RECAP: CONNECT Summit 2026 Unites Over 400 Guests from 24 States in a Celebration of Arab American Leadership and Culture

posted on: Nov 11, 2026

More than 400 guests from 24 states gathered for the 2026 CONNECT Arab America Empowerment Summit, held November 6–7 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. Organized by the Arab America Foundation, the gathering brought together community leaders, young professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates for a weekend of conversation, recognition, music, and connection.

From discussions about identity and public service to performances celebrating Arab musical traditions, the summit reflected the Foundation’s mission to promote Arab heritage, educate Americans about Arab identity, and connect and empower Arab Americans nationwide.

The question “Who Will Tell Our Story?” helped frame the weekend, emphasizing the community’s responsibility to shape its own narrative through education, leadership, culture, and civic participation.

Friday Opens with Education, Entrepreneurship, and Connection

Friday’s program opened with master of ceremonies Blanche Shaheen and welcoming remarks from Warren David, President of Arab America and Co-Founder of the Arab America Foundation.

The opening discussion explored how Arab Americans can help others understand their heritage through everyday conversations in classrooms, workplaces, neighborhoods, and online. A second panel examined the role of food and coffee entrepreneurs in sharing Arab culture and building businesses. Moderated by Falafel Inc. founder Ahmad Ashkar, the conversation featured Edward Mafoud, Youssef Mubarez, Blanche Shaheen, and Nada Shatila.

A networking gathering for young professionals created opportunities to meet peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships across states and professions. Throughout the summit, the Bayt Vienna vendor exhibits added opportunities to discover businesses, explore cultural offerings, and connect with entrepreneurs. arabamerica.com

An Evening of Recognition and Fann Wa Tarab

Friday evening began with the Ahlan wa Sahlan reception and dinner, welcoming attendees through food, conversation, and shared hospitality.

Hosted by Emmy Award–winning journalist Ameera David, the evening program featured special guest Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. The Foundation presented him with its Pathbreaker Award, recognizing his leadership and the significance of breaking barriers in public life.

The evening’s Fann Wa Tarab celebration brought generations together through the music that has accompanied Arab families across borders and into the diaspora.

Under the musical direction of qanunist and composer Firas Zreik, the Arab America Ensemble featured vocalists Mona Miari and Kareem Yousef. Their program celebrated the musical legacy of Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Wadih El Safi.

An opening performance by Franco-Algerian artist Nadir Benmansour and his band added North African musical traditions to the evening’s celebration. arabamerica.com

Saturday Celebrates Leadership, Service, and Shared Identity

Saturday began with the traditional Man’oushe, Foul, and Qahwa networking breakfast, giving attendees another opportunity to reconnect before the day’s discussions.

Emmy Award–winning journalist Sara Shouhayib Alawar hosted the daytime program, which included welcoming remarks from Foundation Co-Founder Warren David.

Conversations throughout the day addressed public service, women’s leadership, mental health, the Arab American narrative, and preparing the next generation to lead. Speakers considered how community engagement can translate into lasting influence, how mentorship creates opportunities, and how Arab Americans can strengthen their voice in public life.

Cultural performances complemented the discussions. Vocalist Nibal Malshi shared a musical selection, while musician and educator Karim Nagi brought audiences into the rhythms of Arab culture through his participatory performance, A Rhythmic Trip Around the Arab World in the afternoon.

Recognizing Rising Leaders and State Teams

The Rising Leaders Recognition Ceremony celebrated honorees from the Foundation’s 20 Under 20, 30 Under 30, and 40 Under 40 initiatives.

Approximately 35 awardees from multiple classes attended the summit, representing a range of professions, talents, and contributions to community life. Their recognition connected individual achievement with a shared commitment to Arab American identity and service.

The summit also recognized the Foundation’s state team leaders and representatives. Their year-round work creates opportunities for Arab Americans to meet locally, celebrate their heritage, and participate in a national community.

The Sahtein networking lunch continued those connections, bringing attendees together around the table to exchange experiences and ideas.

Saturday Afternoon Explores Mental Health, Community Influence, and Leadership

Saturday afternoon opened with From Silence to Strength: Mental Health in the Arab American Community. The panel explored how stigma, cultural expectations, and barriers to care can make it harder to seek help. The conversation also considered how families and community leaders can make it easier to talk openly about mental health across generations.

Between panels, musician and educator Karim Nagi invited the audience to experience the diversity of Arab musical traditions through his interactive performance, A Rhythmic Trip Around the Arab World.

From Visibility to Influence: Taking the Arab American Narrative to the Next Level asked where we go from here as a community. The discussion looked at how Arab Americans can build on their gains in politics, public policy, media, and civic life to have a lasting voice in decisions that affect their communities.

The afternoon’s final panel, Our Future: Building Tomorrow’s Arab American Leaders, focused on preparing the next generation to lead. Moderated by Noura Ismail, the discussion explored how mentorship, practical opportunities, and community service can help young Arab Americans take on leadership roles in business, education, public service, and their own communities.

Al Rabitah Gala Honors Community and Culture

Saturday evening’s Al Rabitah Gala brought together recognition, reflection, and live entertainment.

Hosted by Sara Shouhayib Alawar, the program included remarks from Warren David and Foundation Board Chairman Issam Andoni. Dr. James Zogby also addressed the gathering, reflecting on Arab American identity and the importance of coming together as a community.

Noura Ismail received the Foundation’s 2026 Most Valuable Person Award in recognition of her commitment and service.

Performances by the all-women Malikat Al Dabke troupe and tenor Amine Hachem showcased different expressions of Arab cultural achievement. Vocalist Tarek Haddad and his ensemble continued the celebration with music and dancing.

Carrying the Connections Forward

The weekend’s optional Sunday activities offered another opportunity to connect through a Washington, DC, tour highlighting Arab American landmarks and lunch at the Jerusalem Fund.

Across the summit, conversations continued beyond the stage—in hallways, over meals, at vendor tables, and on the dance floor. Attendees met new colleagues, renewed friendships, and connected across generations and geographic boundaries.

The Arab America Foundation extends its appreciation to the speakers, performers, moderators, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, state teams, and attendees whose participation made the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit possible.

Compiled by Arab America

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