Bold move: Actor, writer, producer… there is little Dana can’t do. “I do a bit of everything!” she laughs. “I am an actor of film, television and theatre; a writer of poetry, prose and scripts; and a producer and presenter of cultural, creative, and corporate events.” Her true passion project however is The Human Spirit Project, a non-profit that raises funds through charitable events and performances.

Work ethic: A Columbia alum, Dana began her acting career in Chicago before moving to Dubai in 2011 where she garnered critical aplomb for her stage and screen work, and launched her charitable endeavours. “I love that in every new production that I have undertaken in the past five years in the UAE, I have got to work with amazing creative visionaries – whether that is a drama therapy program in Abu Dhabi for children with autism, or in Sharjah with the Middle East Theatre Academy and the Kevin Spacey Foundation, or in the Short + Sweet Theatre Festival Dubai.”

Future goals: Dana hopes to help grow the emerging creative scene in the region. “Dubai is full of people with voices, vision and vitality. And we want to express ourselves! My goal is to build a creative rehearsal space for artists in Dubai. A place to roll up your sleeves and make your dream. It will be a cafe to nourish the body with great vegetarian food, while you nurture your talent in one of the fully equipped music, dance, and theatre rehearsal rooms.”

Be inspired: “I am inspired by individuals who do, say, think, feel, and share their experiences in vivid details. Whether that is through an eloquent newsletter, a gut-twisting poem, a tear-jerking performance, an awe-inspiring start-up company, a soul-knocking song, a futuristic film… I love to see the secrets of someone’s imagination brought to life!”