Alia Kate has lived and worked in half a dozen countries throughout the world, cultivating a career that revolves around social innovation, community development, and experiential education. She is the owner of Kantara, a fair-trade design business that specializes in Moroccan rugs. Through Kantara, Alia works directly with weaving cooperatives in Morocco and is committed to fostering economic development of the women artisans through ethical business practices.  

After two decades of living, working, and traveling in Morocco, Alia has a nuanced understanding of the nation’s history, politics, economy, and customs. Through her in-depth knowledge of the country and its cultural landscape, as well as her language skills (she speaks French, Spanish, English, Arabic, and the Amazigh dialect Tachelhit), she imparts unique insights and a personal perspective with guests.  

Alia joined Smithsonian Journeys in 2019 after a decade of leading educational tours for teens and college students. She holds an executive MBA and is a graduate of Oberlin College, where she studied international relations with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa.