Arab America Foundation Announces 2025 “CONNECT” Empowerment Summit in New Jersey — Celebrating Arab American Leadership and Heritage

The Arab America Foundation (AAF) has announced its annual “CONNECT” Empowerment Summit, set to take place on Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, 2025, at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, located at 100 Frank W. Burr Boulevard, Teaneck, New Jersey.

Warren David, Co-Founder of the Arab America Foundation, stated:“The CONNECT Empowerment Summit is more than just an event—it’s a gathering of Arab Americans from all walks of life to build community, amplify our collective voice, and uplift the next generation of leaders. In these challenging times, we are creating a space for unity, pride, and empowerment, deeply rooted in our heritage and shared future.”

The dynamic two-day summit brings together Arab Americans from across the United States for a rich program of networking, leadership, and cultural celebration. Attendees will engage with visionary leaders, changemakers, and emerging youth voices through impactful sessions on entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, public service, youth leadership, heritage, and Arab identity.

After hosting over 400 participants from 26 states in 2024, the 2025 summit is expected to be even larger. The event offers a rare opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, visionary leaders, and influential speakers from across the nation.

The Arab America Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization (501(c)(3)) dedicated to promoting Arab heritage, empowering and educating others about Arab identity, connecting Arab Americans, and building alliances with diverse organizations across the U.S.

Featured Speakers and Participants

• Rana Abdelhamid – Arab American community activist, social entrepreneur, and women’s empowerment advocate. Founder of Malika, a global organization teaching women self-defense, financial literacy, and leadership.

• Dr. Amal Khoury Dawood – Co-Founder and Director of Community Engagement at Arab America. Born in Nazareth, she holds a PhD in Communications and leads national Arab heritage teams.

• Mony Lotfi – Executive leader, entrepreneur, and real estate expert named to Arab America’s 40 Under Forty. Founder of MLE MGMT, a women- and minority-owned consulting firm.

• Warren David – President of Arab America, media producer, and Co-Founder of the Arab America Foundation. Executive producer of Arab American Stories.

• Andre Sayegh – 50th Mayor of Paterson, NJ. Of Lebanese and Syrian descent, he is a strong advocate for Arab American and Palestinian rights and cultural recognition.

• Dr. Lina AbiRafeh – Arab American feminist, author, and humanitarian expert with nearly 30 years of experience, formerly Executive Director of the Arab Institute for Women at LAU.

• Maher Abdelqader – Palestinian American leader, infrastructure executive (CCM, M.ASCE), and Co-Founder of the American Palestinian Congress.

• Sarah Shoaib Alour – Emmy-winning journalist turned entrepreneur, founder of Capital Emcee, providing hosting, voiceover, and marketing services nationwide.

• Debbie Almontaser – Yemeni American educator and interfaith leader, founding principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Brooklyn and author of Leading While Muslim.

• Issam Andoni – Tech entrepreneur and founder of Zeva Holding Group. Leads the Andoni Family Foundation, advancing tech innovation and Arab American leadership.

• Nohaila Rhaili – Moroccan-born athlete and six-time national track champion, crowned Miss Arab USA 2025. Advocates for education and gender equality.

• Khalil Jahshan – Palestinian American political analyst and Executive Director of the Arab Center Washington DC. Expert on U.S.-Arab relations and Palestinian rights.

• Mohamed Khairullah – Syrian American mayor of Prospect Park, NJ, and advocate for refugee and immigrant rights.

• Dean Obeidallah – Palestinian-Italian American comedian, writer, and political commentator. Host of The Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM Progress and co-founder of the NY Arab-American Comedy Festival.

• Maysoon Zayid – Palestinian American actress, comedian, author, and disability rights advocate. Co-founder of the NY Arab-American Comedy Festival and TED speaker.