Empowering Communities: Heba Al-Heraki on Bevol and Volunteering’s New Frontier

Introduction
In today’s episode of The Business Narrative, host Wajeeha Nadeem welcomes Heba Al-Heraki, co-founder of Bevol, a social media platform dedicated to volunteering and community work. Together with her father, Bashar Al-Heraki, Heba has pioneered a platform aimed at reshaping how communities connect, volunteer, and collaborate for social good. In this enlightening conversation, Heba shares the story behind Bevol, the platform’s unique features, and her personal journey as a young female entrepreneur.

The Vision Behind Bevol

Heba explains that Bevol serves as a specialized social media platform, much like “the LinkedIn of volunteering.” Rather than focusing on broad, generalized content, Bevol centers on community work and volunteering. Users include individual volunteers, nonprofits, and for-profit companies—all with a shared mission to contribute positively to society.

Three Key User Segments:

Individual Volunteers – People eager to give back by joining various community missions.
Nonprofits and NGOs – Organizations requesting volunteers to assist with missions such as translation, media, or healthcare support.
For-Profit Companies – These entities offer discounts or free services to volunteers as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals, promoting community engagement.

Bevol integrates essential features to streamline volunteer efforts, including user profiles, mission filters, and a gamified point system that rewards active volunteers. Volunteers earn points that unlock exclusive discounts and perks with supporting companies, adding a fun, competitive element to community work.

The Inspiration: A Family Mission Rooted in Community

The journey behind Bevol is deeply personal for Heba and her family. The platform was born out of the Syrian refugee crisis and the Al-Heraki family’s experience as refugees in Turkey. They wanted to create a space where refugees and other underserved communities could connect and contribute to society, challenging the stigma of being a burden and instead becoming assets to their new communities. Over time, they realized that the need for such a platform extended globally, inspiring them to open Bevol to all.

A Humane Approach to Social Media

Heba passionately discusses how Bevol aims to be a “humane social media” platform. Unlike mainstream social media, which is often ad-centric, Bevol is designed to facilitate meaningful, offline interactions that benefit society. This people-centered approach aligns with the concept of “humane technology,” focusing on well-being and community impact rather than profit-driven metrics.

Navigating Challenges as a Young Female Entrepreneur

When asked about her experience as a young woman in the business world, Heba admits that she faces unique challenges, especially since many perceive her as younger than she is. However, she finds strength in her family startup dynamics, allowing her to rely on and work closely with family and friends who share her passion for community work. Her advice for other young women in similar situations? Lean into support networks and focus on collaboration over competition.

Bevol’s Impact: Breaking Barriers and Building Trust

A memorable experience Heba shares is a mission with Turkish orphans, where she and other migrant volunteers taught young Turkish children. This act of cross-cultural engagement challenged stereotypes and fostered acceptance. For the first time, Heba’s Syrian background was met with curiosity rather than prejudice, a profound experience that left a lasting impact on her and the volunteers involved.

Heba’s Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Heba’s key piece of advice for young entrepreneurs is to lean into support networks and stay grounded in personal priorities. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own motivations and setting priorities to avoid being swayed by materialistic goals like fame and money. By staying true to one’s core values, Heba believes that aspiring entrepreneurs can make choices that bring long-term satisfaction rather than short-lived success.

Conclusion

Through Bevol, Heba and her family are creating an innovative and inclusive platform that empowers individuals and communities to make a meaningful difference. Her story serves as a testament to the power of passion, family, and a mission-driven mindset. As Heba reflects on her journey, her passion for community work and her commitment to creating positive change shine through, leaving listeners inspired to take action in their own communities.