Sam El-bahja | Moroccan-Thai Poet, Artist, Writer, Architect @ Cambridge from Tower Hamlet, Creativity Best-Practices (What, How, Why), AI (Disruptions, Ethics), Projects (Ralph Lauren, Spoken Word), Spirituality | Coffee's on Me, David Quan 权丁文

Coffee's on Me, David Quan 权丁文

Episode 84 of #CoffeesOnMeDavidQuan: Meet Sam Elbahja, a dynamic Moroccan-Thai poet, artist, and writer deeply rooted in the vibrant tapestry of East London. Fuelled by her rich heritage and the intricate nuances of her socio-economic upbringing, Sam threads joy through her poetry while tirelessly amplifying the voices of marginalised communities. Currently, she's embarking on an architectural journey at the esteemed University of Cambridge. Architecture's allure first embraced her when she triumphed in the People's Pavilion competition, seeing her design materialised in the heart of the Here East Olympic Park.

One of her most authentic endeavours bloomed in collaboration with Ralph Lauren. Together, they explored the beauty of growing up in Tower Hamlets, culminating in poignant poetry that graced the screens of Genesis Cinema and the Richmix stage. National publishers like First Story and international giants like Chicago's Trope have embraced Sam's verses, giving her words a broader canvas.
Setting her sights on October, Sam aspires to inaugurate a trailblazing initiative named "Give us the Mic." This platform welcomes artists of diverse backgrounds to the stage, allowing them to shine through singing, poetry, comedy, rap, or any form of spoken expression. The sole requirement: each performer must lend their voice. Sam's conviction in the potency of communication is evident, bolstered by her title as a national public speaker champion. Her recent role as the Unislam coach led Cambridge to an impressive 3rd place in the country's spoken word competition.
Not content to rest on her laurels, Sam finds purpose in mentorship through organisations like Zero Gravity, Ringle, and Student2Teach. Guiding and uplifting students across all dimensions, she imparts the wisdom of her journey.
Artistry flows effortlessly through her veins, with Sam securing the prestigious Painters Stainers Award and gracing the Royal Academy Young Artist show with her work. Amidst these accolades, her compass steadfastly points to family bonds and cherished moments with friends, underlining her genuine and grounded character.
In sum, Sam Elbahja is a trailblazer who masterfully intertwines creativity, heritage, and community. Her journey is a symphony of empowerment and inspiration, resonating far beyond the borders of East London.
“David was a fantastic conversationist and he really covered all the ground! So, it was great getting to know him and learning from him, the entire experience was an absolute pleasure and honour” – Sam Elbahja
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WHY? COFFEE'S ON ME, DAVID QUAN 权丁文
TL;DR: To process my emotions after a grueling campaign for President of The Cambridge Union, I reflected upon the influences of my late Grandfather and wrote him a letter: https://linktr.ee/DavidQuan . Drawing inspiration from him, I hope to learn more from others through genuine discussions – giving listeners heartfelt conversations filled with authentic insights, and giving guests legacy-worthy interviews to treasure. And the best part for guests? Coffee’s on Me, David Quan 权丁文
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NOMINATE A GUEST
Please contact me to nominate someone. This would really help identify the anonymous extraordinaries！
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CONTACT ME
Having grown up in Xi'an, China, and Adelaide, Australia, I am a Double First-Class Clare College, University of Cambridge Graduate (Class of 2023) and current Goldman Sachs Analyst. Please do have the courage to say hello!
Please do have the courage to say hello!
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/DavidQuan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dingwen-david-quan/