Fariha

Tayyab

Storyteller and Strategist

Crafting Stories That Inspire, Connect, and Transform!

About Fariha

Fariha Tayyab is a multidisciplinary storyteller whose work blends art, journalism, and community building. As a writer and photographer, she explores themes of identity, radical reimagination, and liberation in her creative endeavors.

Her work has been published in various news magazines, public art exhibits, literary journals, and other publications, including the Gulf Coast Literary Journal, the anthology "Secrets, Lies, and Rumors," Matter Monthly Journal, The Eater, the Columbus anthology, Matter News, Brown Girl Magazine, Not Your Mother's Breast Milk Journal, OPAWL QuaranZine, and Columbus Alive.

Fariha frequently leads storytelling, liberation, and communication sessions for a diverse array of organizations, conferences, and community groups. Notable partners include the University of Iowa's International Writing Program, the Columbus Museum of Art, Netroots Nation, Columbus Libraries, YWCA, the Girl Scout National Convention, among others.

She has pursued studies at institutions such as University of Houston, the New York Institute of Photography, the Inprint Writers Workshop, the Arkansas Art Museum, and the TriState Trauma Network. Fariha is dedicated to mentoring local leaders and creatives, developing programming, and creating storytelling campaigns for both organizations based in the South.

Fariha's creative and community projects have been featured on NPR Cleveland, Wild Goose Creative, Experience Management Institute, and others. Additionally, Fariha has been awarded numerous teaching artist residencies in multiple states across the Midwest and South with various populations, including older adults, persons experiencing incarceration, school-aged youth, and others.

As a third culture kid, Fariha was born in the Midwest, raised in a military family abroad, and then lived in multiple states across the country, including the South, having lived in Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas. Her parents are New Americans who resettled in the United States from South Asia over 50 years ago. A polyglot and lover of culture and travel, Fariha believes in the transformative power of language and imagery for narrative change and societal liberation.

NPR Interview

“Once we are able to see each other’s humanity, then we are able to move together to build a society that we cherish.”


Every Story Holds Power—Let’s Bring Yours to Life.

Testimonials

  • “As an educator, Fariha commands any space with confidence, curiosity, and a comforting calm for her students to learn and succeed. Her humor breaks down possible silences and disengagements and her knowledge of the content (e.g., poetry) creates connection and inspires her students to explore not only themselves but the world around them.”

    Zachary Thomas, Executive Director of Writers in Residence

  • “ Fariha worked with us primarily as a communications consultant assisting with building out our external channels for amplifying our message. She built out our email and social media infrastructure, supported our events with photography, and helped us execute a successful advocacy campaign around the city's operating budget. She is highly responsive and energetic in her work. - ”

    Stephen, Columbus Safety Collective

  • Fariha has been a wonderful facilitator for the professional development we offer to our teachers. Her personal experience and knowledge combine for relatable and informative sessions. She is an inventive and empathic storyteller, which makes her even more engaging to her audiences.

    Derek Burtch, Teacher, Activist, Nonprofit Director