Newark Academy and the Global Speaker Series recently welcomed author and activist Zainab Salbi.

Salbi is an Iraqi-American humanitarian, entrepreneur, author, and media commentator. She is the founder of Women for Women International, a grassroots humanitarian and development organization dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives after war.

She is also the author of Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam (with Laurie Becklund); The Other Side of War: Women’s Stories of Survival and Hope; and If You Knew Me, You Would Care.

During her address, Salbi told her own story about growing up in Iraq, coming to the United States 25 years ago and seeing the changes that have taken place in Iraq since she left. She went on to describe her work as an advocate for women as the founder of Women for Women International.

Salbi talked about embracing humility - learning to understand the culture of a group or society in need to truly serve them and provide them with the resources necessary to help themselves. Finally, she reminded everyone that a superhero is simply someone who sees injustice and acts to correct it. We all have the power to be a superhero.