We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dina Sherin Khalil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dina Sherin below.

Hi Dina Sherin, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was pursuing a Master’s degree in AR/VR, a field that hadn’t really been explored in my home country at the time. Immersive technologies were still very new, and there was no clear path for how I could apply my skills after graduation. Coming from a more traditional journalism and documentary background, it was a leap of faith to pivot into something so uncharted. But I was passionate about it, even though I didn’t fully know what would come next. It was definitely a gamble, but I trusted my instincts, and that decision has led me to incredible opportunities, like working at Meta, Nexus Studios, and Google. Something I still find surreal. Looking back, I’m so glad I took that risk, because it’s opened doors I couldn’t have imagined.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dina Khalil, an award-winning Technical Artist with 7 years of experience in immersive and mixed reality. I transitioned from journalism to AR/VR, driven by my passion for storytelling and technology, focusing on creating meaningful and engaging experiences.

One project I’m especially proud of is ‘Freedoom of the Press,’ which uses AR to tell the stories of female journalists who’ve faced suppression. It’s won multiple awards and merges creativity with advocacy.

I’m committed to making AR/VR accessible to everyone, incorporating features for users of all abilities through my CPACC certification. Ultimately, my work is always driven by passion and purpose whether creating immersive experiences for brands or advocating for underrepresented voices through technology.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot was when I transitioned from traditional journalism to the AR/VR field. I had spent years building my career in journalism and documentary work, but I became fascinated by the potential of immersive technologies to tell stories in more interactive and impactful ways. It was a major shift, and there wasn’t a clear roadmap, especially since AR/VR wasn’t widely recognized or established in my home country. I had to learn new tools, develop technical skills, and essentially reinvent myself in a completely different field. It was daunting, but that pivot has opened up incredible opportunities for me, from working at Meta and Google to creating award-winning projects that combine creativity and advocacy. It taught me that following your passion, even when it means leaving behind the familiar, can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by the mission to create meaningful, immersive experiences that inspire empathy and amplify underrepresented voices. I’m passionate about using AR/VR not just for entertainment, but as a tool for advocacy and storytelling that can make a real impact. I want to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility, ensuring that immersive experiences are inclusive and available to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Ultimately, I’m focused on creating work that connects with people on a deeper level and sparks conversations that lead to change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dinakhalil.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-khalil–