April 28, 2025


Each April, Arab American Heritage Month gives us a moment to celebrate the rich contributions, leadership, and lived experiences of Arab Americans across the country. At New Leaders Council, we’re proud to spotlight three alumni whose work exemplifies bold, values-driven leadership: Amer W. Rashid (NLC Sacramento 2023), Nada Al-Hanooti (NLC Detroit 2023), and Ghofran Miari (NLC Columbus 2024).


Amer W. Rashid – Championing Language Access in Democracy


In 2021, Amer W. Rashid (NLC Sacramento 2023) played a leading role in pushing for Arabic-language election materials in Fresno County. As Government Affairs Manager at CAIR California, Amer advocated alongside community members to expand language access for Arabic-speaking voters, many of whom, like Yemeni American farmworkers, had long been left out of the democratic process.


His efforts helped catalyze a resolution from California’s Language Accessibility Advisory Committee and brought national attention to the importance of language equity in civic participation.


Today, Amer serves as Director of Legislative Affairs for the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, continuing to advance justice through policy and public service.


Nada Al-Hanooti – Organizing a Movement for Representation


As the former Executive Director of Emgage Michigan, Nada Al-Hanooti (NLC Detroit 2023) helped organize one of the most historic political wins in Dearborn’s history: the 2021 election of Abdullah Hammoud, the city’s first Arab American and Muslim mayor.

Through strategic coalition-building, voter education, and deep community engagement, Nada’s leadership not only shifted power locally, it inspired a new generation of Arab American civic leaders across Michigan and beyond.

Her work reflects the very spirit of Arab American Heritage Month: lifting up her community while building a more inclusive democracy for all.



Ghofran Miari – Defending Justice with Purpose


Ghofran Miari (NLC Columbus 2024) is an advocate, attorney, and believer that where someone is born should never determine the opportunities they’re given. The daughter of Palestinian refugees and a visibly Muslim woman raised in post-9/11 America, Ghofran’s life has been a testament to bridging the gap between American ideals and American reality.

With a Juris Doctorate and Master’s in Public Policy from The Ohio State University, she now serves as an attorney at the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office. There, she ensures the state meets its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and that every person, regardless of income or background, has equal access to justice.




Together, Amer, Nada, and Ghofran embody the resilience, leadership, and vision that Arab American Heritage Month celebrates. Their work reminds us that advocacy, representation, and justice are not abstract ideals. They are the result of daily commitment, courageous leadership, and deep community care. At New Leaders Council, we are proud to uplift their stories and honor all Arab American changemakers who are building a future where every voice is heard, every community is represented, and every person has the opportunity to thrive.


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