Lynn Tehini is a name that resonates across Lebanon’s cultural and media landscapes. More than a journalist, she is a cultural advocate, presenter, and community leader whose work spans media, heritage preservation, and social empowerment. Known for her programs on Ici Beyrouth, her leadership at the Beirut Heritage Initiative, and her involvement with Lebanon of Tomorrow, Tehini has carved a unique space as a voice for Lebanon’s culture and its people.
Her journey reflects a mix of personal resilience, professional dedication, and a deep commitment to preserving Lebanon’s rich history. Through her work, she inspires audiences, young professionals, and the wider public, showing that meaningful impact comes from combining passion with action.
Early Life and Education
Lynn Tehini was born in Lebanon and grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and culture. Her academic journey took her from Lebanon to France, where she pursued multiple degrees that would later shape her diverse career. She earned degrees in Media and Communications and Bi-lingual Journalism, alongside studies in International Relations and Law.
This combination of studies equipped Tehini with a broad worldview and a strong understanding of the intersection between media, culture, and policy. Her education in France, coupled with her Lebanese roots, gave her a unique perspective, allowing her to bridge local and international cultural narratives in her work. From an early stage, Tehini’s education demonstrated her drive to understand not only the world of journalism but also the cultural and legal frameworks that shape society.
Starting in Journalism
Tehini’s professional journey began in Paris, where she worked as a journalist, sharpening her skills in investigative reporting, storytelling, and audience engagement. Her early work involved covering social and cultural issues, highlighting stories that often went unnoticed.
Her journalistic career in France provided her with international exposure and professional rigor, allowing her to develop a style that was clear, empathetic, and impactful. Tehini quickly learned the value of using media as a tool for social influence, setting the foundation for her later work in cultural advocacy. Her time abroad enriched her understanding of global media practices and strengthened her ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Returning to Lebanon: A New Mission
In 2008, driven by a strong desire to contribute to her homeland, Tehini returned to Beirut. She joined the Presidency of the Republic as a Media and Cultural Advisor, where her role involved shaping cultural policies and promoting Lebanon’s rich heritage both nationally and internationally.
Her return marked a turning point, as Tehini shifted her focus from global journalism to local cultural impact. She was determined to help Lebanon rediscover its cultural identity and strengthen its artistic and historical institutions. Her efforts aimed to make culture accessible to all and to showcase Lebanon’s vibrant heritage on the world stage.
Ministry of Culture: Driving Change
A significant chapter in Tehini’s career was her tenure as Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Culture. In this role, she oversaw numerous national cultural initiatives, organizing landmark events and festivals that drew thousands of participants.
One of her most notable achievements was contributing to nationwide events that celebrated Lebanese arts and heritage, allowing citizens and tourists alike to connect with the country’s history. Her projects included launching the Night of the Museums, supporting Lebanese candidacies to International Biennials and Triennials, handling the selection of artists, submitting applications, and managing Lebanon’s participation in major international exhibitions. She also played a key role in initiatives such as the National Workshop on Access for People with Disabilities to Cultural Life in Lebanon, cultural support projects during COVID-19, the development and expansion of Mois de la Francophonie (Francophonie Month), and managing the Oscar’s selection committee.
Her work emphasized facilitating broader access to culture: promoting literature, exhibitions, heritage, and projects that bring culture closer to people, including those with fewer opportunities or disabilities.
For more than eight years, Tehini demonstrated a rare combination of policy expertise, organizational skill, and genuine passion for culture.
Despite her achievements, her journey was not without obstacles. Navigating Lebanon’s complex political environment required courage and perseverance. She faced professional challenges, including administrative hurdles, but remained steadfast in her commitment to transparency, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.
Beirut Heritage Initiative: Preserving Lebanon’s Past
Following the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, Tehini co-founded with a group of cultural experts and activists the Beirut Heritage Initiative (BHI). The organization aims to restore and preserve Beirut’s architectural and cultural heritage, which suffered massive damage during the disaster.
The BHI mobilized volunteers, raised awareness, and implemented restoration projects to safeguard the city’s historical buildings and landmarks. Her leadership emphasizes community engagement, demonstrating that protecting heritage is not only about preserving buildings but also about sustaining a city’s identity, memories, and stories.
BHI’s work has inspired a broader movement for heritage preservation in Lebanon, positioning Tehini and her colleagues as leading voices in this vital field.
Lebanon of Tomorrow: Empowering the Youth
Tehini’s commitment extends to Lebanon’s future. As a board member of Lebanon of Tomorrow, she works to empower youth and promote civic engagement. Her initiatives focus on education, leadership, and mentorship, helping young Lebanese citizens develop the skills and confidence needed to effect positive change in their communities.
Through Lebanon of Tomorrow, Tehini emphasizes that culture, education, and social responsibility are interconnected. She believes that by nurturing young talent and instilling civic values, Lebanon can overcome its challenges and build a stronger, more resilient society.
Ici Beyrouth: A Platform for Cultural Dialogue and Women Empowerment
As a presenter on Ici Beyrouth, Tehini brings her cultural and social expertise to the media. Her program is dedicated to highlighting the life and achievements of remarkable women. Each episode tells the personal journey of a woman — her challenges, successes, and influence — offering an inspiring and intimate look at individual stories with social, cultural, or historical impact. In its recent version, it has expanded to feature stories about women around the world.
Through journalism, Tehini raises awareness about inequalities, challenges, and successes, shedding light on realities that are often overlooked. Her work helps build a bridge between the personal and the collective—between individual stories and social history. She gives a voice to those who are too often unheard and encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of different contexts.
Her approachable style and thoughtful reporting make her a trusted voice in Lebanese media, fostering dialogue and awareness among citizens.
Recognition and Achievements
In 2024, Lynn Tehini was honored at the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Gala. This prestigious recognition celebrated her outstanding contributions to cultural advocacy, journalism, and community empowerment.
The award highlights her commitment to amplifying women’s voices, preserving heritage, and inspiring social change. It also reflects the broader impact of her work, positioning her as a role model for aspiring journalists, cultural advocates, and young leaders across Lebanon and the region.
Personal Reflections and Philosophy
Tehini’s career is guided by a philosophy of resilience, empathy, and dedication. She believes that meaningful change comes from persistence, collaboration, and connecting deeply with one’s community. She emphasizes the importance of giving back, using her platform to highlight underrepresented voices, and preserving the cultural values that shape a society.
Colleagues and friends describe her as tireless, inspiring, and visionary—someone who can navigate both the complexities of politics and the subtleties of culture with grace and intelligence. Her journey reflects the belief that passion, when combined with action, can drive transformative impact.
Current Life and Ongoing Projects
Today, Lynn Tehini continues to balance her work as a journalist, presenter, and cultural advocate. She actively participates in initiatives that celebrate Lebanon’s culture, restore heritage sites, and empower women and youth.
Her public platforms, including social media, showcase her lifestyle, professional milestones, and ongoing projects. By sharing her experiences, she inspires others to pursue their passions, embrace cultural identity, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
Conclusion
Lynn Tehini’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and resilience. From her early work in international journalism to her transformative contributions to Lebanon’s cultural and social landscape, she has emerged as a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Through initiatives like the Beirut Heritage Initiative, Lebanon of Tomorrow, and her media presence on Ici Beyrouth, Tehini demonstrates that one individual’s commitment to culture, education, and community can create lasting change. Her story encourages young professionals, women, and citizens alike to take action, celebrate their heritage, and contribute to a brighter future for Lebanon.
Do follow her on Instagram
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