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The Syrian music scene has witnessed a significant shift with the rise of , a singer who has redefined the traditional Levant folk dance, Dabke , for a modern, digital audience. Her performance of "Ya Marhaba Bil Hokoma" (Welcome to the Government) at the Qalaat Kanaan (Kanaan Castle) party serves as a prime example of how traditional Levantine "Zouri" rhythms are being blended with contemporary bold lyrics and high-energy stage presence. The Power of the "Zouri" Style

Reem Al Sawas’s "Ya Marhaba Bil Hokoma" is more than just a party song; it is a symbol of the . Through her powerful vocals and the high-octane Zouri beats, she has secured her place as a dominant force in the regional music industry, proving that traditional rhythms can remain relevant—and even revolutionary—in the 21st century. The Syrian music scene has witnessed a significant

Reem Al Sawas is a leading figure in the style—a faster, more aggressive sub-genre of Dabke often characterized by synthesized beats and provocative, street-style lyrics. Unlike traditional folk songs that focus on pastoral life or historical heroism, Al Sawas’s version of "Ya Marhaba Bil Hokoma" utilizes a defiant, authoritative tone. The title itself, often used metaphorically in the Levant to describe someone with absolute control or "boss" energy, resonates with a youth culture that values strength and self-assurance. Performance and Setting: Qalaat Kanaan Through her powerful vocals and the high-octane Zouri

Natasha L. Durant is Chief Executive Office for the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) and is the first African American woman in the council’s history to lead the organization.

Prior to becoming CEO, she served as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey. A long-time advocate of girl empowerment and leadership, she is an active Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

As CEO, Natasha holds the most senior leadership role with significant strategic and supervisory responsibilities for the second largest Girl Scout Council in the state, with an annual budget of over $9.5M. She plays a critical role in sharing the inspirational stories of Girl Scouts in the state, and now around the world - inspiring girls of every age and families of every culture to join.

Natasha has a deep passion for issues pertaining to women, girls, diversity, equity and inclusivity, and has focused her community service and professional efforts in very specific areas:

  • Girl Scout Co-Leader for over ten years in the urban community of Plainfield, serving a multi-level, multi-cultural troop of 32 girls.
  • Speaker for the United States Department of State, having traveled to Saudi Arabia delivering training on Girl Leadership, Service and Women’s Empowerment.
  • Served on GSUSA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice Steering Committee, and National Marketing & Communications Advisory Committees.
  • Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • Treasurer and Vice President of the Barbados-American Charitable Organization of NJ.
  • Professor at Rutgers University and Member of the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration Alumni Advisory Board

Natasha has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Leadership from Rutgers University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Theater from Trenton State College, and earned Executive Non-Profit Leadership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certificates from Fairleigh Dickinson and Cornell University.

Active in multiple charitable organizations and committees, she was elected Vice President to the Plainfield Area YMCA Branch Board and served on the Syneos Health Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council.

Natasha holds dear her connection to family and attributes all her success to the unwavering support of her parents, and children Naomi and Chelsea.