Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REGISTER HERE
(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 2022)–The Arab America Foundation is excited to announce its program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit on November 4, 5 (6 is an optional bus tour of DC) at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, Falls Church, VA.
The event features an exciting array of speakers in public service, women’s activism, identity, community advocacy, engagement, and leadership. Moreover, participants will have many networking opportunities and will celebrate Arab heritage through music, entertainment, cuisine, and cultural and informational exhibits.
“This year, our summit is robust; it’s about connecting with each other on professional and social levels, and about amplifying our voice within our community and the community at large,” said Warren David, Co-founder of Arab America Foundation and president of Arab America.
The Arab America Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit (501c3) 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, empower Rising Leaders, and build coalitions with diverse organizations across the U.S.
Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit–Program
Friday Evening, November 4
Venue: Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042
2:00-8:00 pm
Registration and Networking
Exhibits Open
5:00-6:00 pm
Speed Networking
Get to know participants at the summit professionally and socially.
6:00-8:00 pm
Ahlan Networking Reception and Dinner
Attend the opening reception of the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit. Meet new friends and indulge in a tantalizing buffet of Arab cuisine. Exhibits will be open.
8:00 pm
“Fann Wa Tarab” Arab Classic Music Concert
Open: Sara Shouhayib Alawar, Master of Ceremonies, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, and Emcee
Warren David, President, Arab America, Co-Founder of Arab America Foundation
Join musician-composer Firas Zreik and his classic New York Arab Music Ensemble as they perform with some of the country’s most talented Arab musicians. The concert features acclaimed Arab vocalists Nibal Malshi and George Ziade. This event promises to be an enchanting evening of classic and traditional music.
Nibal Malshi, Vocalist
Nibal Malshi is a Middle Eastern artist, born in the city of Haifa & raised in Isfya Village, located on mount Carmel in Palestine. Nibal graduated from the Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem, where she was the first to major in Middle Eastern singing. She also majored in dance earning two bachelor’s degrees in 6 years. She received the “Al-Qattan” foundation scholarship for performing arts. She was chosen to participate among other artists in a dance workshop partnered with KVS from Brussels for a month-long in Ramallah, a Voice for Peace project in Germany, and musicians’ programs in London. In 2010, she released her first written and composed song, “Kilmatak,” “Your Words,” and was elected the singer of the year in her hometown Haifa. Nibal has worked on her own songs and continuously collaborates with master musicians and artists, including Simone Shaheen, and the National Arab Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Michael Ibrahim. Malshi is based in Dallas, Texas, where she is a devoted full-time mother of three boys. Her future projects include three new songs written by her and some by Lebanese, Egyptian, and Palestinian artists.
George Ziade, Vocalist
George Ziade was born and raised in Birzeit, Palestine, and pursued music from a young age. In 1986 he moved to the United States, where he studied ‘oud with Simon Shaheen and classical singing and voice with Youssef Kassab, with whom he has toured extensively across the country. George has performed and lectured with such ensembles and institutions as the University of Chicago’s Middle East Music Ensemble with Issa Boulos, the University of Colorado (Boulder), Alwan for the Arts, the United Nations (invited by Kofi Annan), and annually at the Columbia University Department of Ethnomusicology. In 2008, George was a featured solo and ensemble performer at the “Brooklyn Maqam” Festival of Arab Music. From 1995 to 1997, George taught at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Ramallah and at Birzeit University. George is considered an authority in the maqam and Arab classical repertoire.
Firas Zreik, Director, New York Arab Music Ensemble
Palestinian Kanun player, composer, arranger & educator based in NYC. At 18, Firas received a full presidential scholarship from Berklee College of Music – their most prestigious award. He worked with international artists of the highest caliber, such as Roger Waters, Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Goshal, Simon Shaheen, Bassam Saba, Amal Murkus, Amir Al-Saffar, Aynur Dogan, Marwan Khoury, Elias Karam, Abeer Nehmeh. Performed in the US, Europe & the Middle East, both as a Kanun player and as a musical director in some of the most prestigious venues and festivals such as BSO, Lincoln Center, Carthage International Festival, Savannah Music Festival, Institut de Mont Arabe, Teatro Mediterraneo, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Smithsonian Museum, Palais des Congrès, Berklee Performance Center, The Jazz Gallery, Nuoro Jazz Festival and more. Firas has so far released two singles and one EP, and he’s currently releasing a full original album with his band. As an educator, Zreik has given workshops and masterclasses at Tufts University, NYU, Berklee College of Music, The Arabic Music Retreat, Circle for World Arts, and many more.
Performers:
Firas Zreik-Qanun/Musical Director
Nibal Malshi-Vocals
George Ziadeh-Vocals/Oud
Zafir Tawil-Violin
Gilbert Mansour-Percussion
10:00 pm
Post Concert Networking
Hotel Lobby
Saturday, November 5
CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit
Featuring an exciting array of speakers in public service, women’s activism, identity, community advocacy, and leadership with performances celebrating the Arab identity through music, entertainment, and informational exhibits.
8:00-4:00 pm
Registration and Information
Exhibits Open
8:00-9:00 am
Man’oushe, Foul, and Qahwa Networking Breakfast
Meet and get acquainted with summit attendees at this buffet breakfast and networking event.
Saturday Morning Session
9:00 am
Music by Arab Keyboardist: Abe Diab
Open: Sara Shouhayib Alawar, Master of Ceremonies, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, and Emcee
Muaz Edriss, Star Spangled Banner, Arab Vocalist, Musician, and Composer
Warren David, President, Arab America, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Dr. Amal David, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Issam Andoni, Vice Chairman, Arab America Foundation, CEO Zeva
9:15 am
The Power of Confidence
Arab Americans across the country have expressed their frustrations and struggles as they climb the career ladder or achieve next-level results in their personal and professional lives. Through this transformational talk, we dive into essential elements that are vital to building your success and confidence.
Speaker: Nada Lena Nasserdeen, Founder and CEO, Rise-Up for You, Author, Leadership and Career Confidence Coach
Interviewer: Ameera David, WXYZ Detroit, ABC Anchor, and Emmy-Award Winning Journalist
9:25 am
Championing Change: Arab Americans on Identity and Community Activism
Identity and activism are two integral concepts that are important to Arab Americans. Join this diverse panel which collectively brings decades of experience in promoting and clarifying Arab identity through education, activism, advocacy, and culture. Engage with our panelists to become empowered Arab Americans and learn about different ways to be active change agents in your communities.
Moderator: Dr. William Lafi Youmans, Associate Professor of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University
Speakers:
Dr. Osama Abuirshaid, Executive Director, American Muslims for Palestine
Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Founder and CEO, Bridging Cultures Group, Inc.
Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
Abderrahim Foukara, Washington DC Bureau Chief, Al Jazeera
10:10 am
Performance
Threa Almontaser, Critically Acclaimed Author and Poet
10:17 am
Recognition of Team Leaders
Moderators:
Warren David, President, Arab America, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Dr. Amal David, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Join us as we recognize our state team leaders who are the backbone of the Arab America Foundation’s grass-roots network.
Ahmed Aly (Florida), Stefan Ateek (Texas), Maria Banou (Michigan), Khadija El Barkaoui (Maine), Naderh Elrabadi (Illinois) Yousef Elyassin (Oklahoma), Youssef Elzein (Ohio), Dr. Manal Fakhoury (Florida), Nabeleh Ghareeb (Michigan), Dr. Mahbuba Hammad (California), Hanan Ismail (Tennessee), Eynas Jarrar (New Hampshire), Aida Mady (Maryland), Hajar Moutawakkil (District of Columbia), Siroor Quhshi (New York), Mona Sadeq (Virginia), Rawan Saleh (Kentucky), Yaser Saleh (Tennessee), Osama Salous (District of Columbia), Fatmah Wasel (North Carolina), Lydia Yousief (Tennessee).
10:37 am
Performance
Firas Zreik, Artist-Composer, Lyricist, and Educator
10:42 am
Video Remarks
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Congresswoman (D-MI 13th District)
10:44 am
From the White House to Arab America: Issues Confronting Arab Americans
Representatives from the Biden Administration discuss pertinent issues of importance to Arab Americans. Topics will include international engagement, civil rights and civil liberties, combatting hate and bias, and the addition of a MENA Census category.
Moderator: Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
Speakers:
Roberto Ramirez, Assistant Division Chief, Special Population Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau (confirmed)
Fayrouz Saad, Director of Public Engagement, USAID
Johnathan Smith, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice
*Additional panelists to be announced.
11:29 am
The Best Among Us: Recognizing Arab American Rising Leaders
The future of our community lies in empowering the young of Arab America. Here we will recognize the best and brightest of Arab America who recently entered Arab America Foundation competitions and were selected as awardees for Arab America Foundation’s 40 Under 40, 30 Under 30, and 20 Under 20 initiatives.
Moderators:
Nabeleh Ghareeb, Rising Leaders Coordinator, Michigan Co-Team Leader
Najwa Dahdah, Founder/CEO, Empowered Child Care Consulting, Inc.
Omar Kurdi, Writer, Performing Artist, Founding Member Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi
12:14 pm
Sahtein Networking Lunch
Network with Arab American attendees from throughout the U.S. and tour exhibits.
1:14 pm
Yemen’s Heritage and Culture Group
Saturday Afternoon Session
1:24 pm
Music by Arab Keyboardist: Abe Diab
Open: Sara Shouhayib Alawar, Master of Ceremonies, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, and Emcee
1:26 pm
Unleashing a New Era of Innovation: Silicon Valley’s Middle-Eastern Tech Talent
For decades our ancestors have migrated to the U.S. for prosperity, to flee war, or simply for new beginnings. As children of immigrants, we maintain a passion for our communities back home and a deep love for the U.S. and the communities who’ve embraced us. How do we give back to both? In this presentation, Rama Chakaki, of Transform VC will discuss why Silicon Valley’s middle-eastern tech talent is unleashing a new era of innovation with the power to uplift billions of lives. As an international tech hub, Rama asserts that Silicon Valley is also an Eden of untapped technology founders who can have a transformative impact on the future.
Speaker: Rama Chakaki, Partner, Transform VC
1:36 pm
Performance
Rola Zaarour, Producer/Host, Funny Arabs Comedy Show
1:41 pm
Empowered Women of Arab America: Arab American Women in Leadership
More than at any time in our history, Arab American women are rising in public service, professions, business, media, and the arts after decades of marginalization in mainstream America. Join these successful women in discussing the various issues they have faced over the years in their communities and beyond. We will hear from Arab American women who are making a difference in their respective communities.
Moderator: Shamim Rassam, Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist
Speakers:
Dr. Lina AbiRafeh, Global Women’s Rights Expert, Senior Advisor for Global Women’s Rights, The Arab Institute for Women at the Lebanese American University
Abrar Omeish, At-Large Member, Fairfax County School Board
Jihan Andoni, CEO, Zeva Inc., President, National Arab American Women’s Association
Dr. Malek Ben Salem, Technology Executive, Artificial Intelligence
2:26 pm
Video Remarks
Heather Raffo, Iraqi American Playwright, Actor, and Star of the One-Woman Show, “Nine Parts of Desire”
2:29 pm
Recognition: “Trailblazers” of Arab America
Warren David, President, Arab America, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Dr. Amal David, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Recognizing those who were innovators in carrying the mission of the Arab America Foundation.
Stefan Ateek (Texas), Pierre Bejjani (Ohio), Ed Chidiac (Virginia), Mohammad Enayah (Michigan), Lily Karam (California), Reem Khaldi (Virginia), Alma Korkor (Ohio), Fred Shwaery (Virginia).
2:41 pm
Performance
Khalid Almawlawi, Musician, Sufi Dancer, and Visual Performer
2:45 pm
Experiences in Leadership: How to Rise as a Leader
Moderator: Nada Lena Nasserdeen, Founder and CEO, Rise-Up for You, Author, Leadership and Career Confidence Coach
Speakers:
Dr. Manal Fakhoury, Founder and CEO, Fakhoury Leadership International, CEO, Vestech Partners
Raed Masri, Founding Partner, Transform VC, Co-Founder Aixplain, Inc.
Naheda Zayyad-Hussien (Chicago) Cook County Prosecutors Office
Rania Hoteit, Founder and CEO, ID4A Technologies, Award-Winning Serial Entrepreneur.
3:30 pm
Special Strategy Meeting with Cousins (Paid Members)
Yemeni Leaders Meeting/Moderator: Siroor Hassan
4:10 pm
Daytime Activities End
Saturday Evening
5:30 pm
Al Rabitah Gala Hafla
Networking and Reception
6:15 pm
The event of the year! A celebration featuring Arab cuisine, special recognition, live Arab music, and dabke dance. Presenting acclaimed Arab singer, Karim Jaber and his band with a special guest performance from Moroccan Pop Singer, Abir and a dance presentation by Faris Al-Layl Folkloric Dabke Troupe.
Open: Sara Shouhayib Alawar, Master of Ceremonies, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, and Emcee
Remarks:
Warren David, President, Arab America, Co-Founder, Arab America Foundation
Dr. Adel Korkor, Chairman, Arab America Foundation, Chairman and Founder, Adel B. Korkor Foundation
Dr. Fahed Hakim, Director, Nazareth Hospital
6:35 pm
MVP-Most Valuable Person Award 2022
Intro: Nabeleh Ghareeb, MVP 2021, Co-Team Leader, Michigan
Mona Sadeq, MVP-Most Valuable Person Award 2022, Team Leader, Virginia
6:40 pm
Dance Performance: Faris Al-Layl Folkloric Dabke Troupe
6:50 pm
Special Remarks
Rush Darwish, President, Arab American Business and Professional Association, Chicago
Stefan Ateek, Associate Professor of Social Work, Colin College, Ambassador Nazareth Hospital
7:05 pm
Dinner
8:00 pm
Arab Pop Vocalist Karim Jaber
Karim Jaber is a Lebanese pop vocalist, singer, songwriter, and music composer. He is the winner of the Golden Medal in Studio El Fan 2002 (LBCI). Karim is an expert in singing at major celebrations, engagements, festivals, and all other occasions. Karim comes to us from Orlando, Florida. His hit songs include “El Bint El Lebnaneye,” “Bnayya Flastiniya,” and “Metl El Malak,” among others.
Abe Diab, Keyboard/Org
Kamal Essalhi, Violin/Kamenjah
Mohcine Saqi, Drums/Tabla
8:45 pm
Moroccan Pop Vocalist Abir
Born Abir Haronni in Fez, Morocco, she moved to the U.S. with her family when she was five. Raised in Arlington, Virginia, she started singing shortly after the family relocated. Abir is heavily influenced by Etta James, whose CDs she listened to while cruising with her limousine-driving father. In addition to James, Haronni also drew from her family’s home continent, drawing inspiration from the revered Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. As she grew up, formidable divas, including Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Sarah Vaughan, and Beyonce, influenced her style and powerful vocals. From North Africa to New York City, singer/songwriter Abir buffers her joyful dance-pop with a strong, soulful voice, joining the ranks of contemporaries Dua Lipa, Jess Glynne, Alessia Cara, and Daya. After contributing guest vocals to a handful of tracks early in her career, she made her solo debut in 2016 with the Masego-assisted “Wave.” She later represented Morocco in back-to-back Europa Song Contest competitions before issuing her debut EP, “Mint,” in 2018. She further bridged the gap between East and West on 2020’s “Heat” EP, incorporating sounds from her heritage into her style. Her hit songs include “Finest Hour,” a collaboration with the American EDM group Cash Cash, and “Young & Rude.” In the summer of 2020, she released her second EP, “Heat,” which featured the hit single “Inferno.”
9:00 pm
Arab Pop Vocalist Karim Jaber
11:00 pm
Evening Activities End
See you at our exciting 2023 events!
For Press Inquiries: Claire Boyle
To Register for this Event: REGISTER HERE
For sponsorship opportunities: Contact Warren David (313-999-6000) wdavid@arabamerica.com
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