Dr. Mai Abdul Rahman is a distinguished educator, activist, journalist, women's advocate, and published author. With a deep commitment to social justice, Dr. Abdul Rahman has dedicated her career to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly women and children, in both the United States and Palestine.
She is the founder and president of the American Palestinian Women’s Association (APWA), an organization she established in 2004 to unite and support Palestinian women in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Through APWA, Dr. Abdul Rahman has led numerous impactful initiatives, including supporting Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, funding the education of Palestinian refugees, and providing vital resources to youth in the West Bank, such as musical instruments for students in Jenin. Her leadership has also resulted in partnerships with organizations like UNRWA, ANERA, and UPA to further humanitarian efforts for Palestinian families.
Dr. Abdul Rahman’s academic background includes a BA in Political Science from Drake University, a Master’s degree in Education from Trinity University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Howard University. Her scholarly work has contributed significantly to the fields of education and social justice. Among her published works are Cognitive Dissonance and the Reproduction of the Black Achievement Gaps in the US, Teaching Outside the Box: Beyond the Deficit Driven School Reforms, and The Education of District of Columbia Homeless Youth: Limits and Possibilities. Her research and writings often focus on understanding the resilient qualities of marginalized youth, particularly in affluent societies.
In addition to her work with APWA, Dr. Abdul Rahman has served in various civic and professional roles.
She is an active advocate for children’s rights and has held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including as Vice President of the Deal Junior High School PTA and a board member of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area. She has also served as an appointed Human Rights Commissioner for Washington, D.C., and is a former member of the Middle East Committee of the Peace Commission at the National Cathedral.
Dr. Abdul Rahman’s dedication to the rights of children, particularly those in marginalized communities, drives much of her work. She is a mother of four and an educator who believes in the transformative power of education and community organizing to bring about positive change.
Dr. Najat Arafat Khelil is a pioneering activist, organizer, and educator who has dedicated her life to advancing the causes of Palestinian and Arab American communities. A trailblazer in her field, Dr. Khelil made history as the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in Nuclear Physics in the state of Texas. She is also recognized for her leadership roles in several prominent organizations, including the National Palestinian American Congress, the Union of Palestinian American Women, and the Arab Women’s Council Research and Education Fund.
Dr. Khelil holds a Doctorate degree in Nuclear Physics from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), where she achieved the historic distinction of being the first woman in Texas to earn such a degree. She went on to teach at several prestigious institutions, including Texas A&M University, North Texas State University, the University of Algiers, Shaw University, and George Washington University. She also served as a Visiting Researcher at the National Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
As an activist and organizer, Dr. Khelil has been at the forefront of many initiatives to promote peace and understanding between communities. She has led and organized programs such as Road to Peace and Women Speak Out, and served as a trainer in conflict resolution under the auspices of the U.S. Information Agency. Her efforts to bridge divides have included co-coordinating the Dialogue Project between American Jewish and Palestinian women, and her work has been recognized in multiple capacities, including serving on the National Board of Directors for the United Holy Land Fund, the Interreligious Committee on Peace in the Middle East, the American Task Force on Palestine, and as National President of ROOTS (the Palestine Youth Organization).
Dr. Khelil’s dedication to the Palestinian cause has also led her to serve in leadership roles across a number of influential organizations, including as Chairperson of the National Arab American Women’s Association (NAAWA), Board of Directors of the United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), and the National Board of Directors of the Rainbow Coalition. She has also been an active member of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Partners for Peace, and the U.S. Interreligious Committee for Peace in the Middle East, among others.
As president of the Arab Women’s Council Research and Education Fund, Dr. Khelil led initiatives to educate American students about the Palestinian question, including organizing trips for high school students to the Middle East to engage directly with the region's complexities. She also organized annual youth trips to Palestine and led summer camps focused on Palestinian and Arab American youth, where participants learned about Arabic language, history, and cultural traditions.
A lifelong advocate for the empowerment of Palestinian and Arab American communities, Dr. Khelil has been honored multiple times for her contributions. She was listed twice in Marquis Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who in the Arab-American Community. She is also the recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award from the American Task Force on Palestine and the Honoree of the Palestinian American Community Award, presented by the General Delegation of the PLO to the United States.
Dr. Khelil is married with two children and seven grandchildren and continues to serve as a respected leader and mentor in both the Palestinian and Arab American communities.
Dr. Mariam Mar’i Ryan is a distinguished American Palestinian educator, writer, researcher, and passionate advocate for women's, children's, and human rights. Born in Akka, Israel, she is one of the three founders of APO and has dedicated much of her life to advancing the causes of education, peace, and social justice.
Dr. Ryan was the first Palestinian woman in Israel to earn a BA in Education and Fine Art from Haifa University in 1977. She continued her academic journey, earning a Master's in Counseling and a Ph.D. in International Education from Michigan State University in 1983. Over the years, she has balanced her roles as an educator, counselor, researcher, and activist with a deep commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Ryan founded the Acre Arab Women Association (AAWA) and Dar El-Tifle El-Arabi Pedagogical Center, institutions that focus on the empowerment of women and the advancement of early childhood education. As the first president of AAWA and a leader in these organizations, she has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of Palestinian women and children, as well as promoting education as a tool for societal change.
Dr. Ryan's work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the Kentucky National Organization of Women, the Tucson Mayor's Office, and CARE. She has worked with various local and international organizations throughout her career to drive positive change for women and underserved communities. After nearly 30 years living in Glenwood, Maryland, Dr. Ryan returned to her hometown of Akka, where she serves as the honorary president of AAWA, continuing her lifelong commitment to activism.
With expertise in teaching, counseling, management, and social activism, Dr. Ryan remains a driving force in advocating for peace, equality, and education. She is also affiliated with organizations such as UPA, Rozana, and OPA, further contributing to her ongoing efforts to support human rights and social justice.
Dr. Mariam Mar’i Ryan is an inspiration to all who are committed to creating a more equitable and peaceful world.
Mrs. Amal Garada is a passionate advocate for education, human rights, and the well-being of women and children, serving as the Treasurer and Gaza Orphan Liaison Supervisor for APO. A daughter of 1948 Nakba survivors, Amal’s journey reflects both resilience and a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities.
Born in Jordan and later moving to Kuwait in 1967, Amal’s early life was shaped by her parents’ determination to improve their lives and those of their children. She earned a degree in Arabic Literature from the University of Kuwait and worked as a teacher in public schools, where she honed her skills in education. A devoted mother of three, Amal’s children were born in Kuwait and raised in the USA, further deepening her understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities.
In addition to her long-standing role at APO, Mrs. Garada has been an active board member of the American Palestinian Women’s Association (APWA) since 2003, advocating for the rights and empowerment of Palestinian women. She has also volunteered with the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee and the Arab America Foundation, where she worked to raise awareness of issues affecting Arab communities in the United States.
Amal holds a Master's degree in Political Management from The George Washington University (GWU), where she achieved excellence in her studies. She has completed five educational programs, further enhancing her expertise in campaign management, communication, and social media engagement. Amal’s work extends beyond the classroom, with particular skills in teaching Arabic to both native and non-native speakers and a deep knowledge of social media strategies to engage audiences.
Mrs. Garada’s professional achievements include being listed on the Honor Roll at the University of Kuwait and earning Excellency in her Master’s degree in Political Management from GWU. She continues to use her knowledge and experience to advance the causes of education and human rights, with a focus on supporting marginalized populations, particularly in Gaza.
Amal is a dedicated member of organizations like Teachers Against Genocide, the American Palestinian Women’s Association, and the Arab America Foundation, working tirelessly to promote peace, education, and justice.
Ms. Iman Abdul-Ali is a dynamic art educator, passionate humanitarian, and dedicated professional with nearly a decade of experience in arts education and program management. As the Director of Operations and Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Americans for Palestinian Orphans (APO), Iman plays a pivotal role in expanding APO's mission to support Palestinian orphans through education and essential services.
A proud graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Iman holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, which has provided a strong foundation in both art and education. In her previous role at APO as Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, Iman developed skills in community engagement, strategic outreach, and communications, all of which have been instrumental in her current role overseeing operations and expanding the organization's impact.
Iman is also committed to enriching lives through the arts, serving as a Board Member for Project 88, a Chicago-based initiative providing classical music lessons to children. Additionally, Iman contributes her expertise as an Advisory Board Member for Swedish Endeavor Hospital in Chicago, helping to provide exceptional care and services to the community.
With a career rooted in arts education and humanitarian work, Iman has been a passionate advocate for using the arts as a vehicle for social change. She has excelled in program development, marketing, and administration, all while maintaining a deep commitment to improving the lives of those in need. As a global citizen, Iman is driven by a profound belief in the power of education and art to positively impact both locally and globally.
Her work continues to reflect a dedication to advancing the mission of APO and supporting impactful initiatives that promote education, the arts, and humanitarian causes.
Ibrahim Ismail Al-Ghandour is a seasoned youth and community development leader from Jabalia Camp, Gaza, holding a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and social work. He brings extensive experience as a researcher, logistical and community organizer, and youth coordinator, and has served on the boards of multiple local and international organizations operating within the Gaza Strip. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale volunteer initiatives and humanitarian aid distribution campaigns, demonstrating a strong commitment to community resilience, social justice, and effective grassroots action in challenging environments.
Mr. Al-Ghandour has coordinated projects for institutions including the International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights and the Youth Dialogue Forum for Tolerance, and has contributed research and analysis to PalThink for Strategic Studies. In 2011, he founded the National Campaign to Reduce University Fees, an initiative he continues to lead in support of equitable access to higher education. His research work with organizations such as OCHA, Islamic Relief, and UNRWA further reflects his ability to combine field-based insight with analytical rigor in humanitarian and development contexts.
Since July 2024, Mr. Al-Ghandour has served as Americans for Palestinian Orphans (APO) Orphan Liaison in the Gaza Strip, where he oversees programs supporting orphaned children aged 0–13. In this role, he leads the identification and monitoring of orphaned children, manages APO’s educational and enrichment programs, recruits and supervises staff, and serves as the primary support contact for children and foster guardians. He collaborates closely with local and international partners to facilitate access to healthcare, mental health services, and educational resources, while ensuring accurate data collection, reporting, and accountability. Through compassionate leadership, strong communication, and coordinated advocacy, he works to enhance the quality of care, emotional well-being, and long-term resilience of Gaza’s most vulnerable children.