Rana F. Sweis is

a journalist a researcher an author

With over 24 years of experience reporting on politics, social issues, and refugee affairs in the Middle East, her work has appeared in international outlets such as The New York Times and Bloomberg News.

She is the author of Voices of Jordan, a nonfiction book published by Hurst & Co. that profiles Jordanians from all walks of life, offering an intimate look into identity, reform, and change in the Middle East.

She was also the founder and managing director of Wishbox Media from 2018 to 2026, a communications services company. Under Wishbox Media, she led the Content Innovation Fund, which supported freelance journalists and content creators across the region.

She also serves as a mentor with the Marie Colvin Network, supporting young women journalists.

Services

Research

I am available to conduct research and analysis on media development, journalism, and the media landscape in the Middle East. My research has been commissioned by organizations including the Journals, USAID, European Union and Open Society Foundations, among others. Areas of focus include media development, independent journalism, digital transformation, media consumption, and the challenges facing journalists and news organizations in the region.

Training and Workshops

I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group training, and customized workshops for journalists, media professionals, and organizations. I previously taught news writing and reporting at Yarmouk University’s Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication and have worked as a media coach with WAN-IFRA. Training areas include feature writing and storytelling, interviewing, pitching stories, the craft of journalism, and using social media to promote your work. Sessions are practical and tailored to participants’ needs and experience.

Speaking Engagements and Panel Moderation

I have participated as a guest speaker, panelist, and moderator at dozens of conferences and events across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. I speak and moderate discussions on Middle East politics, media and journalism, refugees and displacement, and social and political change, bringing more than two decades of reporting experience and regional expertise to these conversations.

Published Work

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Through this Substack newsletter, I explore digital tools and new approaches to storytelling across the Middle East.