Hike Queen Buddies is a sisterhood of hikers that builds community, transforms lives and inspires wellness, one trail at a time

By Arunima Gupta

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community

Hike Queen Buddies (HQB) is a thriving community of women hikers across the United States that inspires wellness through a love of nature. What started as a simple hiking journey between two friends has blossomed into a powerful 1000+ women network that fosters personal rejuvenation, community building, and empowerment.

In 2017, the seeds of Hike Queen Buddies were sown when two friends–Gunjan and Priti–sought respite from the demands of work and family by exploring local hiking trails. As word of their weekend excursions spread, more women joined their adventures. This led to the creation of a WhatsApp group, marking the informal beginnings of HQB.

“We weren’t hikers at that point; we simply wanted to enjoy our time outdoors,” recalls Gunjan. “Being out in nature and meeting different people was giving us an energy boost.” This transformative experience laid the foundation for HQB.

Sustaining the Sisterhood

A dedicated team of four administrators–Priti, Gunjan, Saritha and Madhavi–manages the HQB community. The community comprises five chapters, with the South Bay and East Bay chapters in California being the most active, and a recent addition in New York.

The chapters organize frequent community activities, primarily hikes. With the help of guidelines that promote efficiency and responsible leadership, community members lead hikes. Apart from following the guidelines, leading a hike also requires planning, research and sometimes preparations in advance. HQB Admins assist members in preparing for hikes through training plans and shared experiences from past hikers. They also share awareness about proper gear such as appropriate shoes and backpacks. Together, the community has hiked some challenging paths including Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim, Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and Mt. Whitney – the highest mountain in the contiguous United States.

Speaking about her journey, Pratibha, an HQB member for the past four years shares “Every trail we traverse together reminds me that we’re so much more than just a hiking group – we’re family. The way we lift each other up literally and figuratively on steep climbs and through life’s challenges embodies the true spirit of ‘one for all, all for one.’ What makes our sisterhood truly special is how we lead with nurturing hearts and strength. Whether it’s sharing snacks at the summit, carrying each other’s extra items on tricky terrain, or being there with encouraging words when someone needs it most – we’ve created something remarkable together.”

In addition to hikes, HQB hosts an annual in-person meetup, providing an invaluable opportunity for community members to connect on a deeper level. Members who are making significant contributions to the wellness space share their personal journeys and inspire others. This enhances community bonding and reinstates one of the core pillars of HQB i.e supporting each other in their wellness journeys. While joining HQB is free, the annual in-person meetup is ticketed to cover operational and logistical costs.

Priti, co-founder of HQB encapsulates the essence of HQB’s mission: “A community of strong women who share the love for nature. It’s a community where we inspire each other, learn new things and create lifelong memories, all along supporting each other, both on and off the trails.”

Nurturing Growth and Connection

HQB evolved organically, soon transitioning from a WhatsApp group to an active Facebook community of women from diverse backgrounds, age groups and different fitness levels. What has remained in common is their shared enthusiasm to be out in nature. To cultivate a secure and supportive environment, the community has remained private and women-only, offering an outlet for members to enjoy nature while forging deep connections with fellow hikers.

Saritha, an admin of the HQB community, shares her impression. “I was drawn to HQB by its strong sense of belonging and genuine care for people. From the start, I felt an immediate connection with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and physical health. Over the years, I’ve formed close friendships through shared experiences and challenges. This group has helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had, like completing long hikes, and has empowered me through inspiration, support, and a shared commitment to growth.”

HQB serves as a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to connect with fellow hikers. Madhavi, a software engineer, describes HQB as “an extended family, building new friendships, fostering life-long bonds, and a strong network of like-minded women who share my passion for hiking, fitness, and the love for the great outdoors.”

Transforming Lives, One Trail at a Time

HQB is deeply committed to receiving feedback and consistently delivering on it. The proactive community-run model has eliminated barriers for women to express themselves. Rather, they have found their lives to be profoundly impacted by the open model of HQB. Gunjan recounts instances where members have overcome personal challenges through the community’s support.

Another hiker shares, “Living in the Bay Area and being a mom of two young kids, my world became too small. I felt like I was stuck in a gold mine when Naani introduced me to HikeQueens. The gift that MyTrailpals can provide to larger communities is priceless.”

Heather Keres, a recent member, adds, “At a time in my life when I was seeking change, I found HQB. The group includes me, encourages me, and challenges me…I now hike distances and visit destinations I never imagined alongside strong, courageous, and encouraging women. I am forever grateful to the ladies of HQB.”

MyTrailPals: Expanding the Vision

Inspired by the HQB community, Gunjan launched MyTrailPals, a mobile application for all nature & outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike HQB, the app is not limited to women or hiking. People from all walks of life can find/host activities and outdoor events as per their interests. They can also connect with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and communities within proximity. MyTrailPals’s mission is to make the outdoors a seamless part of everyday life and reduce travel barriers that often deter people from participating.

Read: Mum climbs deadly 6,000m mountain to inspire her son to always ‘follow his dreams’

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Arunima Gupta is a Berkeley-based writer covering issues on Indian culture, heritage and startups

Courtesy: India Currents (Posted on March 7, 2025)

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This Emirati piano prodigy, diagnosed with autism as a toddler, is not just making waves in the world of music but is also challenging how society perceives individuals on the autism spectrum

Ana S. Gad

Ahmed Al Hashemi is not an ordinary boy. He is an extraordinary. He is the first Emirati kid who composed his own musical piece, he is the first Emirati kid to perform abroad and he is first Emirati kid with autism who plays piano.

At just 14, Ahmed Al Hashemi is breaking barriers in more ways than one. This Emirati piano prodigy, diagnosed with autism as a toddler, is not just making waves in the world of music but is also challenging how society perceives individuals on the autism spectrum.

Ahmed’s musical journey began with a moment of serendipity. After being diagnosed with autism at 1 year and 8 months, his mother, Eiman Al Aleeli, was determined to explore her son’s potential. Though the diagnosis was difficult to accept, a powerful dream encouraged her to never give up on Ahmed. That determination paid off when she noticed Ahmed’s extraordinary connection to music.

He didn’t just enjoy listening to music—he had the rare ability to replicate complex melodies after hearing them just once. Eiman recognized that music was not only an interest for Ahmed but also an essential form of self-expression. His ability to channel emotions through the piano, especially during moments of frustration, gave him a voice before he could fully speak.

Eiman’s devotion to Ahmed’s musical journey was relentless. She sought out hundreds of piano teachers until she found one who could nurture his talent. This teacher saw beyond Ahmed’s autism, recognizing his perfect pitch and musical genius.

Today, Ahmed’s talent is acknowledged far and wide. He has won numerous accolades and competes at a national and international level, often outperforming adult musicians. His compositions, rich with emotion and complexity, resonate deeply with his audiences.

Read: Maryna Futymska says ‘Let Your Passion Drive Your Artistic Journey’

But Ahmed’s story isn’t just about music; it’s also about shifting mindsets. His mother, now a passionate advocate for autism awareness, hopes to change how society views autism. For her, autism isn’t a limitation but a unique way of interacting with the world, and Ahmed is proof of the beauty that can arise from embracing differences.

In Ahmed’s journey, we see the power of persistence, love, and an unwavering belief in potential. He reminds us that talent knows no bounds, and that, sometimes, the most extraordinary gifts come from the most unexpected places.

Read: Faeze Mohammed – A Harmonious Fusionist of Heritage and Contemporary Art

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Ana S. Gad is a pen name of the Dubai-based, internationally acclaimed writer, scholar, journalist, editor and digital artist Dr. Ana Stjelja. In 2005 she graduated from the Faculty of Philology from the Turkish Language and Literature Department. In 2009 she earned a Master’s degree in Sufism. In 2012 she obtained her PhD in Serbian Literature (with the thesis on the life and work of one of the first Serbian women writers and world travelers Jelena J. Dimitrijevic). She is an award-winning poet, writer, translator, journalist, independent scientific researcher and editor. She published more than 30 books of different literary genres, and is the author of numerous research papers and essays on literature, feminism and diverse cultures (cultural heritage). She is also a digital artist (with special focus on the graphic design, digital collage art). She is the Editor-in-Chief of various online magazines: the Alia Mundi Magazine for Cultural Diversity, the Enheduana Online Literary Magazine, the Poetryzine, an online magazine for Poets and Poetry in English. She is also the founder and the editor of the Web Portal Eastern Pearl dedicated to the Eastern cultures, Sands and City Magazine, a Dubai-based online magazine on culture of the UAE and Gulf and Art&Act Magazine on art. In 2018 she founded Association Alia Mundi for Promoting Cultural Diversity. In July 2022, she successfully completed the Introduction to Psychology course at the American Yale University, where her lecturer was the university professor and world-famous (Canadian-American) psychologist Paul Bloom. Right now, she is a mentee of the Creative Spotlight Program supported by the British Council and the Thomson Foundation. She is a member of the Association of Writers of Serbia, the Association of Journalists of Serbia, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Europeana Pro.

Source: Gulf News 

Courtesy: Sands and City (Online Magazine – Dubai) August 20, 2024

Photo: Ahmed Al Hashemi Instagram

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By Stefania Miola | Italy

“May this doll bring light to your darkest moments.”

When you love the world of art in all its expressions, you may come across special artists who can give us beauty and wonder. I was lucky enough to find Lucrezia on my life path, who introduced me to the world of reborn dolls.

Ulisse Maria Lucrezia, daughter of art, has cultivated her passion for the world of art since she was young. Her father Ulisse Maria Nicola, a talented painter, has always encouraged her to express her creativity.

As a child, Lucrezia loved watching her father paint and create magnificent works of art. She was fascinated by the way he could transform a simple white canvas into a masterpiece with his brushes and colors. One day she discovered the world of reborn dolls and began her journey towards creating these wonderful works of art.

Reborn dolls are made (starting from white vinyl kits that reproduce the features of newborns by international sculptors) by specialized artists, who use advanced techniques to paint every detail. From the nuance of the skin to the blood veins, every aspect is studied in the smallest details. If observed carefully, these dolls can fool even the most expert eye: they seem truly alive!

Marymarilu’s Reborn dolls (this is her stage name) are true masterpieces, capable of moving and fascinating anyone who admires them. Through her talent and dedication, Marymarilu, who has her workshop in the municipality of Leini in the Turin area, Italy, manages to infuse a unique soul into each doll, giving those who own them an experience of deep connection and wonder.

Each doll is the result of meticulous work, in which every detail is taken care of with attention and love.

Taking care of every little detail to make them look as much like real newborns as possible.

Sharing her passion, she has created groups of enthusiasts and reborners who meet regularly to exchange ideas, techniques and inspirations. Together, they explore new possibilities, experimenting with innovative materials and techniques and give life to themed gatherings in Italian cities.

Reborn dolls are also collectibles among many art and doll enthusiasts.

They are also emerging as innovative therapeutic tools, offering comfort and support to those facing enormous difficulties such as Alzheimer’s disease and the loss of infants. Through the simple act of caring for a doll, people can rediscover lost emotions, create bonds and, above all, deal with grief more calmly.

For anyone with even a passing knowledge of psychology, they know how beneficial it can be for people to have something tangible to hold on to during difficult times.

In settings such as dementia support, interacting with a lifelike doll can elicit positive emotions and promote a sense of calm.

These dolls encourage communication and social interaction, helping patients reconnect with their emotions and memories.

Owning a reborn doll is an emotional experience. Many collectors find in these works of art a way to remember special moments. Some adults coping with the loss of a child find comfort in owning a reborn doll, which symbolizes a lasting bond. “It was like I could give love to a child,” says one mother who lost her newborn. “Feeling the weight of the doll in my arms was comforting, reminding me that even though he wasn’t here, the love I have for him hasn’t gone away.” The doll made her feel less alone, reminded her of her baby, and allowed her to grieve more peacefully.

Others simply appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into these creations.

Working with Reborn dolls has become more than just a passion for Marymarilu. Every time she creates a new doll, she puts her heart and soul into it, hoping that it will bring joy to whoever owns it.

Thus, thanks to her talent and generosity, Marymarilu manages to bring a little comfort and happiness into the lives of many people, demonstrating that a simple doll can have great therapeutic and emotional power as well as being an extraordinary work of art.

The greatest gratification is not fame or success, but seeing the smile on the faces of those who receive her dolls. And so she continues to create her wonderful Reborn dolls, with the hope of bringing a little love and light into the world through her art.

However, the use of reborn dolls is not without ethical controversy. Some critics raise concerns about the risk of replacing genuine human interactions with inanimate objects. It is essential to approach this practice with sensitivity and awareness, recognizing that each individual and each situation is unique. The primary goal should be to provide comfort and support, not to replace reality.

The magic of reborn dolls isn’t just in their looks; it’s in their ability to bring a sense of humanity and connection to the darkest of times.

Read: THE WAY OF BEAUTY – THE COLOR WORLDS OF ITALIAN ARTIST MARIO NARCISO

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Stefania Miola is an eminent Poetess, Art Critic and Journalist from Italy. Since 2015, her three books have been published – “One sky – the only true one”, “Violets in the Desert” and “The scent of the white rabbit”. All books are awarded nationally and internationally. Her several poems are present in anthologies of various publishing houses.

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Kashif ascends 8,027-meter Shishapangma peak in Nepal on Wednesday

Aamir Latif 

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Pakistan’s 22-year-old Shehroz Kashif has become the youngest Pakistani to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet).

Kashif successfully reached the summit of the 8,027-meter (27,221-foot) Shishapangma peak, located in Nepal on early Wednesday morning, completing his journey of climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the country’s official mountaineering body.

He is the second Pakistani to do that following renowned mountaineer Sirbaz Khan, who achieved the feat last week.

‘The Broad Boy’

Hailing from the northeastern city of Lahore, Kashif is only the sixth Pakistani to scale Mount Everest.

Among them, Samina Baig is the only woman climber to achieve the feat in 2013.

The son of a local businessman, Kashif started climbing at age of 11, gradually scaling peaks ranging from 3,000 meters to 8,000 meters before ascending Mount Everest and K2.

In 2013, he scaled the 3,885-meter (12,746-foot) Makra Peak, situated in Pakistan’s northwestern Mansehra district, while just 11 years old.

His 2019 expedition to the 8,047-meter (26,401-foot) Broad Peak, located in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, earned him the title “The Broad Boy.”

Read: Asad Memon becomes Sindh’s 1st mountaineer to climb Mount Everest

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 09.10.2024)

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Aden, Yemen

Omaima Abdulbasset Abdulsalam Qassem, a school girl hailing from Yemen, has received a special award from Serbia for participating in the international competition of paintings held on July 22, 2024, to encourage her in the future.

Omaima Abdulbasset Abdulsalam Qassem belongs to the Mansoura, Aden Governorate of Yemen. She was born in the Sira, Aden Governorate on June 24, 2010. She studies at Al-Qadisiyah School Al Mansoura, having passed the eighth grade. Now she is studying in the ninth grade basic education.

Previously, she participated in the Ramadan Drawing Competition in Violet International Magazine in Iraq Year 2022 and got a certificate of appreciation.

Omaima also received a certificate of appreciation for her participation in the drawing competition at the Khadija Educational Complex, Mansoura Aden on July 15, 2024 from Arts and Sciences Foundation and the Culture Office, and the Education Office Mansoura Aden, as well as her participation in the drawing Exhibition for the gifted and talented on July 20, 2024.

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Read: I won love – A Poem from Yemen

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Aamir Latif 

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Naila Kiani exudes confidence, the kind that only comes at the dizzying heights of success she has – quite literally – reached.

She is the only woman in Pakistan to have summited 11 of the world’s 14 mountains higher than 8,000 meters (over 26,240 feet), and only the third Pakistani who has managed to do it.

Kiani is also the fastest among both men and women to achieve the feat, as her mountaineering career began just three years ago, and she has no plans to slow down.

In an interview with Anadolu, she explained how this record-studded journey “began with an adventure.”

That adventure was Kiani’s wedding photo shoot at the K2 base camp in 2018, which went viral and shot her to social media prominence.

The local mountaineers and porters, who helped arrange the entire thing, became her inspiration to enter the world of mountaineering.

“I had no idea growing up that I would be a climber one day … It all began with an adventure, which later turned into a passion,” she said.

Three years later, Kiani had scaled her first peak above 8,000 meters, Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters or 26,361 feet) in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.

On that expedition she met Ali Raza Sadpara, an icon in the mountaineering community, whom she considers a mentor.

Sadpara, who ascended all five peaks in Pakistan that are above 8,000 meters a record 17 times, died in May 2022 at the age of 56 during preparations for a climb at K2.

“It was Ali Raza Sadpara who turned me into a professional climber,” she said.

Kiani also credits her husband for her success.

“This was not possible without his support. He was the one who supported and encouraged me when I decided to make my first climb,” she said.

“We both thought it (Gasherbrum II ascent) would be the first and the last attempt … but it simply turned out to be a beginning.”

‘So many challenges’

Many professional climbers start off their careers with relatively easier targets and at a much younger age than Kiani.

She, however, took a different path in both respects, going for the daunting Gasherbrum II when she was on maternity leave after having her second daughter.

Born in Pakistan’s northeastern garrison city of Rawalpindi, Kiani studied aerospace engineering at Queen Mary University London, but later drifted toward the banking sector.

She was a senior vice-president of an international bank in Dubai before ditching the corporate world to become a professional mountaineer.

In sports, boxing was her first love.

“I was an amateur boxer and I used to compete,” she said, explaining that the spirit of competition gave her a pivotal push in mountaineering as well.

“That, combined with meeting the climbers on my first trek to the K2 base camp in 2018 and seeing their commitment, inspired me to experience it for myself.”

When she started off, Kiani said her only aim was to “experience climbing a mountain with elite mountaineers.”

“I wanted to feel what the body and mind goes through when you are climbing these high mountains,” she said.

“It’s really hard, especially for women. When people look at me, they see I’m small and I’m quite petite, so if I can do it that means it’s easy. That’s not the case.”

The entire excursion, from beginning to end, is full of obstacles, she said.

“I would say mountaineering can be about life and death sometimes. We overcome so many challenges before going on the expedition and during the expedition,” said Kiani.

Kiani and Samina Baig are the only two Pakistani women to summit the world’s tallest peaks – Mt. Everest and K2.

For women climbers, there is another particular set of challenges, she said.

“Climbing as a woman is even harder because there are not many women who climb, and it’s not easy to learn how to prepare yourself or about whatever challenges we may face as a woman,” she said.

“Lastly, we go through our monthly cycles and it’s even harder going through those hormonal changes while climbing.”

‘An inspiration’

From 2021 until now, Kiani has conquered 11 towering peaks: Mt. Everest (8,849 meters or 29,029 feet), K2 (8,611 meters or 28,251 feet), Lhotse (8,516 meters or 27,939 feet), Makalu (8,485 meters or 27,838 feet), Cho Oyu (8,201 meters or 26,906 feet), Manaslu (8,156 meters or 26,758 feet), Nanga Parbat (8,125 meters or 26,656 feet), Annapurna (8,091 meters or 26,545 feet), Gasherbrum I (8,068 meters or 26,469 feet), Broad Peak (8,047 meters or 26,400 feet), and Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters or 26,361 feet).

Kiani is now only behind fellow Pakistanis Sirbaz Khan and Shehroze Kashif, who have ascended 13 of the world’s 14 highest mountains.

The only peaks she is yet to scale are Kanchenjunga, the third-tallest mountain at 8,586 meters or 28,169 feet; Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest at 8,167 meters or 26,795 feet; and Shishapangma, the 14th-highest at 8,027 meters or 26,335 feet.

“My aim is to complete all 14 peaks, and I’m planning to do it by next year,” said Kiani, the only female athlete to receive Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, Sitara-i-Imtiaz.

What Kiani has achieved in the field of mountaineering goes beyond the personal, according to Karrar Haidri, secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the country’s official mountaineering association.

“Her phenomenal achievements make her an inspiration to the younger generation … and will also be instrumental in bringing more women into the field of mountaineering,” he told Anadolu.

Related report: Naila Kiani becomes 1st Pakistani woman to summit 11 peaks above 8,000 meters

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on June 6, 2024)

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