Rida Arif is a heritage and development specialist with over eight years of international experience at the intersection of cultural heritage, social inclusion, and community-centred practice. Currently based in Vienna, Rida works at EDUCULT on a portfolio of European Commission-funded projects spanning evidence-based applied research, policy research and advocacy, concept development, and programme evaluation. Her projects operate across Europe and the MENA region, consistently placing underrepresented and socially marginalised groups at the centre of design and implementation. She has worked in complex and precarious contexts including in Pakistan, Lebanon and Tunisia, where she developed the adaptability and stakeholder acuity that define her practice. Earlier in her career, Rida managed donor-funded projects at UNESCO Pakistan, where she strengthened collaboration between government agencies, donors, and civil society stakeholders, while navigating sensitive implementation contexts with diplomatic care and operational rigour. Her responsibilities spanned project and contract management, budgeting, partner supervision, and narrative and financial reporting. At Manāra, Rida brings her expertise in participatory heritage methodologies, cultural policy, and community engagement to support the organization's mission of translating ideas into grounded, context-sensitive action.