Speakers - ArabCon of ADC

Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi

Scholar & Founding Director of AMED, SFSU

Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi is the founding Director and Senior Scholar of the Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED) Studies Program at SFSU and founder/Principal Investigator of Teaching Palestine: Pedagogical Praxis and the Indivisibility of Justice. She is a lead editor, author of over 80 publications, co-founding Editorial Board member of the Islamophobia Studies Journal and the Chicana/Latina Studies Editorial Colectiva. A Yale Ph.D., she has received awards from MESA, ASA, AAUP, ADC, NWSA, and others. She taught at 8 universities, including Birzeit and UM-Dearborn, where she directed the Center for Arab American Studies. She advises Al-Shabaka, co-chairs the PAM Caucus, and serves on boards including USACBI and California Scholars for Academic Freedom.

Mosab Abu Toha

Poet & Pulitzer Prize-winning Essayist

His first collection of poetry, Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and won the Palestine Book Award, the American Book Award, and the Walcott Poetry Prize. His second collection, Forest of Noise, was longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize. Abu Toha is also the founder of the Edward Said Library in Gaza, which he hopes to rebuild. He recently won an Overseas Press Club Award for his “Letter fromGaza” columns for The New Yorker.

Dr. Sawssan Ahmed

Clinical Psychologist & Associate Professor at CSU, Fullerton

Dr. Sawssan Ahmed is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. She serves on the APA’s Council of Representatives and was part of the APA Presidential Task Force on Culturally Informed Trauma Recovery. She helped establish Qatar’s first perinatal mental health clinic and leads research on culturally adapting mental health interventions for Arab women. Her work focuses on socio-cultural factors in Arab and Muslim health, and she has been featured on Al-Jazeera and Qatar TV. She has published widely, including in Counseling Muslims, The Handbook of Arab American Psychology, and Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Arab Americans.

Eman Ali, EdS

Principal, Salina School; Founder, UHF Relief

Ms. Ali has been a passionate educator for over two decades, teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels. She currently serves as the proud principal of Salina Intermediate School in Dearborn, Michigan.

In 2021, Ms. Ali was appointed to Mayor Abdullah Hammoud’s transition team, helping interview and transition new directors for the City of Dearborn. She also serves as a board member of the Dearborn Education Foundation, which has raised over $2 million to support classrooms and extracurricular opportunities for students across the district.

Beyond education, Ms. Ali is deeply engaged in community and humanitarian work. She is the volunteer Executive Director of United Humanitarian Foundation (UHF Relief), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting peace, education, development, and humanitarian relief. Through UHF, she has supported efforts in Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine, as well as local initiatives in Michigan.

Hamza Ali

Co-Founder, Watermelon Pictures

Hamza Ali is President of MPI Media Group and Co-Founder of Watermelon Pictures, a Palestinian-owned film label amplifying underrepresented voices. His career began alongside his father Malik and uncle Waleed, founders of a leading indie film distribution company in 1976. Hamza and his brother Badie now oversee MPI and its subsidiaries: MPI Home Entertainment, Dark Sky Films, and MPI Stock Footage Archive. In 2024, they launched Watermelon Pictures to honor their family’s legacy and promote storytelling for change. Hamza lives with his wife Reem and their four children: Hedaya, Jude, Maryam, and Waleed.

Ahmed Al-Kadri

Comedian

Ahmed Al-Kadri is a Yemeni-American comedian based in Los Angeles whose stand-up blends his cultural upbringing, everyday absurdities, and straight-up goofy fun. His relatable and high-energy style has taken him around the world—from America to Asia and everywhere in between. You may have seen him on the series David Diamondhands, Buzzfeed, or in his YouTube comedy special Special Not Special.

Suehaila Amen

Community Engagement Consultant, ADC

For nearly three decades, Suehaila Amen has worked to build bridges between governments, academic institutions, and grassroots communities through programs centered on student empowerment, social justice, and community building. She has participated in global public diplomacy missions for the U.S. government and nonprofits, leading DEI trainings and discussions on leadership and civic engagement. A national and international speaker, she shares insights on Islamophobia, xenophobia, faith, and service. Amen is active in numerous nonprofits in Michigan and across the U.S. and was featured with her family on TLC’s All-American Muslim (2011–2012).

Said Arikat

Washington Bureau Chief, Al Quds

Said Arikat is a Palestinian journalist and political analyst with decades of experience covering Middle East affairs and U.S. politics. He is the Washington Bureau Chief for the Jerusalem-based newspaper Al-Quds and is known for his incisive questions at U.S. State Department briefings. Arikat has taught at American University and served as spokesperson for the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (2005–2010). In 2023, he received ADC’s Courage in Journalism award for his strength, integrity, and impact in the field.

Ali Awad, JD/MBA

Founder, CEO Lawyer

Ali Awad is a dynamic entrepreneur, personal injury attorney, and founder of one of the fastest-growing law firms in America. Ali graduated with a doctorate in law and a master’s in business from Georgia State University at the age of 24, making him one of the youngest JD/MBA graduates in Georgia State’s history. He started his law firm from the trunk of his car in 2017 and was featured in Forbes magazine the following year. By 2021, his firm, CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, was voted the fastest-growing law firm in America. Today, he represents clients all over America and has over 100 full-time lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. As a proud Palestinian Muslim, Ali Awad aims to build the biggest Muslim-owned law firm in America and to establish Muslim hospitals throughout the country.

Abed Ayoub

National Executive Director, ADC

Abed Ayoub 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. 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.

Hazami Barmada

Social Innovator & Host, Finding Humanity Podcast

Hazami Barmada is an award-winning social impact strategist, humanitarian, and Founder of the Humanity Lab Foundation. She is Executive Producer and Host of the Webby- and Anthem-Award winning Finding Humanity podcast. With over two decades of global experience, she has led initiatives for the UN, Harvard, The Aspen Institute, and The Elders, focusing on digital equity, social justice, and humanitarian innovation. She launched HP Foundation’s Digital Equity Accelerator, investing $4M+ in global orgs. Hazami has held senior roles at the UN and is a Harvard MPA graduate, Presidential Leadership Scholar, and international speaker advancing human rights and social change.

Wessam Aljundi aka Batata

Comedian and Rapper

Wessam Aljundi, better known as Batata, is a Palestinian comedian and rapper redefining what it means to be Arab in the spotlight. Through his viral comedy — including the beloved Abu Batata Arab Driving School Series with over 100 million views worldwide — he breaks stereotypes and bridges cultural gaps with humor that resonates far beyond the Arab community.

As a recording artist, Wessam is just as unapologetic. His viral anthem “Sound of War with Eddy Mack shook the internet, and his upcoming debut single “Ceasefire” is set to continue that momentum — blending raw emotion, cultural pride, and a call for unity.

From comedy stages to the mic, Batata’s mission is clear: to represent Arabs authentically, challenge misconceptions, and bring people together through comedy, culture, and chaos.

Mo Baydoun

Council Chair, Dearborn Heights City Council

Mo Baydoun is a lifelong Dearborn Heights resident, Crestwood Schools graduate, and current Chair of the Dearborn Heights City Council. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and brings experience from both public and private sectors—as a small business owner and Wayne County Sheriff Reserve Officer. Known for his hands-on leadership, Mo advocates for safer streets, infrastructure upgrades, and community-first governance. He and his wife, Dr. Laila Baydoun, are raising their two children, Ali and Madina, in the city that shaped him.

Medea Benjamin

Co-founder, CODEPINK

Cofounder of CODEPINK and Global Exchange, a longtime social justice advocate, and author of several books, including Drone Warfare, Inside Iran, and NATO: What You Need to Know. Recognized as one of America’s most effective human rights campaigners, Benjamin has received the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of women globally.

Zahra Billoo

Executive Director, CAIR SFBA

Zahra Billoo is Executive Director of CAIR-SFBA, the nation’s oldest CAIR office. Since 2009, she has grown the staff from 2 to 30, making it one of the largest CAIR offices led by a woman. Under her leadership, CAIR-SFBA has taken on high-profile cases against the DOJ, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Southwest Airlines, while offering weekly Know Your Rights workshops and monthly immigration clinics. The office assists nearly 1,000 Bay Area residents annually. Zahra’s advocacy has been featured on MSNBC, NPR, and The Washington Post. She holds degrees from CSU Long Beach and a J.D. from UC College of the Law, San Francisco.

Colette Cavanagh

National Education Director, ADC

Colette Cavanagh is ADC’s National K-12 Education Director with 15+ years of experience teaching and leading in the U.S., U.K., Greece, Spain, and Lebanon. She holds dual BAs from Brown University and Master’s degrees in History Education, Arts Administration, and Cultural Policy. Fluent in French, Colette has taught history and geography in French and English and designed IB curricula used across North America. At ADC, she leads workshops to combat bias against Arabs and Muslims and advocates for Arab American students’ civil rights and mental health, while developing accurate content on Arab and Muslim history and culture.

Said Durrah

Comedian & Philanthropist

Palestinian from Gaza, Syrian from Damascus, and American from Detroit, Said Durrah uses comedy to transcend borders and cultures. Starting with family storytelling as a child, he began performing professionally in 2010 at NYC’s Comic Strip. Since then, he’s appeared at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Laugh Factory, and Broadway, among others. Said has toured with Allah Made Me Funny and performed in Palestine’s historic El-Hakawati theater. He also teaches comedy workshops in the West Bank and uses his talent to support humanitarian fundraisers, helping raise millions for global aid.

Abdul El-Sayed

Michigan Democratic Candidate, U.S. Senate

Abdul El-Sayed is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan. Trained as a doctor, he shifted to politics to fix the broken system impacting health. Abdul rebuilt Detroit’s Health Department and restructured Wayne County’s health services, serving 1.8 million people. He secured free glasses for kids, removed lead from schools, fought polluters, expanded Narcan access, and helped cancel $700M in medical debt. Recognized as “Public Official of the Year,” he authored Medicare for All and Healing Politics. He served on Biden’s Unity Task Force and hosts the America Dissected podcast. Abdul graduated from Michigan, earned an MD from Columbia, and a doctorate from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

State Rep. Alabas Farhat

3rd District, MI House of Representatives

Alabas Farhat is a Michigan State Representative serving the 3rd District, covering Dearborn and parts of Detroit. A lifelong resident of Dearborn, Alabas has been a strong advocate for working families, immigrant communities, and equitable access to healthcare and education. His background in public health and public policy shapes his people-first approach to legislating, with a focus on uplifting voices that are often left out of the political process. He brings a grounded, community-informed perspective to policymaking, with a steadfast commitment to environmental justice, economic equity, and inclusive governance.

Salma Hamamy

Palestinian-American, Activist

Salma Hamamy is a Palestinian-American activist and recent graduate from the University of Michigan. She served as the President of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), the university’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, for three years and served as the advocacy chair for the Muslim Students’ Association. Her organizing efforts largely revolved around having consistent actions that put pressure on the University to divest, mobilizing various departments and groups to form one of the largest student coalitions in the nation, establishing the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, establishing state-wide educational programming across all major Michigan universities for Palestine Awareness Week, and more! Outside of student activism, her studies involved pursuing a double major in Biology, Health and Society (BHS) and Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MENAS) with a double minor in Law, Justice and Social Change (LJSC) and Arabic in the college of LSA.

Machhadie “Micho” Assi

President, Muslim Americans in Public Service (MI)

Machhadie Assi (Micho) has served in both government and nonprofit leadership — from the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office to the Michigan Attorney General’s Flint Water Crisis prosecution team, and the Michigan Legislature under Speaker Joe Tate. She is Vice Chair of the City of Dearborn Environmental Commission, a board member of Arab Women United, and President of the Michigan Chapter of Muslim Americans in Public Service. Guided by the belief that those closest to the pain should be closest to the decision-making, and that when communities are connected to resources they can thrive economically and shape the decisions that impact their lives, she works to close gaps, connect communities to vital resources, and drive economic development. Her work bridges policy and grassroots advocacy, earning local & national recognition for advancing justice, diversity, and community empowerment.

Amy E. Greer

Attorney, Dratel & Lewis

Amy E. Greer is an attorney at Dratel & Lewis, handling state and federal trial and appellate cases involving extradition, RICO, terrorism, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. She previously worked as an assistant public defender in Alaska and as a research attorney for death-sentenced clients in Florida. Greer earned her J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2020, receiving the Public Interest Award. Admitted in NY, NJ, DC, and multiple federal courts, she has experience in capital defense and holistic representation. She holds a B.A. from Wheaton College, master’s degrees in Theater and Library Science, and a Ph.D. focused on race and policy in the U.S.

Tariq Habash

Co-Founder & Director, A New Policy

Tariq Habash served as a political appointee and policy advisor in the U.S. Department of Education, working to reform the student loan system, provide borrower relief, and address inequities in higher education. He was the first political appointee to publicly resign from the Biden Administration over its Gaza policy and support for Israel’s actions. Tariq co-founded the Student Borrower Protection Center and worked at The Century Foundation on education affordability and consumer protection. He holds degrees from Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Miami.

Tom Hall

Developer & Founder, Tech for Palestine

Tom Hall is a seasoned technology professional with over 30 years of experience in software development, systems architecture, and technical leadership. Throughout his career, Tom has held diverse roles from developer and architect to technical manager, consistently focused on solving complex organizational and technical challenges. In recent years, he has directed his expertise toward social impact as a leader at Tech for Palestine, a nonprofit incubator dedicated to supporting innovative advocacy projects and economic empowerment initiatives related to Palestinian rights. Tom brings to the panel deep technical knowledge combined with hands-on experience applying technology within the advocacy space.

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud

City of Dearborn, MI

Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud, born and raised in Dearborn, is the city’s seventh mayor and a dedicated advocate for his hometown. A product of Dearborn Public Schools, he holds three degrees from the University of Michigan, including master’s degrees in business administration and public health. Before becoming mayor, Hammoud served as State Representative for Michigan’s 15th District, championing air quality, public health, education, healthcare access, and economic development. In November 2021, Abdullah Hammoud was elected as the Mayor of Dearborn, and has since been delivering on his shared vision of a more inclusive, vibrant, and prosperous community. He and his wife, Dr. Fatima Beydoun, are raising their family in Dearborn.

Dr. Ed Hasan

Author & Host, Sumud Podcast

Dr. Ed Hasan is a Palestinian-American Muslim author, speaker, and professor blending scholarship, advocacy, and practice. He hosts the Sumud Podcast, inspired by Palestinian steadfastness, amplifying marginalized voices globally. As an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, he teaches organization development and change management with a focus on inclusive leadership and equity. Founder of Kaizen Human Capital, he specializes in organizational development and executive coaching. Hasan earned his doctorate from USC, with research on discrimination against hijab-wearing Muslim women informing his book Embracing Workplace Religious Diversity and Inclusion. He received Georgetown’s Tropaia Award and was named a Prominent Patriot in Business by George Mason University.

Mehdi Hasan

Founder, CEO & EIC, Zeteo

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, broadcaster, and author. He is the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of the new media company Zeteo. Mehdi is also a Guardian columnist, host of ‘Head to Head’ on Al Jazeera English and the best-selling author of ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking’. He previously worked as an anchor at MSNBC and columnist for The Intercept.

Issam Hijazi

Founder, UpScrolled

Issam Hijazi is a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technology leader and founder of UpScrolled, a social media platform designed to amplify authentic voices and eliminate algorithmic censorship. An INSEAD MBA graduate with senior roles at IBM, Oracle, and Hitachi, he is a recognized expert and speaker on Data & AI. A licensed private pilot and devoted father, Hijazi is committed to reshaping how the world connects online — equally and openly for everyone — while building independent, ethical technology infrastructure that serves the public good.

Dr. Marwan Issa

Associate Director, Global Educational Excellence (GEE)

Dr. Marwan Issa is the Associate Director of Global Educational Excellence (GEE) and a seasoned Technology and Operations Executive. With expertise in developing international teacher programs, advancing educational technology systems, and building global student pathways, he has consistently delivered solutions that strengthen schools and expand opportunities. Known for his collaborative leadership and innovative vision, Dr. Issa creates inclusive environments where teams feel empowered to take ownership and deliver results. His work continues to expand opportunity across borders, bringing together people, processes, and technology to make education more effective and accessible.

Ana Kasparian

Host & Executive Producer, The Young Turks (TYT)

With a sharp sense of humor and pointed wit rivaling anyone in the industry, Ana Kasparian has captivated viewers as host and executive producer of the online news show The Young Turks where Ana expresses her unfiltered opinion and commentary on tough topics. Her bold and intelligent style has transformed her into a favorite of millions, while playing a vital part in the astronomical rise of TYT, the largest online news show in the world. Her honest coverage and dedication to truthful commentary was honored in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and in the Daily Dot as one of the Top Women of YouTube. Prior to TYT, Kasparian has also served as a contributor on MSNBC and Pivot. As a dynamic speaker with the natural ability to connect and engage people; she uses her platform to provide a voice to those who are silenced around the world. Ana’s work has been recognized by the Webby, Streamy, Shorty awards, the American Humanist Association, Imagen Awards, among others.

Rania Khalek

Host, Dispatches on Breakthrough News

Rania Khalek is an award-winning Lebanese-American journalist and host of Dispatches on Breakthrough News, where she investigates the global consequences of imperialism, war, and systemic oppression. With over a decade of frontline reporting from conflict zones and marginalized communities, her work has been featured in The Nation, The Intercept, Al Jazeera, FAIR, and The Electronic Intifada, where she served on the editorial board.

Tamir Khalil

Entrepreneur, Director & Producer

Tamir Khalil is an entrepreneur, writer, director, and producer. As the Operating Partner at Mosaic Auto Group, he oversees operations at Zumbrota CDJR, Zumbrota Chevrolet, and Lake City Ford, with a focus on market expansion and community engagement. Tamir produced a compelling short film featuring Macklemore: Beauty of Warmth, a film which delved into the realities of addiction and recovery. He was named Automotive News top 40 under 40 by the age of 34.

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna

CA 17th District, U.S House of Representatives

Ro Khanna is a United States Congressman from California’s 17th District in the heart of Silicon Valley. He has a vision to transform America into a modern manufacturing and innovation superpower, and he partners it with a commitment to passing Medicare for All, a $17-dollar minimum wage, $10 a day childcare, and free public college and trade school. He is a progressive with a fresh economic vision.

Ro worked with the White House and the Senate to secure the largest climate and manufacturing investment in history as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. He has led the charge to cancel student loan debt, ban members of Congress from taking PAC money or trading stocks, cancel all medical debt, and establish term limits and a judicial code of ethics for Supreme Court Justices.

Eddy Mack

Hip Hop Artist & Producer

Eddy Joseph Haddad, known as Eddy Mack, began his musical journey in Detroit and honed his craft in Los Angeles. Drawing inspiration from his Jordanian roots, his music bridges the Arab diaspora with modern sound. Early on, Eddy mastered the recording process, becoming a skilled engineer, producer, songwriter, and performer. His music explores his complex dual identity, challenging norms and pushing cultural boundaries. Eddy’s commitment to blending his heritage with mainstream entertainment reflects his passion for cultural connection. The 2023 viral success of “Sound of War” propelled him to stardom, marking him as a rising force in global music.

Amir Makled

Managing Partner, Hall Makled Law

Amir Makled is Managing Partner of Hall Makled, a leading litigation firm in Dearborn, Michigan. Known for his strong work in civil rights, criminal defense, and personal injury law, Amir has been featured in major outlets including Forbes, CNN, The Washington Post, and Crain’s Detroit Business. He won a precedent-setting case that changed Michigan police policy to protect Muslim women from forced removal of headscarves in custody. Makled also defended University of Michigan Gaza protesters pro bono, safeguarding their First Amendment rights. As the son of immigrants and a public school graduate, Amir is dedicated to accessible, equitable justice and mentors attorneys from underserved communities.

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

National Deputy Director, CAIR

Edward Ahmed Mitchell is a civil rights attorney and National Deputy Director of CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S. He served as Executive Director of CAIR-Georgia (2016–2020), leading the chapter to win CAIR National’s Chapter of the Year. Previously, he was a criminal prosecutor in Atlanta and a freelance journalist. Mitchell held leadership roles in the National Association of Muslim Lawyers and serves on multiple boards. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown Law, where he won the Trial Advocacy Competition and led the Muslim Law Students Association, and a Political Science degree from Morehouse College. He is frequently interviewed by major media on civil rights and anti-Muslim issues.

Dr. Mohammed “Mo” Mustafa

Emergency Physician & Humanitarian Advocate

Born into a Palestinian refugee family, Dr. Mo trained in Britain and Australia, driven by a commitment to human rights and healthcare as a fundamental right. In 2024–2025, he served in Gaza’s hospitals amid escalating violence, providing critical emergency care with RAHMA Worldwide. His frontline reports, featured in The Guardian, exposed the healthcare collapse under bombardment. Returning, he became a humanitarian ambassador for Pious Projects’ maternity hospital and campaigns to build a mobile children’s hospital in Gaza. Traveling to 10 countries and speaking on major media, he galvanizes action to protect Gaza’s children. Dr. Mo bridges frontline medicine and global advocacy, championing healthcare and rights in conflict zones.

Rhana Natour

Journalist, Correspondent & Filmmaker

Rhana Natour is an award-winning journalist, on-air correspondent and documentary filmmaker. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, VICE News and has aired on PBS NewsHour, Al Jazeera English and ABC News. In 2025 Rhana won the National Magazine Award, one of the most prestigious awards in print writing, for “Coming to America,” an article published in The Atavatist Magazine about a young girl who lost her legs in Gaza. Rhana’s work has also been honored with an Overseas Press Club, a One World Media Award, Italy’s Inge Feltrinelli Prize and was named a finalist for the Nieman Foundation’s Taylor Award for Fairness in Journalism. Rhana’s documentary work includes “All That Remains,” an Al Jazeera English Fault Lines documentary that she directed which received this year’s Columbia University’s Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma this year. Rhana grew up in the Detroit-metro area and is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.

Dr. Josh Ruebner

Author & Policy Director, IMEU

Dr. Josh Ruebner is Policy Director at the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project (IMEU Policy Project). He is also an adjunct lecturer in Justice and Peace Studies at Georgetown University. Prior to joining IMEU Policy Project, Ruebner worked at Americans for Justice in Palestine Action and the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights after a stint as an Analyst in Middle East Policy for Congressional Research Service. He is the author of Shattered Hopes: Obama’s Failure to Broker Israeli-Palestinian Peace and Israel: Democracy or Apartheid State? His upcoming book is entitled A Tragedy of Catastrophic Proportions: US Policy Toward the Palestinian Nakba, 1947-1950.

Dr. Safa Rifka

Physician & National Chairman, ADC

Dr. Safa M. Rifka is a distinguished physician, statesman, and civic leader dedicated to bridging the Arab world and the United States. Born and educated in Lebanon, he earned his B.S. and M.D. from the American University of Beirut and completed a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. A pioneer in reproductive medicine, Dr. Rifka served as Associate Professor at Georgetown University Hospital and senior attending at Columbia Hospital for Women, where he founded its In Vitro Fertilization Lab and chaired the Board of Directors. Beyond medicine, he held leadership roles including on the Boy Scouts’ Executive Board and the U.S. President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Since 2016, he has chaired the ADC National Board, guiding one of the nation’s foremost Arab American civil rights organizations through critical advocacy moments.

Aida Salah

Educator & NEA Delegate

Aida Salah is an educator and activist committed to educational equity and supporting historically under-served students. Since 2009, she has taught middle and high school English and now serves as AVID Coordinator in San Diego, helping first-generation college-bound students overcome systemic barriers. Beyond the classroom, she leads professional development on literacy and equity, and draws on her Palestinian heritage to train educators on Arab American student experiences. Aida also serves on her local teachers union executive board and as a delegate to the National Education Association (NEA), advocating for students and teachers nationwide.

Dana Salah

Singer, Songwriter & Producer

Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, with Palestinian roots, Dana Salah draws heavily on her heritage in her art and music. After graduating from Duke University, she moved to New York City to launch her music career as King Deco, releasing her own music in 2014. By 2019, she had charted on Billboard, garnered 54 million streams, and written songs for major brands like Maybelline. In 2021, she returned to Jordan to release Arabic music, including singles such as “Weino,” “Mishta’a,” and “Ya Tal3een.” Her signature Fala7i Pop sound blends Arabic folklore with global influences such as reggaeton. Dana’s achievements include charting on Billboard Arabia, performing at sold out shows at Paradiso in Amsterdam and The Barbican in London, and being featured on a New York Times Square billboard as part of Spotify’s Equal Arabia program. Dana was also nominated as Best Indie Artist of the year by Billboard Arabia for her charted viral singles “Weino” and “Ya Tal3een”.

Linda Sarsour

Author & Executive Director, MPower Change

Linda Sarsour is an author, award-winning racial justice and civil rights activist, seasoned community organizer, and proud mother of three. A Palestinian Muslim American born and raised in Brooklyn, she is known for shattering stereotypes while honoring her heritage. Linda is the former Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York and co-founder of MPOWER Change. She’s led major civil rights efforts, including campaigns against NYPD surveillance and stop-and-frisk. She co-founded Muslims for Ferguson and is a member of Justice League NYC. Linda was National Co-Chair of the historic 2017 Women’s March and co-founded Until Freedom, recognized for organizing around Breonna Taylor’s case. She also helped win recognition of Muslim holidays in NYC public schools and serves as a Senior Fellow at Auburn Seminary and on the Kellogg Foundation’s Solidarity Council.

Céline Semaan

Co-founder & Executive Director, Slow Factory

Céline Semaan is a Lebanese-Canadian researcher, designer, public speaker, and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and executive director of Slow Factory, an institute and lab that transforms socially and environmentally harmful systems by designing models that are good for the Earth and good for people. She currently sits on Progressive International’s Council alongside Noam Chomsky and Arundhati Roy and has published in Elle, the New York Magazine and Teen Vogue. Her inter-disciplinary work at the intersection of fashion, climate, and politics has been covered by numerous news and fashion outlets.

Dr. Lara Sheehi, PsyD

Professor & Author

Dr. Lara Sheehi, PsyD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, where she specializes in decolonial and anti-oppressive approaches to clinical practice. Dr. Sheehi is a co-author WITH STEPHEN SHEEHI of Psychoanalysis Under Occupation: Practicing Resistance in Palestine (2022).

Abdelhamid Siyam

Journalist & UN Official

Abdelhamid Siyam is a journalist, educator, and veteran United Nations official with over 25 years of service. He held roles including Political Affairs Officer, Spokesman for UN missions in Western Sahara, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and Chief of the UN Radio and News Centre. Since 2014, he has led Alquds Alarabi’s UN bureau and writes a weekly column on global affairs and Middle East crises. He teaches Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers University. Siyam is the author of That Unforgettable Day and, in 2024, published three books on UN mediation in Libya, Syria, and Yemen. He is a frequent media commentator on networks including Aljazeera, TRT, RT, and Alaraby.

Dr. Samia Shoman

Educator & Editor for Teach Palestine

As a first generation Palestinian, born and raised in California, Samia Shoman, Ed.D, has dedicated the last 25 years of her career in public education in the San Francisco Bay Area to promoting racial and social justice in the classroom and broader educational organizations she has worked in.

Dr. Karen Suyemoto

Educator & Editor, Teach Palestine

Karen L. Suyemoto is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Her research, teaching, and consultations focus on relations of racism and mental health and processes and effects of resisting oppression. Her efforts in these areas have resulted in multiple books and articles, including Unraveling Assumptions: A primer for understanding oppression and privilege and her current project focusing on solidarity with Palestine. She has served as the Chair of the American Psychological Association’s Task Force for the Guidelines for Race and Ethnicity in Psychology, as a member of the APA’s Presidential Task Force on Decolonial and Liberation Psychology and as President of the Asian American Psychological Association. She is a founder and core organizer with Psychologists for Justice in Palestine.

Cenk Uygur

CEO, Founder & Host, The Young Turks (TYT)

Cenk Uygur is the CEO and founder of TYT and host of The Young Turks, the largest and longest-running online news show in the world. He also co-founded Justice Democrats and is the bestselling author of Justice Is Coming. TYT reaches over 500 million viewers monthly with 31 billion total video views, making it the most engaged news and politics network online. Cenk launched TYT on Sirius Radio in 2002 and began uploading to YouTube in 2005. He previously hosted shows on MSNBC and Current TV and has appeared on major outlets like ABC, NPR, Fox News, and Al Jazeera. Uygur holds degrees from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Law School.

Manar Waheed

Civil Rights Attorney & Strategist

Manar is a civil rights attorney and strategist with over 20 years of experience in technology, free speech, immigration, national security, and gender equity. As a consultant, she advises nonprofits and philanthropies on strategy, policy, and research. Previously, she was Associate General Counsel on the Civil Rights Team at Meta, leading civil rights reviews and launching company-wide trainings. She authored Meta’s Civil Rights Audit Progress Report. Before that, she served as Senior Counsel at the ACLU and held policy roles in the Obama White House and SAALT. Manar began her career supporting survivors of domestic violence. She holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and a B.A. from Wellesley College.

Bassem Youssef

Comedian, “Jon Stewart of the Middle East”

Bassem Youssef is an internationally acclaimed comedian, writer, and former cardiac surgeon, best known as the host of Al Bernameg, the first political satire show in the Middle East. Starting as a five-minute YouTube broadcast, the show became the region’s most-watched program with over 30 million weekly viewers and marked the first successful online-to-TV transition in the Arab world.

In 2013, Youssef was named to TIME magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” under the “Pioneers” category, received the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists, and was selected by Foreign Policy magazine as one of its “Global Thinkers.”

Currently, Youssef tours globally with his one-man comedy show The Middle Beast, blending satire, storytelling, and commentary on culture and politics. He is also the author of The Magical Reality of Nadia, published by Scholastic and now in development as an animated series. His screen appearances include MO (Netflix), Ramy (Hulu), Lioness (Paramount+), and Upload (Amazon).

In October 2023, his interview with Piers Morgan went viral worldwide, becoming the most viewed episode in the history of Piers Morgan Uncensored.

Amer Zahr

Author, Comedian & Law Professor

Amer Zahr is a Palestinian Arab American comedian, writer, speaker, and adjunct law professor at the University of Detroit Mercy. The son of Palestinian refugees, Amer uses comedy and commentary to explore politics, identity, culture, and the Arab American experience. He served as a surrogate for Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020 and has performed at major venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Amer founded the annual 1001 Laughs Comedy Festivals in Ramallah and Dearborn and released the documentary We’re Not White in 2017. He is also the author of Being Palestinian Makes Me Smile and the blog The Civil Arab. Amer holds a JD and MA from the University of Michigan.

Hussein M. Hachem

Founder & Managing Director, What's Up Media Network

Hussein M. Hachem is the Founder & CEO of What’s Up Media Network (قناة شو الأخبار), the first and largest full-fledged Arabic web TV channel in the United States. Driven by a passion to give Arab and Middle Eastern Americans a professional, independent platform, Hussein has built a nationally trusted voice that informs, connects, and empowers. Before launching What’s Up Media, he worked extensively in media and community leadership, experiences that shaped his vision of bridging cultures and amplifying underrepresented voices in America.

Through What’s Up Media, Hussein has emerged as a true community bridge—traveling across cities and states to highlight Arab and Middle Eastern American stories, foster dialogue, and connect people of diverse backgrounds. His unique work has been featured on CBS News and HuffPost, and he has received prestigious honors from the Mayor of Dearborn, Dearborn City Council, the Mayor of Paterson, NJ, the Arab American Community Center of Central Florida, the Organizing Committee of the Annual Yemeni USA States Cup, the Iraqi Sports Club in Michigan, the Jordanian American Heritage Association (JAHA) in Michigan, and the President of the Jordanian American Community in Ohio, to name a few. His meet & greet events, including the latest in Anaheim, California, which drew over 250 attendees, illustrate the movement he has created—where people drive hours just to be part of the experience.

Anthony Aguilar

Army Veteran, Whistleblower, Gaza

Anthony Aguilar was commissioned into the United States Army from West Point. He served for 25 years in the Army as a combat Infantry Officer and as a Special Forces (Green Beret) Officer. Over his military career, he deployed to Iraq 3 times, Afghanistan 3 times, Syria, Tajikistan, Jordan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. He is a highly decorated, combat veteran and has earned a Purple Heart (wounded in combat), a Bronze Star for Valor in Combat (similar to the Israeli Medal of Courage) and an Army Commendation Medal for Valor in Combat (similar to the Israeli Medal of Distinguished Service). He was in Gaza working under GHF from 17 May 2025 through 26 June 2025.

Rep. Abraham Aiyash

District 9, Michigan House of Representatives

Aiyash is Michigan’s first Muslim in House majority leadership, setting House priorities in a legislative term where Democrats have the majority for the first time in over a decade. His priorities include protecting the rights of all people, championing solutions to address social and health disparities in poor and working-class communities, clean energy and environmental stewardship, and stronger consumer protections in Michigan. In 2024, he was instrumental in the passing of monumental clean energy policy (HB 5120 and HB 5121) and continues to work on progressive environmental policy for Michigan and his community. Aiyash began working as an organizer for the 2008 Obama campaign. After studying at James Madison College at Michigan State University, Aiyash founded a nonprofit that mentored refugee youth and then went on to work for the Michigan House of Representatives. He worked to engage the community to fight back against a corporation expanding a toxic waste site on the Hamtramck-Detroit border.

Hani Almadhoun

Co-Founder, Gaza Soup Kitchen

Hani Almadhoun is the Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA, where he mobilizes resources to sustain UNRWA’s life-saving work for Palestine refugees. In response to the deepening crisis in Gaza, he also co-founded the Gaza Soup Kitchen with his brother, Chef Mahmoud, a grassroots effort that provides hot meals and direct aid to thousands of displaced families — including his own. Hani has become a leading voice for Gaza in American media, with op-eds in CNN, The Hill, The Nation, and the LA Times, and appearances on MSNBC, BBC, PBS, Newsmax, and CNN. He has also taken this advocacy to the halls of power, meeting with senior officials at the White House, Congress, and the State Department to push for humanitarian relief and protection for Palestine refugees.

Usama Baalbaki

Co-Founder & Chairman, National Arab Orchestra (NAO)

Michael Ibrahim

Co-Founder & Music Director, National Arab Orchestra (NAO)

Mahmoud Khalil

2025 Columbia University, Alumnus

Sim Kern

Journalist & Bestselling Author

Sim Kern is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of Genocide Bad and The Free People’s Village. As a journalist, Sim has investigated petrochemical polluters and exposed malfeasance amid the state takeover of public schools in Houston, Texas. Sim is also a book influencer and activist, who created the The Trans Rights Readathon in 2022, which raised over $250,000 for trans-supporting organizations in its first year alone. Since October 7th, 2023, Kern has shared educational content about Palestine and mobilized their followers to raise more than half a million dollars in direct aid for families in Gaza.

Hamzah Nasser

CEO, Haraz Coffee House

Hamzah Nasser is the CEO of Haraz Coffee House, establishing the leading Yemeni specialty coffee brand in the world with a focus on business strategy and operational excellence. He has led efforts to promote Yemeni coffee culture globally while ensuring high-quality customer experiences and sustainable practices. Nasser combines entrepreneurial vision with a deep passion for showcasing cultural heritage through coffee.

Farid Nassar aka

Grammy Award-winning, Producer & Artist

Farid “FredWreck” Nassar was born in Flint, Michigan, and raised in California. Of Palestinian heritage, his father hails from Ramle and his mother from Birzeit. A Grammy Award–winning producer, songwriter, and musician, FredWreck has collaborated with some of the greatest names in music, including Snoop Dogg, Anderson .Paak, 50 Cent, Britney Spears, and Eminem, among many others. In addition to his work in the recording industry, he co-hosted VH1’s Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party alongside Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. FredWreck began his career as a DJ on KMEL radio, which led to his role on The Wake Up Show with Sway & King Tech. His time in radio opened the door to engineering and producing, where he mastered the science and artistry of the recording studio.

Valentina Pereda

National Communications Director, ADC

Chris Smalls

Founder, Amazon Labor Union

Christian Smalls is the founder of the Amazon Labor Union, the first independent, democratic, worker-led labor union in American History for Amazon in Staten Island, New York. He is also the founder of The Congress of Essential Workers (TCOEW), a nationwide collective of essential workers and allies fighting for better working conditions, better wages, and a better world. Smalls was formerly an Amazon warehouse supervisor, helping open three major warehouses in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut during his five years with the company, but he was fired in 2020 after organizing a protest against the company’s unsafe pandemic conditions.Smalls has been profiled by media outlets worldwide, including The New York Times, USA Today, BBC,The Guardian, 60 Minutes, CNN, Political, Washington Post, NYMag, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, CBC Radio, Salon, and Jacobin. Times 100 most influential in the World 2022 and 2023.

Haris Tarin

Vice President, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

Haris Tarin is the Vice President at the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). Before leaving the Biden Administration as Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, he played a key role in shaping policies at the intersection of national security and civil rights. Earlier, he was the Senior Director in the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE), building strategic alliances with civil society, law enforcement, the technology sector, and academia. During his tenure at DHS, Haris also served as Chief of Staff of Operation Allies Welcome (OAW)—the historic interagency effort launched by President Biden in response to the fall of Kabul in 2021. Before entering government, Haris was a leading voice in policy advocacy, producing more than 30 policy papers on national security, civil liberties, immigration, and civic engagement. A frequent commentator on CNN, BBC, Fox News, and MSNBC, he has also written for The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. President Obama selected him as one of three young American leaders for a dialogue on national policy. Haris is an Ariane de Rothschild Cambridge Fellow and a University of Virginia Sorensen Institute Political Fellow.

Jenin Younes

National Legal Director, ADC

Jenin Younes is an experienced impact and strategic Palestinian-American attorney with a strong track record of defending individuals from unconstitutional government action. A graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Law, she worked as an appellate public defender in New York City for nine years, defending indigent individuals convicted of serious felonies. She spent the past four years defending Americans’ civil liberties in federal courts, with a focus on First Amendment free speech cases. Last year, she took a novel legal argument to the Supreme Court in Murthy v. Missouri. In another noteworthy case, Hoeg v. Newsom, she obtained a preliminary injunction against a California law restricting physicians’ speech on Covid-19 related matters. She also has extensive experience communicating legal issues and arguments to the public, and has appeared on hundreds of podcast, radio, and television shows for this purpose, participated in panel discussions and debates, and published opinion editorials in a range of outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Free Press, Compact Magazine, and Tablet. Jenin intentionally seeks to work across the aisle, as she firmly believes this is the most effective way to secure Americans’ rights from government infringement regardless of which political party holds a position of power at any given time.

Mara Kronenfeld

UNRWA USA

As the Executive Director of UNRWA USA, Mara Kronenfeld leads the strategic vision, operations, and fundraising efforts of the nonprofit organization that supports the humanitarian and human development work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Middle East. With over 20 years of experience in international development, Mara is a Fulbright Scholar and an expert in designing, implementing, and leading youth development programming in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)