Arab American Women's Business Council Holds Annual Breakfast December 3rd

posted on: Nov 25, 2008

The Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC), founded in 2007 as a 501c6 nonprofit professional organization, will hold its Second Annual Breakfast on Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at Byblos Banquet Center, 7258 Chase Rd., Dearborn. Sandra Pierce, president of Charter One Bank, Michigan and Indiana, will deliver the keynote address titled “Navigating this Stormy Economy.” WWJ TV producer and host and Detroit Free Press columnist Carol Cain will emcee the programs.
For the first time, the Arab American Woman of the Year Award will be given 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. “It is indeed time to recognize and celebrate these women for their successes.”
Ms. Nawal Hamadeh of Hamadeh Educational Services, Inc. is the recipient of the inaugural award. Hamadeh manages and operates three charter schools that are located between 4 campuses. These schools help educate over 2,200 children annually. Her high school graduates have a 100% college acceptance rate.

Also, scholarships will be awarded to Arab American female college or college-bound students to encourage them to complete their education. Over 70 applications were submitted.

Derma MedSpa Cosmetic Medical Laser Center is the main sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 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.”

The grassroots effort to form the AAWBC 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.