Arab America Foundation launches national mentorship network

The Arab America Foundation has launched a nationwide mentorship program to connect Arab American professionals and community leaders with students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. The initiative is designed to expand leadership development, professional networking, and community ties across the U.S.

Why it matters: - The National Mentorship Network is aimed at helping Arab Americans build skills, relationships, and career pathways across education, business, and community leadership. - The program is open nationwide, expanding access for participants in different regions and professional stages. - The initiative aligns with the Arab America Foundation’s broader mission to promote Arab heritage and strengthen Arab American identity and connection.

What happened: - The Arab America Foundation launched its National Mentorship Network on July 30, 2026. - The program connects accomplished Arab American professionals and community leaders with Arab American students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. - The initiative is designed to provide guidance, encouragement, and professional growth. - The foundation invited Arab Americans interested in serving as mentors or participating as mentees to apply.

The details: - Mentors can include professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, executives, graduate degree holders, community leaders, and AAF awardees. - Mentees can include high school and college students, graduate students, recent graduates, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. - AAF will match mentors and mentees based on education, professional interests, experience, location, and individual goals. - Mentor-mentee pairs will meet virtually throughout the year. - Mentors are asked to take part in up to six virtual sessions annually. - Mentors are also expected to spend about one to two hours a month communicating with mentees. - The program is meant to support leadership development, professional networking, and access to educational, career, business, and community opportunities. - Questions and program information go to Dr. Mahbuba Hammad, director of the AAF National Mentorship Network, at mhammad@arabamerica.com or 877-272-2944. - The Arab America Foundation describes itself as a nonprofit educational and cultural organization that promotes Arab heritage, educates Americans about Arab identity, and connects and empowers Arab Americans. - The foundation’s national initiatives include National Arab American Heritage Month, the Connect Empowerment Summit, Rising Leaders programs, community outreach, and leadership development opportunities. - The source included the website More information and social links for LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The network is a community-building effort as much as a career program, with a focus on passing experience and opportunity to the next generation. - Warren David, co-founder of the Arab America Foundation, said the goal is to strengthen the community by making sure knowledge and opportunity are shared forward. - Virtual matching and meetings lower geographic barriers and make the program accessible to Arab Americans across the country.

What's next: - Arab Americans interested in mentoring or being mentored can apply now. - The foundation will begin pairing participants and running virtual mentorship sessions throughout the year. - The network is positioned to become one of AAF’s ongoing national leadership development efforts.