Our mission is to foster understanding for social good.
Ayouni is a multidisciplinary communication and design studio for social impact organizations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create a more kind and just world. We identify as pragmatic optimists – we see the world for what it is, with an open and compassionate mind, ready to uncover opportunities for clarity, connection, and change.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Ayouni was founded by Hagar Elsayed — designer, researcher, and lifelong believer in the power of communication to drive social change.
Growing up between Egypt and the Southern United States, Hagar developed a unique perspective of the world: one that could understand multiple sides, hold two truths, and see the disconnect between people, countries, religions, and societies more clearly. What began as a desire to feel understood by two cultures that “othered” her sparked a relentless search for understanding. Why do people think the way they think? Why do they believe what they believe? Why do they feel the way they feel? And why do they act the way they act? A degree in Sociology and Film & Media Studies uncovered a wealth of answers (and even more questions) on how public opinion is shaped, how the media we consume influences us, and how social change really happens. After working in documentary filmmaking and broadcast journalism, Hagar founded Ayouni to work more closely with the people, organizations, and communities driving change, helping foster the kind of understanding that moves people for social good.
OUR STORY:
Ayouni was founded by Hagar Elsayed — designer, researcher, and lifelong believer in the power of communication to drive social change.
Growing up between Egypt and the Southern United States, Hagar developed a unique perspective of the world: one that could understand multiple sides, hold two truths, and see the disconnect between people, countries, religions, and societies more clearly. What began as a desire to feel understood by two cultures that “othered” her sparked a relentless search for understanding. Why do people think the way they think? Why do they believe what they believe? Why do they feel the way they feel? And why do they act the way they act? A degree in Sociology and Film & Media Studies uncovered a wealth of answers (and even more questions) on how public opinion is shaped, how the media we consume influences us, and how social change really happens. After working in documentary filmmaking and broadcast journalism, Hagar founded Ayouni to work more closely with the people, organizations, and communities driving change, helping foster the kind of understanding that moves people for social good.
“Ayouni” or “my eyes” is an Arabic figure of speech used in place of “my pleasure” that means “I would give you my eyes.” Dramatic? Yes. But with one word — this phrase expresses profound love and a deep desire to serve. By “giving you our eyes”, we commit to seeing you and helping you be seen (in a full body, mind, & heart kind of way) through strategic communication and creative design.
We are…
Understanding
We listen deeply, research thoroughly, and design with your audiences in focus, because communication that doesn’t land isn’t communication at all.
Curious
We are learning obsessed. We ask questions and stay genuinely engaged with the world so we can better connect the dots, spot the story, and communicate the nuances clearly.
Pragmatically Optimistic
Being dreamers doesn’t mean we’re not systems-thinkers. We design solutions that are strategic, scalable, and built for the real world your team operates in.
Innovative
Ayouni is for the visionaries and trailblazers. We are not afraid to push boundaries, imagine possibilities, or reinvent systems to drive real change.
The people in your corner.
Feel the spark?
We work with organizations that care deeply about their mission and the world they’re creating. If that’s you, let’s talk about what we can build together.