Arab America Foundation Announces 40 Under 40 Awardees--Class of 2026

posted on: Jun 17, 2026

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC (June 17, 2026): The Arab America Foundation announced today the awardees of its 40 Under 40 initiative — Class of 2026. Forty Arab Americans from various fields and disciplines were announced.

The awardees are: Amr Abozaid, Noura Abualeinan, Abed Adawi, Dana Ahmad, Karam Ahmad, Tamer Akel, Zahraa Al Adeeb, Yasmin Al Ameen, Nour Al Ghraowi, Sophia Alawi, Ameer Armaly, Christeen Badie, Aida Bakhos, Mostapha Bojeh, Dana Dargos, Kassem Doghman, Ali Fadlallah, Leith Fakhouri, Carlton French, Hind Habbach, Amine Hachem, Zeinab Hachem, Ken Haddad, Mohammad Hadi, Ahmad Haidar-Ahmad, Ranya Hasan, Mohammad Hirzallah, Marwa Janini, Michael Kahwajy-Hyland, Rammy Korkor, Michel Mansour, Hannah Mesouani, Tarek Sabry Mohamed, Zeyad Musmar, Yara Ourfali, George Qadado, Rammy Salem, Sally Shahin, Omar Shajrah, and Amanne Sharif.

40 Under 40 is a celebration of accomplished young Arab Americans. The program showcases Arab American professionals in a wide range of fields, including education, law, public service, politics, nonprofit work, business, entrepreneurship, engineering, medicine, the arts, entertainment, writing, and media. These young professionals have outstanding achievements both in the workplace and in their communities. 

“The 2026 class of 40 Under 40 represents the talent, vision, and leadership shaping the future of Arab America. From business and education to technology and the arts, these outstanding young professionals are making meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond. Their achievements reflect the strength, resilience, and promise of the next generation of Arab American leaders,” said Warren David, co-founder of the Arab America Foundation and president of Arab America.

All awardees are 30-40 years old, excel in their respective industries, and actively promote their heritage and culture to empower their communities and make a positive difference. The competition is open annually to all professionals who live and/or work in the United States and are of Arab descent. 

The Arab America Foundation and its board are grateful for the leadership of the initiative’s coordinators, Nabelah Ghareeb and Elias J. Khalil, as well as the prestigious panel of judges.

About the Arab America Foundation

The Arab America Foundation (AAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and cultural organization. The mission of AAF is to promote the Arab heritage, empower and educate others about the Arab identity, connect Arab Americans, and build coalitions with diverse organizations across the U.S.

Awardees will be honored at Arab America Foundation’s Connect Empowerment Summit, November 6-7, in the Washington, DC, area.

For more information about the 40 Under 40 initiative, click here.

For more information about the Arab America Foundation, click here.

For media inquiries, contact Claire Boyle here.

The 40 Under 40, Class of 2026

Amr Abozaid

Amr Abozaid is an Arab American community leader and advocate focused on strengthening the position of immigrant-owned businesses in New York. As Director of Small Business Services at the Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA), he works at the intersection of community needs and institutional systems, ensuring that underserved merchants are not excluded from opportunity, protection, and representation. With a background in political science and media, Abozaid brings both policy awareness and narrative clarity to his work. He has played a visible role in elevating Arab American voices in public spaces, engaging with government stakeholders, and shaping conversations around economic equity, public safety, and immigrant inclusion. His leadership reflects a broader commitment to building long-term structures that empower Arab American communities, moving beyond short-term support toward sustained presence, influence, and access.

Noura Abualeinan

Noura Abualeinan is a Palestinian-Lebanese first-generation American committed to serving and advocating for marginalized communities. Born and raised in the South, she felt deeply isolated and recognized the need for a safe space for individuals in her community to learn and build, which prompted her to create one of the first grassroots Palestinian organizations in South Carolina in 2021. She has organized educational events focused on the Palestinian struggle and local food drives for her communities at home. She has been involved in several Palestinian, Syrian, and Sudanese refugee families’ lives, assisting with food insecurity and clothing needs and facilitating access to medical care. Professionally, she has been committed to working with patients with mental health and substance use concerns, constantly advocating for their needs through raising community awareness around harm reduction and connecting her patients with local resources for transportation, treatment, housing, and food banks.

Abed Adawi

Abed Adawi’s father comes from a Lebanese refugee camp in Palestine, and his mother from Uzbekistan. He makes an impact in his community by providing opportunities for those who want to build a career in marketing. Adawi is the Founder and CEO of AB Marketing Group, a marketing and business development firm dedicated to helping organizations grow through strategic branding, digital marketing, community engagement, and innovative outreach. Under his leadership, AB Marketing Group has worked with businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to strengthen their visibility, expand their audiences, and achieve measurable results. Adawi is recognized for his entrepreneurial vision, commitment to relationship-building, and passion for supporting business growth and community development.

Dana Ahmad

Dana Ahmad is a Florida-based trial attorney whose reputation is built on results, courtroom advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Having worked with some of the nation’s top personal injury law firms, her trial experience speaks for itself- grounded in strategic preparation, persuasive advocacy, and a relentless pursuit of justice leading to multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Beyond the courtroom, Dana is a leading voice in advancing Arab American visibility and unity. As co-founder of Yallah Sawwa, a rapidly growing national platform that brings Arab Americans through cultural programming and community- driven events, she has created meaningful spaces that foster connection, identity, and belonging. Her commitment to advocacy began early, when she represented Lebanon in the Miss Arab USA Pageant, and later earned recognition from the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce for her advocacy and leadership. Through both her legal work and community impact, Dana is redefining representation, bridging cultures, amplifying voices, and creating lasting spaces for Arab Americans to thrive.

Karam Ahmad

Karam Ahmad is the Managing Director of Partnerships and Development at the Colorado Health Institute, where he leads strategic partnerships, business development, and multimillion-dollar growth strategies that strengthen communities and systems across Colorado and nationally. As an Iraqi-American policy leader, Karam is committed to advancing well-being for communities most impacted by systemic inequities. He is the founder of Acclimate Colorado, a model advancing climate and health equity through policy, data, and impact evaluation across sectors. His work has engaged thousands of stakeholders and influenced millions of dollars in policy and investment decisions. He advises state agencies and major local, national, and regional philanthropies, including Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, Colorado Gives Foundation, Milbank Memorial Fund, The Denver Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is a Denver Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and serves on the Board of Directors of the Denver Downtown Islamic Center, supporting leadership and fundraising for a growing community resource center.

Tamer Akel

Tamer is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and community leader, proudly hailing from Jerusalem, Palestine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Therapy from Birzeit University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University, where he is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He works full-time at a private pediatric clinic in Port St. Lucie, Florida. His role involves providing crucial therapy and assessments for children with speech and language delays. Additionally, he draws on his background as a former professional soccer player to coach a competitive youth soccer team. He is deeply committed to giving back to my community and founded a local community group to organize events, foster connections, and host fundraisers. Looking ahead, he intends to leverage my clinical expertise and leadership experience to expand access to therapeutic services, build supportive networks, and continue empowering his community.

Zahraa Al Adeeb

Zahraa AlAdeeb is an Iraqi-American healthcare professional, nonprofit leader, and passionate community advocate based in Northeast Ohio. Born and raised in Kuwait, Zahraa moved to the USA in 2014 and has dedicated her life to service, leadership, and uplifting others. She has worked in nursing since 2008, specializing in gastroenterology. Zahraa holds a Master’s degree in Nursing, is certified as a Gastroenterology Registered Nurse, and is currently completing a post-graduate certification in leadership. Her work reflects a deep commitment to compassionate care, health equity, and the empowerment of underserved communities. Driven by her passion for culture and community, Zahraa founded and serves as executive director of Al Bait Al Iraqi, an initiative dedicated to uplifting Iraqi-Americans, preserving cultural heritage, and bridging generations. Through advocacy, volunteerism, and cultural engagement, she works to elevate Arab voices, highlight Arab contributions in Northeast Ohio, and strengthen the Arab American community’s visibility, unity, and presence.

Yasmin Al Ameen

Yasmin Al Ameen is a senior associate at Foley Hoag’s International Litigation and Arbitration Department, where she represents sovereign States and State-owned entities before the world’s principal dispute resolution bodies. Notably, she stands among the youngest advocates to have pleaded before the International Court of Justice. Her practice focuses on public international law litigation, investment treaty arbitration, and international commercial arbitration. She also frequently advises governments on public international law and human rights matters. She currently co-chairs Foley Hoag’s Arab, Middle Eastern, or Muslim Affinity Group and the Minorities in International Law Interest Group at the American Society of International Law. Al Ameen is a laureate of the prestigious Concours Général des Lycées and a recipient of the Bourse d’études du Gouvernement Français, a full scholarship awarded by the French Government for academic excellence.

Nour Al Ghraowi

Nour Al Ghraowi is a Syrian poet, writer, activist, and educator born and raised in Damascus and based in Brooklyn, New York. She received a BA in English Literature at The University of Texas at Austin and an MFA in poetry at Texas State University. She is a storyteller at Karam Foundation, the co-founder and Creative Director at Lucent Creative House, a 2023 Define American Fellow, and a 2024 Pushcart Prize nominee. Her poetry and essays have appeared in Poetry Magazine, Dame Magazine, Mizna Literary Journal, Porter House Review, World Literature Today, The Slow Factory, and others. Nour serves on the Board of Directors for the Radius of Arab American Writers (RAWI), where she helps guide the organization’s strategic vision to support Arab American writers. Her debut poetry collection, “there are bodies here,” was published in 2025 by Fine Editions. Nour writes in the hope of changing the Western view of the Middle East and the Arabic language, which is often viewed as inimical. She also writes about Social Justice, migrant identity, and what it means to be an immigrant in an unwelcome place. Finally, she writes about feminism and what it means to be a feminist Middle Eastern woman.

Sophia Alawi

Sophia Alawi is a Moroccan-Italian American actress, writer, singer-songwriter, and creator dedicated to amplifying MENA voices in entertainment. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Rider University’s BFA Musical Theatre program, she has trained at Stella Adler, The Barrow Group, and T. Schreiber Studio in New York City. Sophia is the recipient of a San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award for Groundhog Day: The Musical and was named one of the Houston Chronicle’s “Five Standout Performances” for Spring Awakening. Her theater credits include We Live in Cairo (New York Theatre Workshop), Evita, Twelfth Night, and In the Heights, and her television credits include Law & Order: SVU. Sophia is the creator of the web series Meet Amal, selected for the Cannes Diversity Virtual Showcase, and is currently developing her short film Lioness while producing her debut album of original music.

Ameer Armaly

Ameer Armaly is a blind Palestinian-American software engineer and oud player. He obtained a PhD in computer science from the University of Notre Dame, receiving the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship for his work improving programming accessibility for the blind. He spent six years at Google making Android a competitor to iOS in terms of accessibility for the blind. He is completing a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from CU Boulder. His musical career was shaped by years of studying the oud under Simon and Najib Shaheen. Since moving to New York in 2023, he has been producing and leading concerts at such venues as Symphony Space, programming both popular and forgotten selections. At the same time, he teaches privately, lectures, and produces talent-development concerts to help musicians of any heritage learn the subtle nuances of playing Arabic music at its best.

Christeen Badie

Christeen Badie, MSW, LCSWA, LGSW, PMP, is Egyptian, an immigrant, a social worker, clinician, consultant, and founder of The Holistic Living Co. For 14 years, she has dedicated her career to advancing human rights, advocating for immigrant communities, and improving mental health, human services, and public health services for communities that have long been overlooked. Growing up Arab in the Southeast, Christeen experienced firsthand the weight of oppression, discrimination, and the search for belonging that shapes so many lives, and that experience became the foundation of her life’s work. She bridges clinical practice, organizational consulting, education, and advocacy to serve SWANA (South West Asian and North African, including Arabs, North Africans, and Gulf communities) and immigrant populations with care that is culturally grounded and unapologetically human. A former senior consultant at Deloitte and a 2026 NC National Association of Social Workers featured speaker, Christeen is proof that lived experience, when channeled with purpose, becomes the most powerful credential of all.

Aida Bakhos

Aida Bakhos is a Lebanese professional basketball player and former member of the Lebanon Women’s National Basketball Team. Born on March 21, 1986, she has represented Lebanon in international competition, including the 2017 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B. A talented forward, Bakhos has competed at both the collegiate and professional levels. She attended Lamar University in Texas, where she played collegiate basketball through 2008. Her professional career includes stints with Homenetmen Antelias and Al Riyadi in Lebanon, as well as SG Bergische Löwen in Germany. Bakhos is recognized for her athleticism, leadership, and dedication to advancing women’s basketball.

Mostapha Bojeh

Mostapha is a dedicated professional known for his resilience, discipline, and commitment to growth. With a strong background in high-pressure environments, he has developed a reputation for staying composed and effective when it matters most. His experiences have shaped a mindset centered on responsibility, adaptability, and service to others. He maintains an active lifestyle, valuing physical fitness and mental strength as key components of personal development. Outside of his professional work, Mostapha enjoys exploring creative outlets and new experiences, finding balance between structure and self-expression. Driven by a desire to continuously improve, he approaches life with focus and determination. He is also an advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of strength not only in action but in mindset. Through his actions and outlook, Mostapha aims to inspire consistency, growth, and purpose in both his personal and professional life.

Dana Dargos (Darghous)

Dana Dargos is an award-winning Lebanese American author, poet, storyteller, activist, and multidisciplinary writer from the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the author of the award-winning philosophical science fiction novel Einstein in the Attic, which has received honors including the Nautilus Book Award, Independent Press Award, Literary Titan Award, and Firebird Book Award. Through fiction, poetry, essays, journalism, and digital storytelling, Dana explores themes of identity, exile, mental health, healing, social justice, belonging, and the Lebanese experience. Deeply involved in the Arab American community, Dana uses her platform to amplify Arab voices, raise awareness surrounding Lebanon and Palestine, support humanitarian causes, and advocate for mental health and women’s empowerment. Alongside her literary work, she works in communications, AI training, and healthcare documentation while continuing to use storytelling to foster empathy, representation, and meaningful human connection.

Kassem Doghman

Kassem Doghman is a Lebanese American journalist, educator, and community leader based in Michigan. With more than 15 years of international media experience, he has built a distinguished career as a television host, news anchor, reporter, and producer, working with leading media organizations including NBN TV in Lebanon and Al Mashhad TV in Dubai, where he provided live coverage of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election for audiences across the Arab world. Alongside his media career, Kassem serves as an Adjunct Arabic Instructor at Henry Ford College and as a multilingual educator in Michigan public schools. He holds Standard Michigan Teaching Certificates in English as a Second Language (ESL PK-12) and Arabic (PK-12). Dedicated to public service, he actively volunteers with the City of Dearborn Language Access Committee, helping expand civic engagement and language accessibility for diverse communities. His work bridges education, media, and community empowerment across the Arab American community

Dr. Ali Fadlallah

Dr. Ali Imad Fadlallah is an author, professor, and founder of The Essay Doc, a boutique admissions practice serving applicants to selective colleges and graduate programs. His clients earn admission to top institutions at rates that far exceed national averages, including Ivy League universities, medical and dental schools, PA and JD programs, and leading residency and fellowship programs. Dr. Ali teaches at Henry Ford College and has previously taught at High Tech High Graduate School of Education, Emory University (where he earned his MBA), and Harvard University, where he completed his doctorate on a fully funded scholarship. Dr. Ali published the two-time Amazon best-selling book, March Forth: From the Prison of Minds, which he co-authored with his late father, a former principal known for his revolutionary work in Dearborn Public Schools. He lives in Dearborn, MI, with his wife and daughter and is currently at work on his second book.

Leith Fakhouri

Leith Fakhouri is a driven professional with a unique blend of experience in real estate and information technology. As a Realtor, he specializes in helping clients navigate buying, selling, and leasing while also guiding them through renovations by connecting them with trusted contractors and overseeing project progress. Alongside his real estate career, Leith works as an IT Technician, where he focuses on troubleshooting, system support, and improving operational efficiency. He holds a CAPM certification and is actively working toward transitioning into project management, combining his technical background with strong organizational and leadership skills. Deeply rooted in the community, Leith is also involved with the Jordanian American Community Association (JACA), serving as the Vice President and contributing to initiatives that strengthen and elevate the local community.

Carlton French

Carlton French is a 31-year-old Palestinian American born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His mother is Palestinian from Jerusalem and immigrated to the United States in 1970 after the War of 1967 at age 8. His father is American from Tifton, Georgia. In May 2025, at age 30, Carlton founded Atlanta Arab Americans after realizing many Arab Americans in their 20s and 30s around Atlanta lacked a welcoming place to connect with their heritage and one another. What began with six Arab Americans has grown to 800+ members in one year, with 100+ events, 25+ business partnerships, and hundreds of friendships formed. Professionally, Carlton is a Manager in Deloitte’s Microsoft Technology Practice. He also serves as a volunteer leader with the Young Adults Ministry at Passion City Church in Atlanta and as founder and host of The Single Man Podcast, which explores the intersection of dating and faith.

Hind Habbach

Hind Habbach is a strategic tech transactions and commercial counsel at Axiom Law, advising enterprise clients such as Western Union. She leverages a robust in-house track record at Moloco, Inc., and Zynga, Inc., following a decade-long career in commercial real estate finance. An attorney of Moroccan heritage raised in Boston, Hind holds dual BA degrees in Government and English from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from New England Law | Boston. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A trailblazer in governance, she made history as Suffolk University’s first Arab American Board Trustee. Driven by a deep commitment to community, Hind established scholarships at Revere High School and Suffolk University to support students from underrepresented communities pursuing global studies. She has served as a Board Member of the Pan-African Institute of Municipal Development, is a Founding Member of Playbook Ltd., Bahrain — a MENA-based women’s professional network — and is a nominee of Diversity On Board, which curates accomplished Arab and North African women for board appointments.

Amine Hachem

Amine Hachem is a Lebanese American operatic and crossover tenor, producer, and founder of Clairemine Opus Inc., based in New York. Praised by BroadwayWorld for “pushing the boundaries of operatic music by integrating it with unconventional sounds from around the world,” he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the United Nations, and leading venues across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2025, Hachem served as Executive Producer, Artistic Director, and lead tenor in the Arabic opera Antar & Abla in Abu Dhabi, a landmark production praised as a major step forward for Arabic opera. Through his artistic and producing work, Hachem advocates for cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and the global visibility of Arab storytelling. He is currently developing new Arabic operatic and symphonic works for international audiences.

Zeinab Hachem

Zeinab A. Hachem, Ph.D. (she/her/هي) is a Lebanese American Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan. A Dearborn, MI native, Zeinab’s lived experience navigating her Lebanese identity in the U.S. inspired her dedication to studying racial and ethnic identity development. She serves in national leadership roles as Executive Committee Secretary and 2026 Conference Co-Chair of AMENA-Psy, and 2026 APA Division 45 Convention Program Co-Chair.

Zeinab’s grant-funded scholarship comprises two lines of inquiry: employing a strengths-based approach to uncover how marginalized identities foster resilience against identity-based stressors, and investigating pathways to dismantle inequities in schools, organizations, and policy settings. A pioneer in her field, she is leading the first-of-its-kind experimental research parsing anti-Arab racism from Islamophobia to provide the empirical foundation for meaningful policy reform. A CONREPA LDI fellow and social justice advocate, Zeinab translates her findings through public scholarship to directly confront bias and empower Arab and MENA communities.

Ken Haddad

Ken Haddad is the Digital & Creative Director for the Mayor’s Office of Communications in the City of Detroit, where he leads digital strategy and creative storytelling for the administration. Prior to joining city government, Haddad spent more than a decade at WDIV-TV Local 4, helping shape one of the Midwest’s leading local news operations through audience-first journalism, digital innovation, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has focused on making complex civic issues more accessible and helping organizations better connect with the communities they serve. His work has earned multiple regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Local Media Association honors. A lifelong Metro Detroiter, Haddad is passionate about public service, local journalism, civic storytelling, and building digital experiences that strengthen trust, participation, and connection across Detroit communities.

Mohammad Hadi

Mohammad Hadi is the Associate Director for Trade at the National U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC), America’s #1 commercial gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Chamber is widely regarded as the voice of American business in the 22 countries of the Arab world and the premier portal to the United States for Arab commercial enterprises. NUSACC is funded by its more than 50,000 stakeholders and is the only business entity in the USA officially recognized by the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers. NUSACC has been privileged to receive the coveted E Star Award for Export Excellence, conferred by the President of the United States. NUSACC is the only Chamber of its kind to receive this award – not once, but twice – in the 60-year history of this honor. Mohammad has held his role since 2022, focusing on advancing strategic trade initiatives and fostering cross-sector business development. He holds an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, blending strong financial expertise with a deep understanding of negotiation, risk, and stakeholder management. Previously, Mohammad worked at Mission Essential Personnel as an Assistant Project Manager, where he supported complex projects and operational coordination efforts. He has also served as an Entrepreneurship Leader and Business Development Director for Project Health, where he led organizational growth strategies, partnerships, and innovation-driven programs. With a background spanning finance, conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and trade, Mohammad brings a multidisciplinary, results-driven approach to leadership and development.

Ahmad Haidar

Ahmad Haidar-Ahmad is a Program Coordinator at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), a national institution of ACCESS, where his work focuses on food security, scholarship access, youth leadership, and community-centered program development. Over the years, Ahmad has helped strengthen programs supporting Arab American families, students, and young people across Southeast Michigan and beyond. He coordinates weekly food distributions, manages scholarship programs that expand access to higher education, and leads youth programming through the Teen Grantmaking Initiative, a program he first joined as a youth participant and now helps guide for the next generation of young leaders. His commitment to the Arab American community began through youth organizing shaped by the Arab Spring and continued through CARE, Canadian Arabs for Rights and Empowerment, and Project Syria. Today, Ahmad’s work reflects a progression from grassroots organizing to strengthening programs and systems that support Arab American communities across generations.

Ranya Hasan

Ranya Hasan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and Nationally Board-Certified in Child and Family Therapy. She is the Founder/CEO of Hasan Health Holistic, which serves two states: Illinois and Louisiana. Ranya became the youngest Palestinian Dean in the United States, helping oversee mental health, threat assessment, and MENA/SWANA efforts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She helped found SALAAM Cultural Center at UIUC to support Arab American students. Ranya founded and served as Vice President of the Crisis Residential Association, the first association of its kind in Crisis/Crisis Respite. She founded the Hasan Health Holistic Scholarship to better support Arab Americans in education. Her expertise is Crisis and Threat Assessment response for the Arab American Community, and she has served alongside Law Enforcement. Ranya volunteers domestically and internationally, providing resources for Arab equity causes, Arab first-generation mentorship, and community business development initiatives.

Mohammad Hirzallah

Dr. Hirzallah is a neurocritical care physician, clinical researcher, and proud Palestinian from Gaza whose work is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the human brain both on Earth and in space. At Baylor College of Medicine, he cares for patients with severe and emergent brain injuries while also conducting NASA-funded research focused on astronaut brain health during spaceflight. As one of the few Palestinians involved in spaceflight biomedical research, he hopes to inspire others in the diaspora to pursue ambitious goals beyond perceived limitations. Through his leadership with the North American Arab Medical Association (NAAMA) Houston executive board and the Houston Palestinian Festival organizing committee, Dr. Hirzallah is committed to cultural education, community engagement, and mentoring the next generation. He strives to demonstrate that Palestinian identity, heritage, and excellence can be carried proudly into new frontiers.

Marwa Janini

Marwa Janini is a Palestinian-American Muslim Organizer and the Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY), where she leads community-driven advocacy for immigrant and Arab communities across the city. She holds a Master’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies from The CUNY Graduate Center. Her work studying the Palestinian diaspora in Latin America and, more broadly, the broader discourse between Latin America and the Arab world has been published and has garnered multiple accolades. As Executive Director, Marwa has ensured that AAANY has stood at the forefront of community-based efforts to make New York City a safe and inclusive space for everyone by partnering with organizations serving New Yorkers from all walks of life, especially those at the heart of the City’s Arab, South Asian and Muslim communities, to combat anti-Asian, anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic rhetoric and violence in the City. Under her leadership, AAANY serves as an anchor organization for the Partners Against the Hate Initiative. Marwa has been recognized as #12 in the inaugural Power of Diversity: Middle Eastern North African (MENA) 50, a list that highlights MENA leaders making a difference across NY. A proud New Yorker with roots in Beit Hanina, Palestine, and Managua, Nicaragua, Marwa is also a mother of three and has served on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s transition team on immigrant justice and as an advisor to prior city administrations.

Michael Kahwajy-Hyland

Michael Kahwajy-Hyland is a Lebanese-American performer, producer, educator, keynote speaker, and cultural ambassador best known for advancing Dabke and Levantine culture through the high-level public, educational, and institutional experiences he creates and executes across the United States. He is the founder and creative director of MKH Dabke & Middle Eastern Dance Entertainment, where he uses traditional Middle Eastern dance as a vehicle to foster cultural connection, empowerment, and community building. His work has been featured at universities, theaters, festivals, embassies, and events across the country, including a residency at the University of Richmond in 2025 and performances alongside Lebanese superstar Hisham El Hajj. Through the purpose-driven shows, workshops, and cultural events he creates, Michael is helping to shape a future in which Arab-American culture is more widely recognized, more deeply understood, and more openly celebrated in the United States.

Dr. Rammy Korkor

Dr. Rammy Korkor is a Syrian American Internal Medicine physician and primary care provider with Southwest General Medical Group in Northeast Ohio. He completed his undergraduate education at The Ohio State University and residency training at MedStar Georgetown University, where he was recognized for compassion and equanimity in patient care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Korkor cared for critically ill ICU patients before transitioning into outpatient primary care. Passionate about preventive medicine, mental health advocacy, and community education, he has participated in podcasts, television interviews, local news segments, and public lecture series focused on heart health, mental wellness, diabetes prevention, and public health awareness. His volunteer and educational efforts have extended locally and internationally, including service initiatives in Lebanon, Ghana, and several Caribbean islands addressing prevention, HIV, malaria, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Korkor is committed to compassionate leadership, culturally sensitive care, and the advancement of community wellness.

Michel Mansour

Michel Mansour is an entrepreneur and legal professional with a background in international law, risk, and compliance. He is the Founder & CEO of Eboo LLC, a remote staffing firm that connects U.S. companies with vetted global talent and has a strong focus on creating job opportunities for Lebanese professionals. Through his work, he has built a network of over 100 active contractors based in Lebanon, enabling cross-border collaboration and economic impact. Prior to this, Michel worked with Dow Jones and Kroll, gaining experience in due diligence, compliance, and risk analysis. Beyond his professional work, Michel is actively engaged in civic and community service. As a committee member of the Lebanese International Finance Executives (LIFE) and President of USEK Alumni USA, he helps organize networking events and fundraising initiatives that support the Lebanese diaspora. He has helped raise thousands of dollars for displaced individuals and educational initiatives in Lebanon, while also engaging in advocacy efforts in Washington, DC.

Hannah Mesouani

Born and raised in Tangier, Morocco, Hannah Mesouani came to the United States in 2006 to pursue her education. With a dual B.A. in Communications and Film Studies and a Master’s in Communications from ISU, Hannah is passionate about how we share our values. She received her Ph.D. in Education for Social Justice through the University of San Diego, where she now leads an annual conference on disability justice in education. With her extensive work history in conflict mediation, leadership coaching, and anti-bias education, Hannah seeks to create accessible learning environments that foster curiosity and trust. Hannah spends her days serving as the Learning and Development Specialist at Chestnut Health Systems and evenings researching and writing about the racial identity development of (MENA) Middle Eastern and North African communities and the pervasive anti-Muslim rhetoric that is embedded in global perspectives on the Middle East.

Tarek Sabry Mohamed

Dr. Tarek Sabry Mohamed is an Egyptian senior subsurface scientist and engineer at SLB whose work
spans reservoir engineering, petrophysics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for subsurface
energy applications. He has invented and co – invented several technologies used across the global
energy industry, including forward modeling of reservoir fluid geodynamics (RFG). Dr. Sabry Mohamed
has delivered more than 50 invited technical talks across eight countries and authored more than 20 technical papers published in leading peer -reviewed journals or presented at major international energy
conferences. He holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, an MS in
Petroleum Engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Analytics from The University of
Oklahoma. He received several international recognitions and awards, including the 2025 SLB CEO Gold Award, and selection as an SPWLA Global Distinguished Speaker for 2023 – 2024 and as an
SPWLA Regional Distinguished Speaker for North America for 2024 – 2025.

Zeyad Musmar

Zeyad Musmar is a Palestinian American Principal Architect at an international engineering and architecture firm, experienced across a range of project types and sizes, and leads design team staff on projects in design and construction. Licensed Architect in the United States (States of Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and District of Columbia). Holds PMP, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT, GGP, Fitwel Ambassador, and WELL AP certificates. Delivered over 8 million square feet of architectural building design professionally. Holds experience in multiple project types, including Transportation, Federal, Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science, Industrial, Semiconductor, High-rise, Corporate, Office, Core & Shell Development, Tenant Improvement, and Retail and Restaurants in design and construction phases. Maintains a proven track record of meeting and managing Clients’ design needs and expectations on complex commercial projects. Strives to achieve professional excellence in architectural design, sustainability, communication, and project management. Considers clients’ objectives, including schedule, budget, and scope, as top priorities throughout design and construction. Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) Awardee for the 40 Under 40 Leadership Award for the year 2025. This prestigious award honors accomplishments in business as well as contributions to the community within the Triangle Raleigh- Durham area.

Yara Ourfali

Yara Ourfali is a serial entrepreneur, global citizen, and community builder. Having grown up between two worlds – born in Syria, raised in America- she was never quite able to pick a side. So she didn’t. She spent years living across six SWANA countries, collecting languages, friendships, and learning the ins and outs of her communities’ needs. That instinct turned into action. She built a platform that helped Muslims travel with ease, created pathways for displaced SWANA talent to work remotely, attended and organized relief trips across Greece, Turkey and Uganda, and is now building a food brand while working with early-stage SWANA founders who are just figuring it out. She brings the best of both worlds into everything she does; the hustle of the West, the heart of home, as she looks to pave a path right through the middle, honoring the unity of her cultures.

George Qadado

George Qadado is a professional Palestinian American track cyclist actively representing Palestine on the UCI international circuit. A first-generation Palestinian American whose parents emigrated from Nazareth in the late 1980s, Qadado was raised in Northern Virginia without a large Palestinian community locally and came to understand his identity, heritage, and connection to Palestine more deeply as an adult. While attending Purdue University, he became an early member of Students for Justice in Palestine, helping organize events and introducing prominent speakers, including Norman Finkelstein and Remi Kanazi. He has since channeled that same commitment into his cycling career, training and racing internationally, and is currently ranked among the world’s best track cyclists. Through both athletics and advocacy, Qadado works to elevate Palestinian visibility and carry his people onto the global stage.

Dr. Rammy Salem

Dr. Rammy Salem is an Assistant Professor of Practice in psychology at the University of the Pacific. He conducts research on topics related to intergroup relations, social norms, and belonging. His research on the effects of preferred racial/ethnic categorizations on MENA Americans’ feelings of belonging was recognized by the American Arab Middle Eastern and North African Psychological Association (AMENA-Psy) with a distinguished dissertation award. Lending support to the Office of Budget and Management’s decision to include “Middle Eastern or North African” among the federally recognized racial/ethnic categories, this research revealed that MENA Americans felt less belonging as Americans when they were unable to self-identify with their preferred race/ethnicity versus when their preferred race/ethnicity was available. As the chair of AMENA-Psy’s Research and Education Committee, Rammy helps MENA scholars in psychology build research collaborations, uplifts MENA psychology students in their academic pursuits, and disseminates research findings on Arab/MENA communities.

Sally Shahin

Sally Shahin is the Founder of Authentic Digital Solutions, a New York-based marketing agency that helps founders scale through AI-driven strategy and brand storytelling. Born and raised in Egypt and certified as a jewelry designer at 16 by the Italian and Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, she has built a career at the intersection of luxury, media, and emerging technology, leading marketing for Colstan, Lūvente, Gabriel and Co., and Bassem Youssef’s “Ask Bassem,” and managing U.S. tours for Arab artists like Shaza and Mohamed Nour. She holds dual master’s degrees in AI in Business and Media Management and is completing a PhD in Leadership at the University of the Cumberlands. Through her 1% Growth Engine framework, Sally mentors women and Arab American founders and serves as a judge for the 2026 Stevie Awards in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.

Omar Shajrah

Omar serves as legal counsel for the Michigan House of Representatives, where he applies his legal expertise to support legislative initiatives and policy development. Prior to this role, he worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Wayne County, becoming the first Yemeni American prosecutor in the county’s history. During his time as a prosecutor, Omar focused on advancing justice and improving public safety while working closely with diverse communities. In addition to his legal career, Omar is actively involved in civic and professional organizations. He is a member of the Michigan State Bar and the Federalist Society, reflecting his commitment to the legal profession and the principles that guide his work. Omar also serves as Vice President of the Michigan chapter of Muslim Americans in Public Service, promoting civic engagement and leadership. Additionally, he is a board member of the Dearborn Education Foundation, where he supports initiatives that expand educational opportunities and strengthen local communities.

Amanne Sharif

Amanne Sharif is a Palestinian Tatreez artist, designer, and educator, and the founder of Min Amanne Tatreez Designs, a platform reimagining Palestinian embroidery for a global audience. Rooted in her family’s heritage from Al-Qubab (Ramla) and Kafr Qalil (Nablus), her work transforms Tatreez into a contemporary practice of cultural preservation, storytelling, and design. Her work spans institutions including the San Francisco Arts Commission, Museo Textil de Oaxaca, and the California Academy of Sciences, and she has taught at companies and universities such as Pixar, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Stanford University, and the Palestinian Embassy in Mexico City. She is also the co-founder of Tatreez Talk, a podcast documenting Palestinian artists’ stories, and leads community-building initiatives through Tatreez circles across the Bay Area. In 2026, she will launch her debut fashion collection featuring hand-embroidered Tatreez, expanding the craft into modern, wearable form.

Compiled by Arab America.

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