Aaliyah Kulsoom is a development worker based in Kashmir. She works extensively on women empowerment through skill development and livelihood creation. Aaliyah uses the centuries old art and crafts of Kashmir to empower Kashmiri artisans. Currently, she is working as a program specialist for a World Bank project implemented by Department of Handicrafts in Kashmir in collaboration with an Indian Organisation, Rangsutra Crafts India Limited.

In the past, she has worked in remote parts of Kashmir with female artisans and trained them with modern techniques in various handicrafts. She also linked these female artisans with designers in India, creating market links for their products.

Aaliyah has a Masters degree in Craft Management and Entrepreneurship from University of Kashmir. She also holds masters in Commerce and a post graduate diploma in International Business Operations. She is currently pursuing masters in Development Studies from Indira Ghandi National Open University.

Participant in: August 2019 Fellowship: The Arts as a Tool for Peacebuilding