Every organization can benefit when we join the table. This session will highlight Arab Americans leading change through their professional networks. A panel of leaders from Arab American professional organizations will share their models for supporting the professional growth of their members while giving back in communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Bilal Al-Masri is a Civil Engineer with bachelor’s degrees in physics and civil engineering, who works with the Illinois Department of Transportation. He has 40 years of experience in the private and public sectors, working for contractors, engineering firms and the City of Chicago. His integrity, efficiency and professionalism has enabled him to be promoted to highly responsible positions throughout his career. He also serves as the founding president of the National Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (NAAAEA), as well as Chicago AAAEA founding President, Chairman and a member of the Board of Trustees, and other comities of the AAAEA. Al-Masri is actively involved in schools and community organizations, such as leading the creation of a caucus for the Arab Professionals in Chicago, serving as the founding President of the Council of Arab Organizations (consists of 13 organizations) in Chicago and is involved in the Jerusalem Fund and Mediterranean Mosaic Community Center. He strongly believes that it is our civil and professional duty to assist others, because “Our aspirations are our possibilities.”
Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi is a Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology at Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute and the director of Surgical Pathology Fellowship at Wayne State University. She is dedicated to teaching and research and has mentored many gynecologic oncology and pathology fellows which ultimately led to more than 110 peer reviewed publications and presentations, both at national and international meetings. She has received multiple honors such as the Wayne State University College Teaching Award for Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology 2016 and the Recognition Award for Significant Contributions to the GYN/Oncology Fellows Teaching. In addition, she is the president of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) and houses the Piano Keys for Syrian Kids fund at the Center for Arab American Philanthropy.
Osama Fakih is the President & Pharmacy Director of Operations at Arbor Lane Pharmacy in Redford, MI and the President of Arbor Lane Pharmacy in Novi, MI. In addition to his role overseeing pharmacy operations, he is a founding member of the Arab American Pharmacist Association (AAPA), a professional membership organization focused on advocating for independent pharmacies, investing in public health, and supporting the next generation of pharmacy students. Fakih himself is a relentless advocate for independent pharmacies, having worked extensively with State and Federal legislators on regulations and issues affecting the pharmacy profession. He serves on many boards and professional associations including the Wayne State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Board of Visitors, the Safe Substance Abuse Coalition, and coaches football and basketball in his community.
Alyia Marie Hakim is an attorney and has been practicing law in southeastern Michigan for 13 years focusing on estate planning, juvenile law, criminal defense, and family law. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University in 2003 and her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School in 2006. She is involved in several local organizations, including the Roseville Optimist Club, Sobriety Today Our Purpose (S.T.O.P), Macomb Community Drug Courts, Inc., the Michigan Association for Justice, and Regina High School Alumni Association. Alyia is also involved in numerous local bar associations and serves as the President of the Arab American Bar Association. Additionally, she is the President of the Board of Directors for MyCare Health Center in Macomb County. Alyia is married and has three young children ages 6, 4, and 2.
Maha Freij (Moderator) is the Executive Director at ACCESS and is a leading visionary in the Arab American community regarding philanthropy and building strong institutions to strengthen the voice of the community in American civil society. Since 1998, Freij has spearheaded the institutionalization of a sophisticated development strategy at ACCESS and has been critical in raising millions for ACCESS’ programs and with establishing the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) – the only national Arab American community foundation in the United States. She has been a key leader in growing ACCESS from its roots as a regional human services organization to what it is today – a community builder nationwide. Her work has received several awards, such as American Task Force for Palestine’s 2011 Distinguished Service in Philanthropy Award; the Arab American Association of New York’s 2010 Community Service Award; and the Arab American Heritage Council’s 2010 Community Leader of the Year Award. Freij is a graduate of the Hebrew University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics. She is credited as the first Arab/Palestinian woman to earn a CPA license in Israel in 1989 – the same year she immigrated to the United States.
Session tags: capacity building, human services, philanthropy
Location: Salon III