Washington: TAKREEM AMERICA and TAKminds hosted a full day of events in the U.S. capital on April 11, spotlighting Arab excellence in innovation, leadership, and cultural impact. The day began at The Phillips Collection art museum with the TAKminds Forum organized by TAKREEM AMERICA Foundation. From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., attendees engaged with global experts in politics, technology, culture, and business through dynamic panels, fireside chats, and one-on-one conversations. Topics ranged from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to climate change and leadership.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the forum opened with remarks by Nadia Bilbassy-Charters, Bureau Chief at Al Arabiya News Channel. Featured speakers included Tiffany Saade from Stanford University, Prof. Doaa Taha from Harrisburg University, Samia Melhem of the World Bank Group, and Nehme Taouk from VALOORES, among others. The event brought together distinguished voices from the public and private sectors.
That evening, the spotlight shifted to The Ritz-Carlton for the TAKREEM AMERICA Awards Night and Fundraising Gala, an exclusive ceremony honoring outstanding Arab individuals and institutions. The honorees were recognized for their achievements in entrepreneurship, science, sustainability, corporate leadership, culture, and lifetime achievement. The honorees were selected through a rigorous months-long nomination and jury process.
Emceed by Mimi Geerges, host at C-SPAN Washington Journal, the gala included a fundraising segment to support TAKREEM AMERICA initiatives. The event was made possible through the generous support of the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Triple V Management LLC, Fort Partners, Cedar's Food, as well as the Kuwait, UAE, and KSA Embassies. A large crowd from across the United States attended, led by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
This year's honorees included Prof. Charbel Farhat for Scientific and Technological Achievement, Prof. Rabi Mohtar for Sustainability and Environmental Leadership, and Mrs. Reem Acra for Cultural Excellence. Mr. Joseph Geagea was honored for Corporate Leadership, while Mrs. Samia Farouki and Dr. Richard Westmark, along with Dr. Kaye Westmark and Mr. Michael Kardoush with Mrs. Hoda Kardoush, were recognized for Lifetime Achievement.