In 2014, freshly graduated from Columbia University, Aline Sara sought a way to practice Arabic from New York City. At the same time, the Syrian civil war displaced millions.
Recognizing both the crisis and the need for a unique solution that was more agile than traditional aid, she envisioned a tech-first community that leveraged the opportunity of the digital economy to reach populations typically excluded from global societies and economies.

In 2015, NaTakallam (“We Speak” in Arabic) launched its first Arabic sessions, welcoming 21 refugee Language Partners. Each one turned linguistic and cultural knowledge into income, purpose, and connection.

NaTakallam gained international recognition – from Columbia University SIPA Award for Social Good , MIT Innovate for Refugees, and the World Bank Youth Summit – showing that displaced individuals can be contributors in the digital economy, not passive aid recipients.

NaTakallam launched its first university programs with George Washington University, Yale, Georgetown, and Swarthmore – embedding refugee-led sessions in classroom curricula worldwide.

NaTakallam partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to translate and culturally adapt refugee information for asylum seekers and migrants across Greece.

Co-Founder & CEO Aline Sara and NaTakallam’s women-led team earned 2nd place in the World Bank’s “Women Entrepreneurs for Resilient Cities” and Elle’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award.

NaTakallam received its first grant from Alfanar, marking the start of a lasting partnership in venture philanthropy. The Translation Department officially launched this year – expanding refugee employment through professional services.

2018 marked a turning point as NaTakallam expanded beyond Arabic, launching Spanish and Persian sessions. Each new language opened doors for displaced individuals from diverse regions – from Venezuela to Iran – to share their stories and earn sustainable income.

The Integrated Arabic Curriculum (IC) was developed in partnership with Cornell University’s Head of Arabic, blending Levantine dialects and Modern Standard Arabic for real-world communication. This learner-centered model bridged the gap between classroom learning and authentic conversation.

NaTakallam hosted its first in-person training in Lebanon and celebrated three years of impact with the NaTakallam Souq in New York City, uniting Language Partners, learners, and supporters in person for the first time.

2019 saw the establishment of Individual Language Learning, Academic Language Learning, and Translation& Interpretation as distinct departments, with the launch of French sessions. NaTakallam also introduced Refugee Voices, bringing lived experiences to classrooms, conferences, and companies.

NaTakallam joined the Halcyon Incubator, became a Regional Winner at MIT’s Inclusive Innovation Challenge, and was recognized by HundrED and the Cartier Women’s Initiative – confirming that inclusion and social entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand.

As COVID-19 halted in-person interaction, NaTakallam’s digital model became a lifeline – enabling refugees and learners to stay connected across borders. Thousands of sessions moved fully online, offering continuity, purpose, and hope. Partnerships like the one we've built with Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA) further reinforce our commitment to access and inclusion across borders.

Co-Founder & CEO Aline Sara was named among Arab America’s “40 Under 40”, spotlighting her leadership in social innovation. NaTakallam also joined Station F’s Founders Program in Paris, deepening ties with global social-impact networks.

2021 saw the launch of Armenian, Kurdish, and English language sessions, enabling even more displaced and conflict-affected individuals to teach their native languages and share their stories globally.

NaTakallam introduced the Translation Membership model, structuring professional services for organizations. The interpretation service was also launched this year, expanding career pathways for Language Partners.

The organization was honored with the WE Empower Award for advancing women entrepreneurs worldwide. Partnerships with UNHCR, WomenStrong International, and The New Humanitarian strengthened global reach.

With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, NaTakallam launched Ukrainian and Russian language sessions, enabling displaced professionals to teach their native languages and share stories of resilience.

The organization was recognized by Falling Walls Berlin in the Future Learning category for its model of education through inclusion, demonstrating that learning can heal and connect even in crisis.

NaTakallam received the Qatar Foundation WISE Award and provided live interpretation for the first time at Women Deliver Kigali 2023, one of the largest global gender equality conferences.

In response to the genocide in Gaza, NaTakallam expanded advocacy efforts, supporting Palestinian Language Partners and ensuring life-saving income and community connection.

NaTakallam launched Arabic for Professionals and onboarded more than 100 new translators and interpreters in 2023 alone, expanding professional pathways for displaced individuals.

In partnership with the Visa Foundation, NaTakallam expanded Refugees Teaching Refugees, an English language program led by displaced individuals for displaced learners. This initiative reinforced peer-to-peer empowerment and community support.

NaTakallam received the SXSW Impact Award, and CEO Aline Sara was recognized by Vital Voices, highlighting leadership in social innovation and global empowerment.

NaTakallam celebrates a decade of connection, growing from one language and one teacher to nine languages, hundreds of Language Partners, and tens of thousands of learners worldwide.

Launched the B2C Language Learning Membership, expanding accessibility for learners. Partnerships include The Obama Foundation, The New Humanitarian, and other global collaborators supporting refugee empowerment.

Recognized as a Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Co-Founder Aline Sara’s recognition serves to celebrate NaTakallam’s decade-long impact in creating dignified livelihoods for displaced individuals and fostering global connection through language.