Fueled by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to bridging cultures, Layal Hamdeh has emerged as a dynamic voice in the media industry. As a storyteller at Blinx, she plays a central role in shaping the company’s content strategy and on-camera presence. Blinx, a media company launched in the Middle East, produces content across politics, fashion, and entertainment. She helped build the company during its formative years and now leads the creation of digital stories distributed across all major platforms, including a proprietary smart television application.
Ms. Hamdeh’s work at Blinx, encompasses pitching story ideas, researching and developing concepts, writing scripts, selecting filming locations, coordinating logistics, collaborating with videographers, filming on-site segments, and overseeing the editing process from initial cuts to final production. Through her content, she focuses on English-language storytelling that fosters understanding between Middle Eastern and Western audiences, drawing on her Arab American background to inform perspective and nuance.
Ms. Hamdeh’s academic foundation has been integral to her professional growth. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Marymount University in Arlington County, graduating cum laude. She later pursued graduate summer coursework in on-camera acting at New York University and completed coursework towards a Master of Fine Arts in film, video, and photographic arts at New York University. These studies refined her skills both behind and in front of the camera, enhancing her ability to craft compelling narratives across multiple media formats. Additional certifications, such as The Science of Well-Being from Coursera and training through CBS Media School, further support her emphasis on creative precision, professional consistency and audience engagement.
Among Ms. Hamdeh’s notable professional achievements is a viral story about her grandmother, whose resilience through multiple wars resonated widely with viewers. She produced the short film Small Town Girls, recognized for its cinematography and artistic merit, as well as an explainer titled AI Threatening Humanity, which used extended reality to explore the risks of artificial intelligence and the necessity of adapting to technological change.
In addition to her work at Blinx, Ms. Hamdeh is the founder of Medialay Agency, a company specializing in branded content and social media production for international lifestyle brands expanding into the Middle East. Registered in New York, the agency assists clients such as Kiko City in establishing their digital presence. While it began as a family business and remains a side venture, she manages operations through a small staff, allowing her to focus on strategic growth and full-time commitments. Her entrepreneurial experience reflects her value for multiple income streams and her ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the digital media landscape.
Ms. Hamdeh’s career also includes experience at CBS News, where she began as research staff before advancing to news associate journalist. She supported editorial teams with research and contributed to coverage of major global events. Earlier internships shaped her exposure to international media, including digital editorial work at the United Nations, BBC Worldwide in New York and Dubai, and Al Arabiya News Channel in Dubai. These roles provided hands-on experience in global news production, cross-cultural reporting and humanitarian storytelling.
Ms. Hamdeh actively participates in professional organizations, including Women in Film, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Online News Association and the International Documentary Association. Her commitment to community extends to civic engagement with Stray Cats Rescue and Friends of Animals Humane Society, reflecting her dedication to animal welfare.
Born in Reston, Virginia, Ms. Hamdeh has received recognition for her creative work, including the Award for Best Performances from the Chicago Feedback Film Festival and the Excellence in Media – Award for Best Content Creator from Gulf News. She attributes her success to creativity, consistency, and clear communication, principles she applies rigorously across all projects. In the future, she plans to produce international films and video content that inspire positive change while leaving a lasting impact on future generations of content creators.