Toastmasters International -Connecting Others Through Art

A group of diverse individuals, including men and women of various ages and ethnicities, are gathered together in an urban setting with colorful buildings and structures in the background. Photo credit: Dominique Murray

Ebtehal Badawi (front row, second from left) with members of the Pittsburgh Builds Bridges initiative. Photo credit: Dominique Murray

Ebtehal Badawi always knew she wanted to be an artist and ultimately discovered that her true calling was art therapy, the process of using art to improve an individual’s well-being. Today, she is an artist, writer, and photographer known for her uplifting artwork.

Badawi, who was born in Saudi Arabia, began taking classes in art and psychology after earning her bachelor’s degree in biology and her master’s degree in industrial hygiene. She moved to Pennsylvania in 2014 and became the director of the division of art wellness and community outreach at OSH 360, a health and safety consulting firm, six years later. She combines art and wellness in community programs to promote mental health, healing, and well-being.

Her work has been featured in art shows and universities across Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in local schools, where she created anti-bullying posters. Badawi also founded the Pittsburgh Builds Bridges initiative to bring people together to create art while fostering diversity, unity, and empathy.

Through her speeches on the TEDx stage and in the Bakery Square Toastmasters club, she has shared how art has the power to connect others.

Read ahead to learn how Badawi has used art and communication to build bridges.

What type of art do you do?

I create mixed media art, which combines various materials and techniques. My work is known for being colorful, vibrant, and uplifting. I blend elements of painting, photography, and sometimes even sculpture to evoke emotions and spark conversations about unity, belonging, and the power of creativity.

What themes or messages do you share through your artwork?

I aim to communicate themes of connection, empathy, and building bridges—both literally and figuratively. My art focuses on creating spaces for dialogue and healing. I also use my work as a tool for social change, promoting anti-bullying messages and inclusivity, especially in schools.

What is the Pittsburgh Builds Bridges initiative?

Pittsburgh Builds Bridges is an initiative I founded to promote unity, diversity, and inclusion through community-based art projects. It brings people together to create murals and engage in art-making activities that help foster connection. The initiative has grown to involve thousands of participants from various backgrounds, all working together to share their stories and build a stronger, more connected community.

Why did you start Pittsburgh Builds Bridges?

The initiative was inspired by my son’s experience with bullying when he was younger. Witnessing his struggle made me realize the urgent need to foster belonging, understanding, and empathy within our communities. I wanted to create a positive, creative platform that builds bridges instead of walls. This initiative became a way to create safe spaces for all people to connect, reflect, and engage with each other through art.

How have you seen your artwork build bridges?

During mural painting sessions, participants share stories, laugh together, and leave with a deeper appreciation for one another. One of the most touching stories I’ve heard was from a friend who shared that her son had panic attacks when he was younger because his older brother was bullied. When he saw my artwork of building bridges, he felt a sense of belonging and, for the first time, felt that he could be part of something positive. His anxiety improved, and he has been doing better for the past two years.

How has Toastmasters helped fuel your dreams?

Toastmasters has been instrumental in helping me achieve my dream of traveling and speaking. I’ve developed skills in public speaking, leadership, and storytelling that allow me to connect with people across different cultures. I’ve always had a passion for speaking and storytelling, and Toastmasters provides a structured environment where I can grow and learn from others. It also provided me with the encouragement and mentorship I need to keep pushing myself toward my goals. This journey has made me more confident and prepared for the opportunity to speak and build bridges with communities around the world.

What else would you like to share about yourself?

I’m deeply passionate about using art as a tool for social change. As I continue to grow in my career as an artist, I’m also working toward becoming an art therapist, which will allow me to help others heal through creativity. I believe that art is not just about self-expression, but also about creating spaces where we can learn from one another, support each other, and build stronger, more compassionate communities.