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Arab American, Nahla Kayali, Honored by White House as “Champion of Change”
Nahla Kayali has an incredible story. A first generation Palestinian immigrant who came to the U.S. from Syria, she first came to the U.S. when she was 16 shortly after getting married. Today, Nahla has earned herself a prestigious recognition from the White House as one of the Cesar E. Chavez “Champions of Change.”
Nahla jokes about having learned English while watching American soap operas, but she learned the language well enough to teach it to other immigrants, and community service soon became her life passion. She founded ACCESS California to enhance the quality of life for Arab Americans and American Muslims and to provide the services and support she needed, but were not available, when she was a new immigrant. Today, ACCESS California is one of the premiere ethnic-based social service agencies in the state, providing help to anyone who comes through their doors, whether on immigration issues or navigating health care services. Earlier this summer, Nahla was among the first group of 2,000 people to be trained in California to help the state’s more than one million uninsured people sign up for health care under the Affordable Care Act because she knew fist-hand the impact it could have on real people’s lives. Nahla represents both the promise and the perseverance of our country, and our community is extremely proud of her accomplishments and work.
“This is a life-time honor to be recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change in light of Cesar Chavez’s legacy, serving as a testament that working hard creates change,” she said. “I have dedicated my life and my soul for the humanitarian cause of serving everyone in need, particularly my fellow Arab- and Muslim-American immigrant and refugee communities who have demonstrated the ability to overcome barriers and become contributing citizens.”
The White House will live stream an official ceremony to honor Nahla and her fellow champions of change this Monday.
Arab American Institute