CONNECT Empowerment Summit Releases 2026 Schedule Celebrating Heritage, Leadership and Community

posted on: Sep 9, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC — The Arab America Foundation has released the tentative program to date for the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit, taking place November 6–8, 2026, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly, Virginia.

The national gathering will bring Arab Americans from across the country together for a weekend centered on leadership, education, networking, entrepreneurship, culture, music, civic engagement, and community empowerment.

View the tentative 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit schedule here

Under the broader theme “Who Will Tell Our Story?”, this year’s Summit encourages Arab Americans to take greater ownership of their narrative and strengthen the community’s voice through education, public service, storytelling, business, culture, mentorship, and meaningful engagement with one another.

“The CONNECT Empowerment Summit is about bringing our community together to celebrate who we are, learn from one another, and build the relationships that move us forward,” said Warren David, President of the Arab America Foundation. “From leadership and mental health to entrepreneurship, culture, and the music that filled our parents’ and grandparents’ homes, this year’s program reflects the richness of our community and our commitment to empowering the next generation.”

Throughout Friday and Saturday, discussions will explore some of the most relevant issues and opportunities facing Arab Americans today. Conversations will examine how every Arab American can serve as an educator and ambassador for the community, helping challenge stereotypes and strengthen understanding through everyday interactions at work, in schools, in neighborhoods, and online.

Entrepreneurship will also take center stage as the Summit examines the growing impact of Arab-owned cafés, bakeries, food brands, beverages, restaurants, and hospitality businesses. Across the country, Arab entrepreneurs are not only building successful businesses but also introducing Arab flavors, traditions, and hospitality to a broader American audience.

Public service and civic life will be another important focus, with conversations about representation, leadership, community engagement, and how Arab Americans can translate greater visibility into lasting influence. The Summit will also highlight the contributions of Arab American women who are breaking barriers and leading in business, education, healthcare, philanthropy, public service, and the arts.

A new mental health discussion will address an issue increasingly important to Arab American families and communities. The conversation will explore stigma, cultural expectations, access to care, family dynamics, and the importance of creating an environment in which seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength.

The Summit will also recognize the Arab America Foundation’s 20 Under 20, 30 Under 30, and 40 Under 40 Rising Leaders, celebrating young Arab Americans and emerging professionals whose achievements and service represent the future of the community. Mentorship, leadership development, and creating opportunities for the next generation will be woven throughout the weekend.

Culture will remain at the heart of CONNECT. Friday evening’s Fann Wa Tarab Cultural Evening will present “Tarab Across Generations: The Songs That Raised Us,” celebrating the timeless music that filled the homes of Arab American parents and grandparents and traveled with immigrants as they built new lives in America.

The evening will recall legendary voices including Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Sabah Fakhri, while celebrating the enduring ability of Arab music to connect generations through memories of love, longing, homeland, joy, and resilience. The program will feature the Arab America Ensemble led by Maestro Firas Zreik, with vocalists Mona Miari and Kareem Yousef.

Networking will remain a central part of the Summit, with opportunities to connect over Arab cuisine, coffee, breakfast, lunch, receptions, exhibits, and informal gatherings throughout the weekend.

Saturday evening will culminate with the formal Al Rabitah Gala, an evening celebrating Arab American heritage through cuisine, recognition, community, and live Arab music featuring vocalist Tarek Haddad from Dallas and Maestro Abe Diab from Michigan.

Optional Sunday activities will extend the weekend with a farewell networking gathering and a Washington, DC landmark tour and lunch.

The 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit is designed to do more than celebrate Arab American heritage. It seeks to connect people, strengthen relationships, inspire leadership, encourage dialogue, and empower current and future generations to carry the Arab American story forward.

For more information or to register for the Connect Empowerment Summit, CLICK HERE