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Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

posted on: Oct 20, 2022

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022
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

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

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

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

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

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

Dr. Adel Korkor, Chairman, Arab America Foundation, Chairman and Founder, Adel B. Korkor Foundation

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

Dr. Fahed Hakim, Director, Nazareth Hospital

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

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

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

6:40 pm

Dance Performance: Faris Al-Layl Folkloric Dabke Troupe

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022

6:50 pm

Special Remarks

Rush Darwish, President, Arab American Business and Professional Association, Chicago

Arab America Foundation Announces Program for the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit --2022


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

cboyle@arabamerica.com

To Register for this Event: REGISTER HERE

For sponsorship opportunities: Contact Warren David (313-999-6000) wdavid@arabamerica.com

For more information about the Arab America Foundation, please visit:

Arab America Foundation

Check out Arab America’s blog here!