At just 18 years old, Chrystine Mhanna made a life-altering decision. She moved out of her parents’ home to pursue her studies in Beirut, a decision driven by pure intuition and an early craving for independence. Studying journalism during the day and working long shifts in a local coffee shop at night, Chrystine began shaping the foundation of a career built on purpose, resilience, and passion.
“I needed to prove to myself what independence truly meant,” Chrystine shares. “It was tough, but that experience gave me a clear sense of who I am and what I want to stand for.”
Even before her formal education, Chrystine had always been drawn to topics like human rights and social labels. As a young girl, she’d scribble reflections on identity and fairness, seeds that would eventually grow into a full-fledged mission.
Journalism With Purpose: Starting the Human Rights Path
After graduating with a degree in journalism, Chrystine Mhanna followed a strong instinct. She dived head first into the world of human rights, landing her first role in a human rights organization as a Communications and Advocacy Officer. This role not only gave her insight into Lebanon’s social fabric but also sharpened her ability to connect personal stories with political and social frameworks.
“Human rights aren’t just theories,” she explains. “They shape how we live, how we’re treated, and what kind of country we build. I realized that my work could create real impact.”
From that moment, she made it her mission to investigate the deeper roots of Lebanon’s social challenges. This passion took her to regional media outlets, where she managed successful advocacy campaigns across the Arab world, working with regional think tanks and global partners.
Taking the Leap: Quitting the 9 to 5 to Build Bala Label
In 2023, Chrystine took another major leap. She left her full-time job as a Strategy and Development Manager to focus on her own vision: Bala Label, a podcast and media platform focused on social impact. The project had started modestly, in her own living room, self-funded with a tight budget. But it quickly caught attention.
“I wanted to blend storytelling with human rights, and make space for marginalized voices,” she says. “I needed it to be raw, real, and representative.”
What started as a passion project has grown into a media hub offering content creation, hosting, and workshops aimed at advancing social justice in the region. Bala Label now has secured funding and a team that shares Chrystine’s values and vision.
Challenges Amid Crises: Resilience in Lebanon
Building a career in Lebanon is no small feat, especially over the past few years. Chrystine’s professional journey unfolded against the backdrop of multiple national crises: the 2019 uprising, the Beirut port explosion, ongoing economic collapse, and regional conflict.
“It sometimes feels like we spend more time surviving than living,” she says, candidly. “Choosing to talk about sensitive topics in such a polarized environment is risky, and often exhausting.”
Through all this, Chrystine found ways to cope creatively. On her personal blog and social media, she began using sarcasm and satire to process and express frustrations. That same tone found a new home in Bala Label, making tough conversations more accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
Mental Health and Authenticity
Another hurdle Chrystine has navigated is her own mental health, particularly living with ADHD.
“Being productive while feeling mentally drained is a daily battle,” she admits. “For a long time, I was afraid to speak about it. But I’m learning that talking about it can be healing, not just for me but for others too.”
By embracing vulnerability, Chrystine is helping to reduce stigma and foster empathy. Whether through storytelling or strategic campaigning, she consistently champions transparency, self-expression, and emotional honesty.
Becoming a Media Consultant and Regional Voice
Chrystine currently works as an independent media consultant, advising NGOs, social movements, and institutions on communications strategies, campaign design, and storytelling for impact. She also delivers training workshops, hosts events, and continues to collaborate with regional media outlets.
“It’s about creating spaces for young people to share their stories, learn, and challenge the systems around them,” she says. “The line between creative media and social advocacy is thin, so why not blend the two?”
The Future: Building a Youth Centered Media Space
Chrystine’s long-term goal is to evolve Bala Label into a youth centered media hub, a place where difficult conversations can happen outside of echo chambers, and where creative energy meets political purpose.
Her vision is clear: media should be a tool for collective reflection and growth. By documenting personal and collective struggles, she believes Lebanese youth can build stronger foundations for social progress.
A Different Take on Success
When asked about her biggest achievements, Chrystine’s answer is far from conventional.
“Achievements aren’t personal. They’re collective,” she says. “Every person who supported me, influenced me, worked with me, that’s what made these milestones possible.”
Still, maintaining Bala Label for a year on self-funded resources, launching a podcast during a crisis, and trusting her gut instincts when it mattered most, those are no small feats. Her ability to fuse creative thinking with strategic leadership has set her apart in Lebanon’s emerging media landscape.
A Voice That Keeps Evolving
Chrystine’s story is far from over. With projects still in the works, a growing team, and an unwavering passion for change, she’s just getting started.
Through every challenge, from economic uncertainty to personal battles with ADHD, Chrystine has held onto a single belief: that purpose-driven media can bring people together, inform, and inspire.
And for every young person struggling to make their voice heard, Chrystine Mhanna is a reminder that with a little courage, some creativity, and a whole lot of heart, it’s possible to carve your own path.
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