Hilaneh studied English and German Literature in Kiel, Germany and went on becoming a high-school teacher. She also holds a degree for German as a second/foreign language and worked with children and teenagers arriving in Germany from conflict zones. 
Before moving to Cambridge in March 2020, she  worked in different primary schools and Highschools in Northern Germany. 
In her free time, Hilaneh enjoys outdoors as well as reading and theater. Her dad owns a restaurant, so cooking has always been a big part of her life.