Arab America

09/26/2025

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Jamaal Bowman will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Dr. Jamaal Bowman is an educator and former U.S. Congressman dedicated to equity-driven leadership and policymaking. Holding a doctorate in educational leadership, he champions trauma-informed, culturally responsive, community-rooted approaches. As founding principal of the Bronx’s Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, he doubled math proficiency, achieved top-tier growth scores, and built a student-centered curriculum emphasizing social-emotional learning and partnerships. In Congress, he introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools, More Teaching, Less Testing Act, and African American History Act, while securing millions for community health, housing, youth programs, and schools across NY-16. His belief: every child deserves opportunity to thrive.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/23/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Sara Shouhayib Alawar will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Sara Shouhayib Alawar is an Emmy Award–winning journalist turned entrepreneur. After nearly a decade of reporting for ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, she founded Capital Emcee, providing emceeing, auctioneering, voice-over services, marketing, and social media management. She has helped nonprofits nationwide raise thousands for vital missions. Beyond business, Sara is a mindfulness meditation instructor, wellness retreat host, and soon-to-be children’s book author. After 15 years and nine cities, she settled in Houston with her husband, Rawad. Raised in Troy, Michigan, by Lebanese immigrants Kamal and Yasmine, with siblings Rabeeh, Omar, and Nada, Sara champions community and connection.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/22/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Maya Berry will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Maya Berry is the executive director of the Arab American Institute (AAI), a civil-rights organization serving Arab Americans in Washington, DC. She previously built AAI’s first government relations program and later served as Legislative Director to House Minority Whip David Bonior. A public policy expert, Berry has broadened AAI’s work to combat hate crimes, defend civil rights, and advance data equity, including the creation of a Middle East/North Africa (MENA) category. She co-chairs the Leadership Conference’s Hate Crimes Task Force and sits on Public Citizen’s board. Her leadership bridges the gap between advocacy, research, and coalition building. A lifelong Democrat, she has participated in DNCs since 1992.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/22/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Bassel M. Abdallah will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Bassel M. Abdallah is the Ohio team leader for the Arab America Foundation. He lives with his wife, Sahar, and children—Samar, Maher, and Yara. He holds a PhD in law from the Lebanese University and an LL.B. from its Filière Francophone de Droit, and is admitted to practice in Lebanon. He earned an LLM in Business Law at Paris II Panthéon-Assas University. After immigrating to the U.S., he completed an LLM in U.S. and Global Legal Studies at Case Western Reserve University. He serves as General Counsel and Director of Corporate Strategy at Progressive Expert Consulting and as managing partner of Abdallah Immigration Law.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/21/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Abe Ayesh will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Abe Ayesh is a New York–based entrepreneur and executive with leadership across finance, healthcare, investments, and coffee. He owns Eternal Hair & Esthetics, where he introduced the Direct Follicle Implant (DFI) method to advance natural-looking, accessible hair restoration. Ayesh also leads ATM World and Merchant World, powering thousands of businesses with ATM operations, merchant processing, POS technology, and cash-management services. Recently, he launched Mokafé, a specialty coffee brand blending cultural heritage with modern café design, featuring premium Yemeni and Guatemalan beans. With 30+ years of experience, Ayesh pairs business acumen with a passion for helping people and companies succeed.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/21/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Dr. Jamaal Bowman will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Dr. Jamaal Bowman is an educator and former U.S. Congressman dedicated to equity-driven leadership and policymaking. Holding a doctorate in educational leadership, he champions trauma-informed, culturally responsive, community-rooted approaches. As founding principal of the Bronx’s Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, he doubled math proficiency, achieved top-tier growth scores, and built a student-centered curriculum emphasizing social-emotional learning and partnerships. In Congress, he introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools, More Teaching, Less Testing Act, and African American History Act, while securing millions for community health, housing, youth programs, and schools across NY-16. His belief: every child deserves opportunity to thrive.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/17/2025

Arab America announces internship opportunities for Fall 2025!

Apply today!

https://www.arabamerica.com/arab-america-announces-fall-2025-virtual-internship-opportunities/

Arab America, the leading provider of digital media regarding the Arab and Arab American identity, announces Fall 2025 internships.

09/17/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Abraham Diab will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Abraham Diab, a proud Arab American musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been immersed in music since childhood, starting his journey at the age of seven. Introduced to the Arab organ at the age of 13 by his late father and teacher, Abdallah Abbas, Diab was inspired to pursue his musical dreams. Over the years, he has performed with local Arab ensembles at weddings, parties, and cultural gatherings, while also mastering the Arab accordion. A seasoned artist, he has been a percussionist for over 40 years and a keyboardist for more than 30 years. Diab brings his passion and heritage to this year’s CONNECT Empowerment Summit.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/16/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Firas Zreik will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Firas Zreik is a Palestinian-born, New York–based artist, composer, lyricist, and educator who has revolutionized the role of the kanun on the global stage. Blending the Arab maqam tradition with contemporary styles, his music is both authentic and innovative, marked by nuanced microtonal expression. Since 2013, he has toured internationally and collaborated with renowned artists including Roger Waters, Simon Shaheen, Residente, and his mother, celebrated vocalist Amal Murkus. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Zreik has performed at Lincoln Center, Boston Symphony Hall, WOMEX, and the Carthage International Festival, while also mentoring emerging musicians worldwide.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/16/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Karim Jaber will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Karim Jaber is a Lebanese pop vocalist, songwriter, and composer whose powerful voice and dynamic performances have made him a beloved entertainer across the Arab world and beyond. He rose to prominence as the Golden Medal winner of Studio El Fan 2002 (LBCI) and has since built a career performing at weddings, engagements, festivals, and significant cultural events. Now based in Orlando, Florida, Karim continues to captivate audiences with his hit songs, including “El Bint El Lebnaneye,” “Bnayya Flastiniya,” and “Metl El Malak.” His artistry seamlessly blends passion, tradition, and modern pop flair, making him a standout talent in Arab music.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio

09/15/2025

REMINDER!!! Early bird registration ends tonight! Secure your discounted ticket today before midnight!

Discounted ticket prices include admission to the Friday night Tarab and the Saturday night Gala! Don’t miss this opportunity

09/15/2025

✨ We’re excited to announce that Yousef Shamoun will be joining us at the CONNECT Empowerment Summit 2025, happening October 24–25!

Yousef Shamoun is an acclaimed Syrian vocalist celebrated for his mastery of Tarab, the classical Arab musical tradition. Born in Aleppo, the historic center of Arab music, he trained under renowned musicians and quickly earned recognition for his powerful voice and emotive performances. Youssef has performed on prestigious stages across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, preserving and promoting Arab musical heritage for new generations. Deeply connected to his cultural roots, he is committed to sharing the beauty and richness of Arab music with global audiences.

📍 October 24–25, 2025 — New Jersey
🎤 CONNECT Empowerment Summit
🔗 Learn more & register: link in bio