Connect Empowerment Summit Schedule
FRIDAY, October 24
12:00 PM
Registration Opens
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Panel to Be Announced
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Panel to Be Announced
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Panel to Be Announced
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Ahlan Networking Reception and Dinner
Ahlan! Welcome to the much-awaited opening reception of the Arab America: Empowerment Summit! This is the moment we’ve all been eagerly anticipating—a joyous kick-off where we come together for the first time to forge new connections. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey of empowerment, inspiration, and community.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fann Wa Tarab Evening
A vibrant celebration of Arab musical and cultural heritage. The event showcases a range of traditional and contemporary performances, featuring talented vocalists and musicians. Designed to showcase the richness of Arab artistic expression, Fann Wa Tarab brings communities together through the shared language of the arts and music.
SATURDAY, October 25
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Registration and Information Exhibits Open
8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Man’oushe, Foul, and Qahwa Networking Breakfast
Meet and get acquainted with summit attendees before the summit at this buffet breakfast and networking event.
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
CONNECT Empowerment Summit
Connecting and empowering Arab Americans across the country with presentations by public service officials, community leaders, influential women, and rising leaders.
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Opening and Welcome
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel to Be Announced
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel to Be Announced
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Rising Leaders Ceremony
2:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Sahtein Networking Lunch
Connect with Arab American attendees from throughout the U.S.
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
CONNECT Empowerment Summit
Connecting and empowering Arab Americans across the country with presentations by public service officials, community leaders, influential women, and rising leaders.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Panel to Be Announced
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Panel to Be Announced
3:30 PM
Daytime Activities End
SATURDAY Evening, October 2025
5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Reception and Al Rabitah Gala Banquet
The Al Rabitah Gala Banquet is an event deeply rooted in the vision of Arab American writer and philosopher Kahlil Gibran, who initiated “Al Rabitah” (The Connection) over a century ago. Inspired by …
11:00 PM
End of Saturday Evening Activities
OPTIONAL: SUNDAY, October 27
10:00 AM
Yalla Connect! Farewell Networker
Lunch and Tour in Paterson’s “Little Palestine.”