Today, for the last day of the "Women's History Month" Campaign we are celebrating this gorgeous young woman:

Meet Khadija El Barkaoui,32, a leader, Business owner and a free-spirited soul who brings light into every room she enters.

Khadija was born in North Africa, belonging to the Amazigh people, with roots in southeast Morocco. Childhood unfolded in an oasis, surrounded by desert landscapes and the rhythms of life in close connection with the land. Growing up there instilled on her a profound respect for community, resilience, and traditions passed down across generations. The oasis taught her lessons about harmony with nature, the value of collective effort, and the beauty of stories carried through families lessons that continue to guide every aspect of her life and work.

Khadija Holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s in Strategic Management and Human Resources, and a PhD in International Management. Completing advanced studies while coming from a region where girls’ education faces significant barriers carries deep meaning. For Khadija Education became a bridge between personal growth, ancestral legacy, and the opportunity to create pathways for others. Each degree strengthened the ability to understand systems, build strategies, and support communities in meaningful, measurable ways.

Khadija is the Founder of Coelle Travel and Vacationland with Purpose, creating experiences that connect travelers with culture, community, and intentional impact. "My Work focuses on three intertwined goals: supporting women-led initiatives, honoring indigenous traditions, and advancing environmental stewardship in every community engaged. Coelle Travel goes beyond sightseeing it builds bridges between cultures, offering travelers authentic connections while ensuring economic and cultural benefits reach the communities hosting them". Says Khadija.

In addition to travel, her work extends to guiding organizations and individuals through responsible business strategies that balance ethical practices, cultural awareness, and sustainable growth. The company's projects emphasize people-centric solutions, aligning strategy with human impact, community engagement, and long-term stewardship. Each initiative is designed to create ripple effects that honor heritage, empower communities, and amplify voices that are often overlooked.

Life achievements?

The creation of Coelle Travel represents one of the most significant milestones, transforming the concept of travel into a purposeful experience that leaves lasting benefits for communities. Launching Kozina, a series of community cultural dinners, brought people together around food, heritage, and storytelling while supporting women-led initiatives and local producers. Vacationland with Purpose expanded that vision further, integrating environmental projects and community-led programs to ensure tourism and engagement create enduring, positive outcomes.

Guiding organizations and individuals to adopt responsible business strategies has been equally fulfilling helping translate ethical values into actionable practices that uplift teams, preserve culture, and strengthen communities. Completing a PhD in International Management added an essential layer, combining academic insight with practical impact. From growing up in a region where girls’ education was limited to building ventures that honor heritage, support communities, and foster meaningful connections, these accomplishments reflect a lifetime of learning, embracing ancestral wisdom, and applying it in today’s world.

What are your passions?

Passion flows from purpose. Work that uplifts communities, preserves culture, and supports meaningful initiatives fuels energy and focus. Designing experiences that connect people, guiding organizations toward ethical strategies, or creating spaces like Kozina that celebrate heritage and women’s leadership all align with a desire to leave tangible, positive impacts. Passion emerges when every action contributes to the well-being of others, turning work into a form of service.

What do you value most in life?

Connection. Gatherings around food, sharing stories, laughter, and presence with family and community hold the deepest meaning. These moments anchor life in warmth, care, and belonging, weaving together the threads of culture, heritage, and human experience.

Advice for other women:

Celebrate every stage of life with joy and pride. Changes in the body, lines on the skin, and graying hair are not just natural, they are beautiful expressions of growth, experience, and resilience. Imperfection carries depth, strength, and a power that belongs entirely to you. Leadership begins with embracing yourself fully, claiming your worth, and moving confidently along the path you have created.

Pause, breathe, and rest. In a world that prizes constant productivity, taking time to recharge is an act of self-respect and a foundation for strong leadership. Rest brings clarity, fuels creativity, and strengthens the ability to act with purpose. Own your presence, celebrate your achievements, and let your energy, confidence, and joy shine in every choice and every moment. True power is living fully in your own light.

Here is Khadija's Favorite quote:  

“We have to bring back the language of connection—between people, cultures, and the Earth.”  Winona LaDuke: 

 This philosophy guides my work, travel, and life, emphasizing the importance of fostering connection, honoring the Earth, and nurturing the bonds that link communities and cultures.

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Thank you, Khadija, for sharing your story and empowering others!

#womenshistorymonth #womansupportingwomen #womanpower #mainephotographer

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