Omama Altaleb is a Northern Virginia native.

Her career in digital journalism started in college while she was pursuing her B.A. in Communications at George Mason University.

In 2012, she was recognized by the American News Women’s Club as an aspiring female journalist.

Altaleb had been telling people she wanted to become a journalist since she was in middle school. She fell in love with all things Web during her sophomore year. It was in her Introduction to Journalism class where she came up with the idea to create an online lifestyle magazine for American Muslim women, Layali Webzine.

She has been the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine and blog at www.layaliwebzine.com since its inception in 2013.

Altaleb first came to WTOP as a digital intern the spring of 2014 and wrote for WTOP.com. Shortly after, Altaleb interned at Gannett Digital and USA Today in McLean, Va. She also served as a contributing writer for USA Today College during her last year of undergrad, before returning to WTOP.

She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Interactive Journalism at American University.

Altaleb is an active community member with a deep passion for writing, photography, design, news, fitness and travel.

When she is not studying, working or busy with family and friends, she is probably en route to her next travel destination.