A Life of Adventure and Encouragement
From a young age, Latifah Al-Hazza’s life was marked by adventure. Growing up with parents who encouraged her creativity and curiosity, she developed a love for travel that would later shape her career. With every trip abroad, her passion for discovering new places and cultures grew, and her family’s encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue these dreams fully. Latifah’s early love for acting also gave her a bold personality and imaginative spirit—qualities that would eventually fuel her storytelling career.
A Global Education Sparks a Lifelong Passion
In high school, Latifah attended an academy focused on global studies and languages, an experience that deepened her passion for learning about different cultures. But it was her final project—a documentary filmed in Tanzania—that sparked her interest in journalism. Working alongside her father, Latifah documented the conditions of a village school, and her project aired on local television, raising money for the students in Tanzania. Through this experience, she discovered her calling: to give a voice to untold stories and share them with the world.
Combining Travel and Journalism: Living the Dream
Today, Latifah is living her dream as a travel journalist, combining her education and love for travel into a meaningful career. For Latifah, success is not only about visiting incredible places but about sharing stories that foster understanding. Through her writing, she invites readers to explore cultural diversity, hoping to bridge gaps and promote global unity. Her articles inspire readers to see the world through a different lens, highlighting our common humanity.
Empowering Women Through Travel
In addition to journalism, Latifah co-founded Femscape Sojourns, a travel company for women, with her mother. This venture has become one of her greatest achievements, allowing her to empower women by taking them on immersive journeys to destinations they might not explore alone. For Latifah, these trips are more than sightseeing—they’re transformative experiences that encourage women to embrace new perspectives and connect across cultures. Working alongside her mother, Latifah has turned her love for travel into an empowering mission of unity and self-discovery.
A Milestone Moment: CNN Travel Internship
After completing her master’s in journalism, Latifah had the opportunity to intern at CNN Travel in Hong Kong. Working in a professional setting was a pivotal moment in her career, giving her hands-on experience and introducing her to industry connections that helped propel her forward. During her internship, she established bylines, gained confidence, and learned the importance of networking. Her time at CNN Travel opened doors to new opportunities, solidifying her career path and expanding her professional network.
The Power of Parental Support
Latifah’s journey has been heavily influenced by the support of her parents. Her father, who encouraged her adventurous spirit, and her mother, who believed in her dreams, have been her greatest sources of strength. Reflecting on their unwavering support, Latifah is grateful for the confidence they instilled in her, which has been a constant anchor throughout her career. Their influence reminds her that a strong support system can make all the difference in pursuing one’s dreams.
Learning to Celebrate Her Own Successes
One of Latifah’s core beliefs is to “not compete and not compare.” She admits that early in her career, comparing herself to others slowed her progress and led to creative blocks. Today, she embraces her unique journey and celebrates each milestone, big or small, recognizing that success looks different for everyone. This mindset shift has been instrumental in helping her focus on her own path, free from the pressure of outside comparisons.
Advice for Aspiring Journalists and Travelers
For those beginning their careers, Latifah emphasizes the importance of networking, taking advantage of every opportunity, and remaining true to one’s values. She encourages young professionals to attend events, connect with industry peers, and learn from mentors without worrying solely about financial gains. Latifah’s journey reflects her belief that meaningful success comes from following one’s heart and building connections with others.
Following Latifah’s Journey
Latifah Al-Hazza’s career is a testament to the power of passion, adventure, and perseverance. Her journey reminds us that living a life of purpose, travel, and compassion is within reach with determination and a supportive network. To see the world through Latifah’s eyes, follow her travels on Instagram @tifahtravels, where she continues to inspire others to embrace global diversity and find unity in our shared humanity.
