"Dressage with Purpose"
I'm Mara Ziadeh- a dressage rider, advocate, and product
manager based in Michigan. I'm currently training my horse, Lucas, with the long-term goal of representing
Palestine in international dressage competition. My mission is to use sport as a platform for advocacy,
visibility, and change.
My Journey in the Saddle
I've been riding since childhood and have spent over a
decade developing a deep respect for classical training and ethical horsemanship. From eventing with my first horse, Ferdie, to
FEI-level dressage, I've trained and competed a wide range of horses- including OTTBs, sensitive types,
and green young horses- with a strong emphasis on kindness, connection, and clarity.
Professional Life Outside the Barn
Outside the arena, I work as a Product Manager
in the tech world. I've led cross-functional teams at companies like BorgWarner and Ford,
written user stories, created product roadmaps and translated vision into execution. I also
work independently as a web developer and beginner mobile app developer, using my technical
skills to build and maintain this site, manage my blog, and design tools like my in-progress
animal care tracking app.
Academic Background
I hold both a BBA and MBA from the
University of Michigan-Dearborn, with a focus on Information Systems Management.
This background has allowed me to not only understand business and strategy but
to directly build and maintain the tools that support my mission- including this website.
Why Palestine?
Today, my riding and advocacy are
intertwined. As someone connected to Palestine through marriage, I feel called
to represent the people of Palestine through the sport I love- and to raise
awareness through every ride, every word, and every moment in the spotlight. I'm
building something much bigger than a competition record. I'm building visibility
and connection.
