CONNECT Arab America 2021: Day 3—Connecting with Business Leaders
By: Steven Brander / Arab America Contributing Writer
On Day 3 of the Connect Arab America: Empowerment Summit you will meet some of the business leaders that are making a difference in their respective communities. Connect Arab America will take place Feb. 1-5, 2021 from 7-8 pm ET. Celebrate Arab American unity, heritage, and identity with discussions from exciting speakers in public service, cultural institutions, business innovators, influencers, and exciting artists. (Register Here)
Meet the Panelists
Abderrahim Foukara | Moderator
This panel will be moderated by Al Jazeera Washington DC Bureau Chief Abderrahim Foukara. Foukara is currently the head of Al Jazeera’s offices in the Americas and host of Min Washington, a weekly current issues show on Aljazeera Arabic.
Farouk Shami
Dr. Farouk Shami, an immigrant, and son of a Sheikh and Chief of the olive farmers in Palestine. Known for many firsts, Dr. Shami went on to create award-winning hair care and styling tools (including 23 patents) that have revolutionized the beauty industry. Today, his company Farouk Systems, Inc. is in over 144 countries with over a billion dollars in sales. His passion for being an American success story has resulted in his humanitarian efforts and appointment as Special Representative and Adviser for International Affairs for the NDUF (National Defense University Foundation) and a frequent speaker on leadership at Harvard University. He has recently partnered with LG H & H that will bring new technological advancements and distribution to both companies.
Samy Kobrosly
Samy is a first generation American raised in a Muslim Tunisian household in good old Cedar Rapids, Iowa. So it just makes sense that he would create a vegan pork rind that would be featured on Shark Tank… Right?? Well since, Snacklins has become a household name on the East coast with their deliciously crunchy snacks made from simple ingredients and just 90 calories for THE WHOLE BAG!! Also he has probably eaten every kind of snack you can think of… EVERY… Snacklins.
Rami Kashou
Born in Jerusalem, Rami Kashou was often commissioned by the local town socialites to design their ensembles during his teenage years. He was honored with the Gen Art Alumni sponsorship to showcase his collection in the tents of Bryant Park, in addition to his numerous runway shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles. Known for his dramatic red carpet gowns Rami’s custom evening-wear and bridal business began to thrive while his attention to detail, masterful draping and construction granted him the honor to meet and dress global icons including Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, Rihanna, Dita Von Teese, Heidi Klum, Paris Hilton, Madonna’s half time Super Bowl show and Kim Kardashian.
Manal Saab
Manal Saab is Chief Executive Officer of SGCS in Flint, Michigan. She’s appointed by Michigan’s Governor as Chair of the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs for the State of Michigan. She is serving as Vice Chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint; past Chair of the National Advisory Board for the Arab American National Museum; past Chair of the American Druze Foundation Board of Trustees. She is an Emeritus member of the Board of Governors of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A founding member of the national professional advisory board of the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), and a founding member of Takreem-USA. Mrs. Saab and her husband, Ghassan, are the first Flint-area philanthropists to receive the 2010 Russell G. Mawby Award for Philanthropy, the highest award recognizing philanthropy in the State of Michigan.
Aneesa Muthana
Aneesa Muthana is a hands-on leader with extensive experience in almost every aspect of a production environment. In 1993, Aneesa took the opportunity to run a small, struggling company. Today, that same company, Pioneer Service, serves various industries including components for ventilators, lab equipment and other products used in the battle against COVID-19. Aneesa is known for both her business acumen and for leading-from-the-heart in everything she participates in. She attributes her success to building a high-performance team that embraces continuous improvement, diversity, and leading-edge technology. She’s won numerous awards including Manufacturing Institute’s Award, 2019 NAWBO Woman Business Owner of The Year, Crain's 2019 and 2020 Notable Woman in Manufacturing, and SWE “Women Engineers You Should Know.”Aneesa speaks at keynote events, where she delivers her message of hard work and humility. She makes time for faith, friends, family, including her grandchildren, who are the light of her world.
Connect with Business Leaders This February (2021)
REGISTER HERE
Learn more about the Connect Arab America Empowerment Summit here.
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