Samia Khalaf

Samia Khalaf

Design Studio Manager @ Duolingo
5.0
(1 review)
15+ years experience in Tech, Games, Tv Animation, and Creative leadership
United States of America
Speaks English and Arabic
Active this week Usually responds in a day or two

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About

I am Palestinian- Lebanese interdisciplinary creative whose work centers on memory, identity, and belonging. At Duolingo, I lead with equal parts heart and systems. I manage and mentor a wildly talented team of character animators, technical animators and illustrators, helping them grow their craft, navigate complexity, and build work that’s delightful and impactful. My role lives at the intersection of creative leadership, product thinking, and team culture.

My career spans industry-defining roles at Meta, Duolingo, Funomena, and Ghostbot, as well as standout independent projects. I directed the acclaimed VR film Kteer Tayyeb, which celebrates food as cultural memory and premiered at the Arab Film Festival and Ottawa International Animation Festival.

I teach at San José State University, where I help emerging animators and storytellers grow their creative voices. I have given talks and led workshops at events like the Arab Film Festival, Tribeca Immersive, and academic institutions across the U.S., sharing insights on immersive storytelling, representation in animation, and the role of memory in design.

My work is rooted in lived experience and a belief that art can open doors to understanding, to justice, and to each other.

What mentees say

5 out of 5 stars

Rabia

Rabia

Standard Plan • 2 months

Skills

Animation Illustration games studio manager Education Virtual Reality Motion design Freelance Film Management Career Leadership Strategy