world participate in conferences and contribute to making the community more inclusive. Additionally, she oversees the Yoast Care Fund, which celebrates and rewards individuals who make significant contributions to WordPress. Her journey to Yoast was somewhat serendipitous, initially applying for a job there after moving to the Netherlands. Since joining, she has thrived in the company, appreciating its culture of giving back and its dedication to community building.

Samah’s upbringing in Damascus, Syria, and her experiences living in different parts of the world, including East Jerusalem, have profoundly influenced her worldview. Growing up in Damascus, she experienced the city’s rich history and culture, which she describes as magical, with its ancient architecture and vibrant life. Her childhood was split between Syria and Jordan, where she spent her summers. Despite the challenges of living in a war-torn region, Samah has a deep affection for her homeland and its diverse culture. Her educational journey was also unique, transitioning from studying engineering to working in human resources, eventually finding her passion within the WordPress community.

A significant aspect of Samah’s life is her love of food and cooking, particularly Arabic cuisine. She takes great pride in preparing dishes like maqlubeh, tabbouleh, and kibbeh, which are staples in Middle Eastern cuisine. Samah enjoys experimenting with new recipes and exploring different cuisines, including Mexican dishes like tacos and Dutch cuisine, which offers a different flavor profile due to the use of fewer spices. Her culinary skills extend to baking, where she delights in making tarts and other baked goods. Cooking is not just a hobby for Samah it’s a way to connect with her cultural heritage and share it with others, infusing her dishes with the rich flavors of the Middle East.

As our conversation concluded, Samah shared insights into her family history, including how her parents met and the cultural challenges they faced in their marriage. Her respect for her family’s legacy is evident, and she cherishes the rich history and traditions passed dow