Report on the Academic Webinar

Title: From Challenges to Opportunities: Lessons from the

Experience of a Washington Post Journalist

• Friday, 23/5/1405 (August 14, 2026)
• Organizer: Woman Online University
• Presenter: Ms. Dana Priest
• Platform: Google Meet
• Participants: More than 1,500 professors and students

• Introduction
On Friday, August 14, 2026, an academic webinar titled “From

Challenges to Opportunities: Lessons from the Experience of a

Washington Post Journalist” was held at Woman Online University,

attended by the university’s leadership team, professors, students,

and academic and administrative staff. The webinar aimed to enhance

participants’ understanding of the challenges and opportunities in

journalism and the role of professional experience in navigating the

field. It also provided a valuable opportunity for the exchange of

knowledge and experiences.

The program began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.

Following that, Ms. Madina Qazizai, warmly welcomed all attendees

and highlighted the relevance and importance of the webinar’s topic.

Following that, Dr. Aref Dostyar, Chair of the International Relations

Committee at Woman Online University, welcomed the participants

and highlighted the important role of journalism in informing society

and communicating information. He emphasized the importance of

professionalism, responsibility, accuracy, and effective communication

in journalism, and highlighted the value of gaining practical experience

in the field.

• Biography of the Presenter
An introductory video about Ms. Dana Priest was presented by the

University’s Publications Team.

• Presentation
Ms. Dana Priest delivered a comprehensive presentation on the challenges

and opportunities in journalism, drawing on her professional experience as

a Washington Post journalist. She shared insights from her career and

discussed the challenges she encountered, as well as the ways she

navigated difficult situations in her professional work. She emphasized the

importance of courage, commitment, accuracy, integrity, and responsibility

in journalism, noting that professional challenges can also create opportunities

for learning, growth, and new possibilities. Her first-hand experiences provided

participants with valuable insights into the realities of journalism and media work.

She also highlighted the importance of research, asking questions, fact-checking,

and communicating information accurately and responsibly. Her insights provided

participants with a valuable perspective on

the responsibilities, demands, and professional challenges of journalism.

• Q&A
Following the presentation, Ms. Dana Priest responded to participants’ questions,

leading to a productive and engaging exchange of ideas.

Conclusion
At the end of the webinar, Ms. Najma Samkani, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine,

summarized the key points of the session and appreciated the active participation

of all attendees. She emphasized the importance of continuing such programs to

enhance awareness and support learning and academic development.

The webinar concluded in a warm and positive atmosphere.

Composition and Translation
Council
Administrative Directorate
Woman Online University