During the conflict in Syria, Mariela Shaker graduated from The University Of Aleppo where she studied business administration and she also worked as a violin teacher at the Arabic Institute Of Music. At the same time she would seek out internet cafés, hiding from bomb and mortar attacks, applying to schools around the world.

As she was unable to return back home, Shaker was given permanent residency in the US, her now home, but her family is still in Aleppo, trying their best to survive on a day to day basis. She hopes one day to be reunited with them but as of yet the future remains uncertain.

In America, Mariela Shaker has received a second scholarship so she can pursue a master's degree in music performance at the DePaul University and she is also active giving talks and speaks about her story and her music, trying to raise awareness of the war in Syria and how it affects everybody who lives there. In the process she has presented speaks at the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, for members of Congress and more. In 2015 President Obama honoured her at the White House as a Champion of Change.

Shaker's list of clients include The United Nations, UNHCR, CARE, Beyond Boarders International Festival, Aspen Ideas Festival, MIT, Georgetown, The Barbican Center, King's College Chapel and Harvard University. She also holds the title of Goodwill Peace Ambassador of the World Council of Aramean and Ambassador of the Points of Light Organisation as well as High Profile Supporter for UNHCR. Both The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune and Woman’s Day have written about her. BuzzFeed wrote: 'Fled Syria And Found Refuge On The Stage. Mariela Shaker is singular. A virtuoso.'

Mariela Shaker is passionate about speaking to people and audiences all over the world, eager to share her message of peace and love through music, and through encouraging young people to pursue their own dreams. Mariela travels frequently between the USA and the UK, conducting both speaking engagements and performances.