Samar Ali, peacemaker

Growing up as an Arab-American woman in rural Waverly — and traveling for her career — have shaped Samar Ali's life as a peacemaker.

Her journey includes stops at Vanderbilt University, the Supreme Court of South Africa, the White House, and eventually back to her home state. Along the way, she has faced and overcome personal attacks. It's all fueled her longing for unity and justice. Now, through her nonprofit Millions of Conversations, Ali works to create a future where every American feels safe and free to be themselves. In this episode, we explore how her life and career guide her mission to heal division.

Further reading

• Q&A: International conflict expert talks Israel-Hamas war, civilian casualties, and the inevitability of peace (WPLN)
• Middle Tennessee’s shifting media landscape (This is Nashville)
• Millions of Conversations: The Show (Newschannel 5)