Connect Empowerment Summit Schedule
Tentative Program to Date:
FRIDAY Morning
10:30-12:00 pm
Team Leaders and Activists Meeting
FRIDAY Afternoon and Evening, November 6:
12-6:00 pm
Registration and Information
Exhibits Open
Who Will Tell Our Story?
For more than 150 years, Arab Americans have helped build this country. Yet too often, others have told our story. This Summit is about taking ownership of our narrative—not through politics or division, but through leadership, education, culture, public service, storytelling, and community.
Panel 1 (1:30–2:30 pm)
Every Arab American Is an Educator: Changing Hearts, Changing Minds, One Conversation at a Time
Whether in the workplace, classroom, neighborhood, or online, every Arab American has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to shape how others understand our community. This conversation explores how everyday interactions can challenge stereotypes, celebrate our heritage, and inspire the next generation to proudly embrace their identity.
Panel 2 (2:30–3:30 pm)
Brewing a Movement: How Arab Entrepreneurs Are Changing America’s Taste and Culture Arab food and coffee are becoming powerful vehicles for entrepreneurship, cultural visibility, and community building. This panel brings together leaders from cafés, bakeries, sweets, packaged foods, beverages, and hospitality to explore how Arab entrepreneurs are introducing new flavors to mainstream America while preserving authenticity.
Breakout Session:
(3:30 pm-4:30 pm
40/30/20 Awardees
6:00 pm
Ahlan Networking Reception and Dinner
Attend the opening reception of the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit. Meet new friends and indulge in a tempting buffet of Arab cuisine.
8:00 pm
Fann Wa Tarab Cultural Evening
Don’t miss a tantalizing evening celebrating the arts and making you proud of Arab heritage and culture.
SATURDAY Daytime, November 7:
8-3:00 pm
Registration and Information
Exhibits Open
8:00 am
Man’oushe, Foul, and Qahwa Networking Breakfast
Meet and get acquainted with summit attendees at this buffet breakfast and networking event before the summit.
9:00 am
CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit
Connecting and empowering Arab Americans nationwide with presentations by public service officials, community leaders, influential women, rising leaders, and awesome performers.
Panel 3 (9:30-10:30 am)
Leading from the Front: Arab Americans in Public Service, Government & Civic Life
From city halls to Congress, from diplomacy to public policy, Arab Americans are making an impact. Learn how civic engagement, public service, and political participation strengthen our communities and ensure our voices are heard where decisions are made.
Panel 4 (10:30-11:30 am)
Women Leading the Way: The Voices Transforming Our Community
What can we learn from the women shaping our future? Arab American women continue to redefine leadership across business, education, healthcare, public service, philanthropy, and the arts. This inspiring conversation explores resilience, mentorship, breaking barriers, and empowering the next generation.
12:00 Noon
Recognition of Rising Leaders
20 Under 20, 30 Under 30, and 40 Under 40 Awardees
12:30 Noon
Sahtein Networking Lunch
Meet Arab American attendees from throughout the U.S.
1:30 pm
CONNECT Arab America Empowerment Summit
Connecting and empowering Arab Americans nationwide with presentations by public service officials, community leaders, influential women, rising leaders, and awesome performers.
Panel 5 (1:30 pm-2:30 pm)
The New Storytellers: How Influencers Are Redefining the Arab American Narrative
Who controls the narrative in the digital age? Social media creators, filmmakers, writers, podcasters, and journalists are reaching millions every day. Learn how authentic storytelling preserves our culture, combats stereotypes, and inspires pride in Arab American identity.
Panel 6 (2:30 pm-3:30 pm)
From Visibility to Influence: Taking the Arab American Narrative to the Next Level
Recent events in the Arab world—especially the war in Gaza—have brought Arab American voices, perspectives, and experiences into the national conversation with new urgency. Political candidates, elected officials, journalists, advocates, and community leaders are increasingly shaping public discourse rather than simply reacting to it. This closing conversation will examine the progress being made across politics, policy, media, and civic life—and explore how Arab Americans can sustain this momentum, strengthen their collective voice, broaden public understanding, and take the emerging narrative to the next level.
3:30 pm Daytime Activities End
Breakout:
(3:30 pm-4:30 pm)
Our Future: Building Tomorrow’s Arab American Leaders
Big Question: How do we prepare the next generation to lead?
Leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It is cultivated through mentorship, opportunity, and service. Hear from emerging leaders and accomplished mentors about developing confident, engaged, and visionary Arab Americans who will shape our future in business, public service, education, and community leadership.
3:45 pm-4:30 pm
Yalla Let’s Baladi
Zizi Zabaneh, Acclaimed Middle Eastern Dance Instructor
SATURDAY Evening, November 7:
5:30 pm
Reception
6:30 pm
Al Rabitah Gala
The event of the year! Commemorate your heritage at this formal event featuring Arab cuisine, special recognition, and live Arab music.
11:00 pm
Evening Activities End
Sunday, Daytime, November 8 (Optional):
9 am -11:00 am
Farewell Networking Reception
11:00 am
Washington, DC Landmark Tour and Lunch