Election Strategy Session
Friday, September 13 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Campaign and organizing veterans Linda Sarsour, Manal Fakhoury, and Mohammed Maraqa speak to ADC’s National Executive Director, Abed Ayoub, on the political realities faced by Arab American voters in this critical election. How do we continue to fight for the liberation of Palestine while defending our rights in the United States in the face of ongoing censorship and political challenges? Speakers will provide insight on how Arab American communities and the anti-war coalition must continue to organize well beyond November’s elections, and what must be done to secure power in the current political landscape.
Linda Sarsour is an author, award-winning racial justice and civil rights activist, seasoned community organizer and mother of three. Ambitious, outspoken and independent, Linda shatters stereotypes of Muslim women while also treasuring her religious and ethnic heritage. She is a Palestinian Muslim American and a self-proclaimed “pure New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn!” She is the former Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York and co-founder of the first Muslim online organizing platform, MPOWER Change. Linda has been at the forefront of major civil rights campaigns including calling for an end to unwarranted surveillance of New York’s Muslim communities and ending police policies like stop and frisk. In wake of the police murder of Mike Brown, she co-founded Muslims for Ferguson to build solidarity amongst American Muslim communities and encourage work against police brutality. She is a member of the Justice League NYC, a leading NYC force of activists, formerly incarcerated individuals, and artists working to reform the New York Police Department and the criminal justice system. Linda was the National Co-Chair of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, dubbed the largest single day protest in US history. She served on the executive board of Women’s March, Inc. where she focused on fundraising and direct action planning.
Linda co-chaired the March2Justice, a 250-mile journey on foot to deliver a justice package to end racial profiling, demilitarize police and demand the government invest in young people and communities. She is also the co-founder of Until Freedom alongside Tamika D. Mallory, Mysonne Linen and Angelo Pinto, esq. Until Freedom is most recognized for its organizing work around the Breonna Taylor police murder case. Linda Sarsour was instrumental in the Coalition for Muslim School Holidays to push New York City to incorporate 2 Muslim high holy holidays in to the NYC Public school calendar. New York City is now the largest school system in the country to officially recognize these holidays. Linda is also a Senior Fellow at Auburn Seminary along leading social justice faith leaders and serves on the W.K. Kellogg Foundations Solidarity Council on Racial Equity.
Mohammed Maraqa
Co-Founder, Truth Project
Mohammed (Mo) Maraqa is a seasoned data analytics executive with nearly 25 years of experience, specializing in empowering communications and nonprofit organizations. His expertise lies in crafting innovative data-driven solutions that revolutionize communication strategies and drive social impact. He is the co-founder of The Truth Project and Third Pillar Charities, and currently serves as the Senior Digital and Data Strategist at ADC. His role at ADC involves crafting impactful digital strategies, polls, and surveys that engage and mobilize members.
Beyond his technical expertise, Mo is a recognized thought leader who frequently shares his insights at industry conferences and contributes to publications focused on data analytics for communications and nonprofits. His commitment to social impact is reflected in his dedication to helping organizations maximize their reach and effectiveness through comprehensive data strategies that align with their unique goals and values. Mo holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Science and a master’s degree in Marketing Research, both from the University of Texas.
Dr. Manal Fakhoury is the President and CEO of Fakhoury Leadership International, where she leverages her extensive experience in strategy, organization, and fundraising to drive impactful results. A passionate advocate for community service and leadership, Dr. Fakhoury holds a doctorate and undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Webster University. Her exceptional contributions to both business and the community have earned her numerous accolades, including Person of the Year and the Webster University Distinguished Alumni Award.
With over 30 years of leadership and non-profit experience, Dr. Fakhoury serves on several community and national boards, including the Truist Bank Board of Directors, the YMCA Executive Board, and CAIR. She is also the founder and President of Ollin Women International, a TEDxOcala curator, and a dedicated mentor within the Florida Department of Corrections. A graduate of Leadership Florida and an accomplished inspirational speaker, Dr. Fakhoury is committed to personal development and has even summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in her pursuit of new challenges.
Nasser Beydoun is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with over two decades of management experience. Nasser is currently the CEO of District 12 and has been the owner off EZ Business Solutions for nearly 24 years. Nasser is also the author of The Glass Palace, a book that sheds light on the modern-day slavery in Qatar and the Gulf states, drawing from his personal experiences as a business executive in the region. Nasser earned his associate degrees from Henry Ford College and a Bachelors and Masters in Business Administration from the University of San Diego.
Throughout his career, Nasser has been involved in civil rights and advocacy work, serving as Chairman of the Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL) for nearly 11 years. Nasser was also the Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of the American Middle East Economic Affairs Committee (AMEAC).
After launching his campaign for the open U.S. senate seat in Michigan, Beydoun alleged that former state Democratic Party chair Lon Johnson had approached him with an offer of $20 million from a pro-Israel lobbying group to drop out of the race and launch a primary challenge against United States Representative Rashida Tlaib. Beydoun turned down the offer, but was questionably disqualified from the ballot in June 2024 for having a P.O. box listed instead of a home address out of security concerns.
Abed Ayoub, Esq. serves as ADC National Executive Director. Ayoub previously served as the ADC National Legal and Policy Director, a position he held from 2011-2022. As National Executive Director Ayoub is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization and works with the National Board of Directors to develop and implement strategies that will continue the growth of ADC in the years to come.
Throughout his career Ayoub has worked to address issues impacting Arabs and Muslims in the United States, including matters related to discrimination, immigration, hate crimes, surveillance, and profiling. Under his leadership the ADC Legal Department has successfully assisted and provided pro bono support to thousands of impacted community members across the country.
Ayoub regularly advocates on behalf of the community with lawmakers and government agencies, and also works to enhance the community’s economic empowerment, and access to education. He is a regular commentator on national and international media and has developed a strong reputation for his commitment to social justice and access to justice for all.
Ayoub was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan. He currently resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife Meriana Ayoub, and their two daughters, Izzy and Lily Ayoub. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2005.
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