| May al-Ibrashy’s (*1969) work within cultural heritage and conservation of Historic Cairo revolutionizes the idea of what might traditionally fall under the idea of practicing architecture as a profession. In 2011, she created the non-profit architectural studio called Megawra which runs in partnership with the Built Environment Collective, a local cultural and urban development organization. It is a place where cultural heritage is seen as a driver for progress—a key factor for changing societies and creating urban development on the community’s terms. Grounded in the idea that heritage is a resource and not a burden, May al-Ibrashy aims to ignite the relationship between people and their heritage by encouraging the local Egyptian communities to become co-creators of their city. Through her work, she has positively impacted the impoverished groups living in Cairo’s historic center, helping them develop a new sense of ownership of their heritage. Born in 1969 in Egypt Established her NPO-BEC Megawra in 2011 Based in Cairo, Egypt |