What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Mona Zakkour Jradeh

Published: 10/14/2025

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raised in Lebanon. I moved to the U.S. three years ago, specifically to Phoenix. Although it was difficult to leave a green country for what I initially saw as just a desert, Phoenix has become a city I now associate with comfort and safety.

What city or town do you live in?

Mesa

Where are you originally from and what brought you to Greater Phoenix?

I’m originally from Lebanon, and my marriage to my husband is what brought me here. He was born and raised in Lebanon as well, but like many others, he made the difficult decision to leave because it no longer felt safe. While love brought us here, the need for security and opportunity made staying in Lebanon impossible.

Where do you currently work and what is your job title?

At Greater Phoenix Economic Council as a Digital Marketing Intern.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends?

When the weather is nice, I love taking a walk through downtown Mesa with my dog and ending the day with a dough melt from Novel Ice Cream.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

That’s a hard question because I love food so I will name my go tos: Glai Baan, Doughbird, Pa’la, Pho 43, Mariscos Playa Hermosa.

What’s something that has surprised you about Arizona?

I expected to live in hot weather year-round, but to my pleasant surprise, that’s not the case. The cooler days make it even more enjoyable to get outside and explore.

 

 

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