Shamayel Shalizi is an Afghan multimedia artist with a diverse background shaped by her formative years in Russia, the U.S., and Afghanistan. Holding a Master's degree in Social Anthropology from SOAS, University of London, Shamayel is also the founder of Blingistan, a jewelry and apparel line now celebrating its seventh collection. In November 2021, she published her debut poetry collection, Shut Up. Alongside her design and writing work, Shamayel employs painting, photography, videography, and installations to explore themes such as identity, sexuality, trauma, womanhood, war, imperialism, displacement, and the concept of homeland. An accomplished orator, she has participated in numerous global conferences and conversations, including guest appearances on podcasts and co-hosting her own, Diaspora Passing.