Ally
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Podcast

Ally Portee is a fashion and lifestyle writer, having contributed for publications like Forbes US, The Hollywood Reporter, Euronews, Forbes Middle East, GQ Middle East, Vogue Arabia, Arabian Business, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. Having developed an eye for couture craftsmanship, Ally has learned how to put intricate and detailed collections into words. As a result, she has developed relationships with some of the world's most leading brands, covering Paris, Milan, New York, Riyadh, and Dubai Fashion Week shows. She loves faith, cultures, and people and meshes the three together with her digital magazine, Seele. Before the world of fashion, Ally started out in the world of politics, interning and working in Washington, DC, in Congress and at The White House, and on political campaigns.

Ally created The Soulful Side Of Life Podcast, as a way to let you in on her conversations that revolve around faith, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Talking with fashion designers, CEOs, experts, and leaders on calling, character, life lessons, and getting their thoughts on relevant topics, it’s her hope that you will be inspired to go after your own goals and ambitions.

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please follow.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysonlolitaportee/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoulfulSideOfLife

Seele Magazine: https://seelemag.com/

Episode 54: May El Khalil- The Woman That Brought A National Marathon To Beirut

 
 
 
 

May El Khalil is the Founder and President of the Beirut Marathon Association. The Beirut Marathon Association oversees the annual Beirut International Marathon, a race and social movement that has been held every autumn since 2003, and has attracted tens of thousands from over a hundred countries. 

From Aley, Lebanon, May spent much of her adult life in Nigeria where her husband's business was located. In Nigeria, Mrs. El Khalil became part of an international community and established the Lebanese Ladies in Nigeria. When she returned to Lebanon, she found religious differences that she never knew, and in 2001 when she was running in Dubai, she was hit by a bus and suffered a near-fatal accident that placed her in a coma. After spending two years undergoing dozens of surgeries she was able to walk again. Determined to celebrate the gift of life and mobility, she founded the marathon to help mend divisions in Lebanon.

She's a kind soul and brings light into a room. This is a previous conversation I had with her a few years ago, that was a part of an old podcast that I had, but her story and wisdom is still relevant. Enjoy this podcast episode with Mrs. May El Khalil. 

Podcast 2025Ally PorteePodcast, May El Khalil, Beirut, Beirut Marathon