Arab American HERITAGE Month Speaker

During the month of April, the US formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). This month celebrates Arab Americans throughout history and recognizes their many contributions to the US. It also is a time to combat Anti-Arab bigotry, and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices against this diverse community.

Nadine Naber, PhD

You have found her – the top Arab American heritage expert in the US! Dr. Nadine Naber is a proud Jordanian American and award-winning author who serves on the boards of the National Council of Arab Americans and the MENA Advisory Committee for the Illinois State’s Attorney. Dr. Naber is a Professor of Arab American Studies and founder of the Arab American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois. She is the media’s “go to” person for better understanding the incredible beauty, brilliance, and diversity of Arab Americans. 

Arab Americans: Beyond Invisibility and Stereotypes

Discussions about diversity rarely address the growing U.S. Arab American community.  Yet Dr. Naber knows how misunderstandings and racial stereotypes about Arab Americans matter and have grave consequences in the real world and the workplace.  In this talk, audiences will learn about Arab Americans beyond common perceptions of oppressed women, belly dancers, rich oil sheikhs, and terrorists. They will gain tools for understanding Arab American cultures in the real world, beyond stereotypes. She will help them see Arab Americans as individuals from 22 countries that span northern Africa to western Asia with many faiths and racial/ethnic identities. She will discuss the Arab American and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) invisibility in the US census. She will help your company recognize the Arab Americans all around us, from our neighbors and co-workers to to trailblazers like Apple founder Steve Jobs and actress Salma Hayek. Participants will leave this talk having shifted what they notice and remember about Arab Americans while growing a sense of belonging for all while preventing inequity.

Making Arab Americans Visible: Why The New MENA Census Category Matters (Ideal for Law Firms/ Human Rights Organizations/Universities)

Arab Americans are among the fastest-growing racial and ethnic groups in the United States. However, limited data and public awareness about this community have often resulted in gaps in understanding their experiences in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and housing. In 2024, Arab Americans gained official recognition in the U.S. Census under the newly established Middle East and North Africa (MENA) category, marking an important step toward greater visibility.

In this talk, Dr. Naber explores why this recognition matters and how it enhances our understanding of Arab Americans within national racial and ethnic systems. Participants will gain insight into where Arab Americans fit within these frameworks and how they compare to other groups. They will also develop a deeper understanding of the MENA category and learn strategies for fostering greater inclusion in workplaces and communities.

Click here to learn more about Nadine Naber, PhD