I am proud to join the 2025 cohort of Arab America Foundation’s 40 Under 40, a celebration of accomplished Arab American professionals in a wide range of fields with outstanding achievements both in the workplace and in our individual communities. The Arab America Foundation is an educational and cultural organization which promotes Arab heritage, empowers and educates others about Arab identity, connects Arab Americans, and builds coalitions with diverse organizations across the U.S.

This award marks an important point in my journey. Celebrating my own heritage has taken on new meaning for me in the development process on my debut narrative feature, titled COME HOME WITH ME. This story centers my experience growing up in the Midwest as a person of Lebanese heritage, an experience I understand more deeply as I connect with other Arab people, in particular other Arab artists and creatives with shared traditions and backgrounds. I look forward to connecting with this community. Thank you to AFF for including me in your extended family.