Muthanna Khriesat

Three months ago, Nancy and a group of friends stood at the arrivals gate of the Raleigh, NC airport, their hearts racing with trepidation and excitement. They were there to meet a Syrian refugee family they had spent weeks preparing to welcome. Nancy had poured her energy into furnishing an apartment, learning about halal cooking (akin to kosher cooking), and even connecting with a local Arabic-speaking friend to better understand their culture.

She wanted to ensure that when this family of five – Farhan, his wife, and their three children – stepped off the plane, they felt not just safe but truly welcomed. She wanted it to be a different start for them than the years of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty after they left their home and family when the Syrian civil war broke out.

The family’s arrival was just the beginning of their journey of navigating the new complexities of life that America brings. Back in Syria, Farhan had been a skilled tailor, but in America, he faced the challenge of starting where no one knew him, and he did not know any word of the local language! One day, while wandering the local mall, Nancy, aware of Farhan’s skills, boldly stepped into the alterations department of an upmarket men’s clothing store. “I have a friend who is a tailor. Do you need one?” she asked.

The manager said yes and to have him come in! Farhan trusted Nancy and went for the interview. The whole thing consisted of hand movements, gestures, and smiles to bridge the language barrier. 

Farhan knew his stuff and it showed. “He’ll fit right in!” the manager declared as he offered Farhan the job. Today, he’s thriving, using his talents and contributing to the business that gave him a chance. 

Through Questscope’s refugee resettlement initiative, families like Farhan’s are finding hope, stability, and the unique chance to rebuild their lives. This story is just one chapter in Questscope’s broader mission: to put the last first.

In Syrian refugee camps across Jordan, Questscope provides innovative programs to help refugees discover joy and purpose amidst unimaginable challenges. Our music and photography education initiatives inspire hope in young people. Our economic development programs empower women to build brighter futures for their families. And through all of this, we create opportunities for people to thrive—whether in a camp, a new community in Jordan, or even here in the United States.

None of this happens without you.

Your generosity fuels this work, ensuring that people like Nancy can make contact and extend compassion to families like Farhan’s so they can take their first steps toward a brighter future.

When you give to Questscope, you become part of a global movement of hope.

And right now, your impact can go twice as far. Questscope’s board of directors has pledged a $116,000 matching gift, doubling every dollar you give before December 31st. Your $100 becomes $200, your $500 becomes $1,000, and your generosity ripples across the world.

Please join us in this mission. Use the QR code below or visit questscope.org/give to make your year-end contribution today.

Because of you, Syrian children in refugee camps can explore their talents through music and photography. Syrian women can access tools to create economic stability. And families like Farhan’s can find hope and dignity in the midst of hardship.

Thank you for being part of this life-changing work.

8 Aug23 Muthanna Headshot
Chief Executive Officer

Muthanna Khriesat

Muthanna Khriesat is the Chief Executive Officer of Questscope.  

In 1999, Muthanna joined Questscope as a volunteer and was exposed to a community of youth detached from society and in need of positive social change. Since then, he has dedicated his work to helping create social, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities for marginalized youth. 

In his early years with Questscope he held various positions for Questscope related to knowledge management and administrative leadership, including program director for mentoring disadvantaged youth, as well as Chief of Party for a USAID-funded alternative education program for out-of-school youth. 

The extensive experience he earned through those various roles along with his dedication to furthering positive change in the MENA region led to his appointment as Jordan country director in 2010, and then Regional and Jordan Country Director in 2015. 

He continued to excel within Questscope, eventually leading to him becoming the first Chief Operating Officer of Questscope in 2020. In April, 2022, Muthanna succeeded Dr. Curt Rhodes to become the second Chief Executive Officer of Questscope.  

Muthanna is looking forward to taking Questscope to the next level and serving even more people than before. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Princess Sumaya University of Technology in Amman, Jordan. He also has the distinct honor of being a 2021 Yale World Fellow. 

He resides in Minneapolis with his family and splits his time with Jordan.