Noura Ismail Named Arab America Foundation's 2026 Most Valuable Person-MVP

posted on: Oct 26, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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(Washington, D.C., October 26, 2026) — The Arab America Foundation is proud to announce that Noura Ismail will be honored with the 2026 Most Valuable Person (MVP) Award at the Al Rabitah Gala on Saturday evening, November 7, during the CONNECT Empowerment Summit. The celebration will take place at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia.

Noura is a Syrian American international development professional, researcher, and devoted community leader, was named the Arab America Foundation’s 2026 Most Valuable Person (MVP) because of her exceptional volunteer service, inspiring leadership, and unwavering dedication to connecting, empowering, and advancing the Arab American community.

A dedicated volunteer with the Arab America Foundation since 2021, Noura currently serves as New York Co-Team Leader, helping strengthen community engagement, foster connections, and advance the Foundation’s mission of promoting Arab heritage, educating others about Arab American identity, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans.

Professionally, Noura specializes in creating economic opportunities and skilled migration pathways for refugees and displaced populations. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Oxford, where her research explores how displaced individuals access skilled migration opportunities and how social networks, institutions, and public policy can expand economic mobility.

Noura is Co-Founder and Principal Researcher at Project Hilm and previously served as Chief Program Officer at Talent Beyond Boundaries. During her tenure, she helped transform the organization from a pilot initiative into a global operation spanning 14 countries. She led multimillion-dollar programs, collaborated with governments and international institutions, and helped develop employment pathways for thousands of displaced professionals.

Earlier in her career, Noura worked with Ashoka’s Social Finance team and served as a Kiva Fellow in Lebanon. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science from Columbia University and an MBA from the University of Oxford. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as an Expo Dubai Global Innovator and an Arab America Foundation 40 Under 40 awardee.

Proud of her Syrian American heritage, Noura credits her upbringing with instilling a deep appreciation for Arab identity, unity, solidarity, and service to others. These values have guided both her professional achievements and her longstanding commitment to the Arab American community.

For Noura, the Arab America Foundation represents the power of bringing Arab Americans from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate their shared heritage, strengthen their collective voice, and create opportunities for future generations. She has expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of the Foundation’s co-founders, Warren David and Dr. Amal Khalil David, and considers it a privilege to contribute to their vision of a more connected and empowered Arab American community.

About the Arab America Foundation

The Arab America Foundation is a nonprofit educational and cultural organization dedicated to promoting Arab heritage, educating Americans about Arab identity, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans. Through national initiatives, leadership programs, cultural celebrations, and community engagement, the Foundation strengthens Arab American identity and builds bridges of understanding throughout the United States.

The Arab America Foundation will honor Noura Ismail with its 2026 MVP Award during the Al Rabitah Gala on Saturday, November 7, at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit, held at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia.

Register: HERE

Sponsor: HERE

Exhibit: HERE

Speaker Bios: HERE

Schedule: HERE

Information: www.arabamericafoundation.org
Phone: 877-272-2944

For Press Inquiries: Rita Yelda / Yelda Media

ryelda@arabamerica.com

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