Loading ...
Arab American Women's Business Council Holds Annual Breakfast December 4th
The Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) will hold its Third Annual Breakfast on Friday, December 4, 2009, at Byblos Banquet Center, 7258 Chase Rd., Dearborn. Nancy Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System, will deliver the keynote address titled “Health Care: Perspectives and Opportunities.”
Since 2003, Schlichting had headed the Henry Ford Health System, a nationally recognized $3.7 billion health care organization with 23,000 employees. She is credited with leading the health system through a dramatic financial turnaround and for award-winning patient safety, customer service and diversity initiatives.
In 2009, Nancy received the “Lung Health Champion Award” from the American Lung Association. In 2008, Modern Healthcare magazine named her one of the “100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare” for the fourth year in a row.
AAWBC will present the Arab American Woman of the Year Award to a business or professional woman who has made significant contributions to her profession or to the community. “Arab American women accomplish so much and do so much good for our society that goes unnoticed by the broader community,” said Renee Hanna, leader of the award selection committee and Director of Sales, Catering, for the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. “We’re delighted to recognize and celebrate an Arab American woman for her successes, not only for what she has accomplished as an individual but also because she serves as a role model for others.”
Ms. Ronia Kruse is the recipient of this year’s award. Kruse is the co-founder and President/CEO of OpTech, LLC, a WBE (Women Business Enterprise) headquartered in Detroit with offices in Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. OpTech is a global provider of professional consulting and information technology business solutions with clients as diverse as the U.S. Department of Transportation, DTE Energy, Comerica Bank and the State of Michigan. The company has grown, on average, by 65 percent each year with revenues of over $10 million in 2008.
Kruse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree from Wayne State University. She has been recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under 40; has received the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development and the NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) Public Policy Advocate Award; and serves on several non-profit advisory boards.
Also at the AAWBC breakfast, scholarships will be awarded to Arab American female college or college-bound students to encourage them to complete their education.
Henry Ford Health System is the main sponsor and Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is the secondary sponsor.
AAWBC addresses the needs of Arab American women professionals and business owners as well as young Arab American women seeking professional or business careers in Michigan and across the country.
Jumana Judeh, president of Judeh & Associates, a real estate appraisal firm, said, “Too often, Arab American women face discrimination in their careers or business pursuits. Many women who want a career or to own a business are discouraged by even their families based on stereotypical or cultural expectations of women. The AAWBC’s mission is to assist these women through mentorships, internships, scholarships and professional development programs.”
Founded in 2007, the 501c6 nonprofit professional organization represents a cross-section of Arab American women in many professions and businesses, including nursing, marketing and public relations, public affairs, engineering, law, academia, sales and financial planning. The organization is recruiting members as well as sponsoring companies who see opportunities in the Arab American women’s market.
Tickets for the annual breakfast are $20 each and $10 for students. They can be purchased from any AAWBC member or by contacting Jumana Judeh at 313-277-1986 or judehj@aol.com.