Our Mission
Camels and Chai connects people through art workshops and cultural events inspired by the traditions of the Muslim World. We create spaces where creativity flows, friendships form, and everyone belongs.
Meet Wareesha
Founder and Community Builder
For as long as I can remember, I've been the kid planning events. Born in Pakistan and raised in York, Pennsylvania, I grew up seeing vibrant celebrations over cups of chai. But moving to Pennsylvania, I noticed that something was missing: the sense of community and diversity that had been the heartbeat of my early childhood in Pakistan.
Seeing this need, I started creating cultural programming as early as high school and planned campus-wide events that brought students together to celebrate our traditions and our differences. When I went to college at Penn State, this passion evolved into organizing bigger events like Unity Week, Holi, Eid celebrations, and Indo-Pak: Reviving the Bond; the largest collaboration between Pakistani and Indian organizations in the university's history.
For years, I have been planning fun events for my community. But after countless socials and cultural events, I noticed something troubling: our communities have been losing their third spaces.
Those informal gathering places where people naturally come together are disappearing fast and I want to do something about it! This is why I have founded Camels and Chai and I hope for it become a cultural third space in our community. If you are someone who enjoys the value of vibrant traditions, please join one of our art workshops or one of our cultural events! We hope to see you there.
Meet Hesham
Director of Events
I grew up in Maryland as an Egyptian American, and like Wareesha, community has always been central to my life. My family and I have worked in Islamic Schools and Muslim event spaces ever since we first moved to United States. Nothing brings us more joy than bringing communities together.
When Wareesha and I got married, I saw her passion for bringing people together and knew this wasn't just a hobby; it was her calling. I encouraged her to turn this dream into something real, something lasting and I am so happy to see Camels and Chai resonating with our community.
We have a lot of diversity in the DMV area and now, as Director of Events for Camels and Chai, I hope to build the very thing our communities need: authentic spaces where culture, art, and connection thrive. I hope that you guys can join one of our upcoming events and experience the vibrancy of the Muslim World!
Our Vision
We founded Camels and Chai in October 2025 to create a cultural third space in the DMV area.
We have hosted art workshops, cultural events, and collaborated with local mosques and schools to bring people together. The response to Camels and Chai has been incredible, confirming what we've always believed: people are hungry for authentic, joyful community experiences.
At Camels and Chai, we want to recreate those third spaces where community naturally flourishes, where friendships form over shared experiences, and where everyone feels like they belong. We have created a wonderful calendar of programming for people in Maryland and the DMV area that celebrate Muslim heritage and the beauty of our diverse traditions. From calligraphy to cultural celebrations, every event is designed to spark joy, creativity, and connection.
If any of this resonates with you, please come attend one of our events or reach out to schedule a private experience for your friends, family, or community group. Let's create something beautiful together!
