DETROIT (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) will hold its Fifth Annual Breakfast on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at Byblos Banquet Center, 7258 Chase Rd., Dearborn. Cindy Pasky, CEO and president of Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) and Chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, will deliver the keynote address.

Pasky founded S3, a Detroit-headquartered global IT and business services company, in 1990 and has grown the company to 23 branch locations with more than 1,800 team members in the U.S. and Europe. S3 is in its 21st year of consecutive growth with 2010 revenues of $205 million.

Pasky is actively involved in civic and community organizations. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Detroit Downtown Partnership and co-chairs the urban strategies committee of Business Leaders for Michigan (formerly Detroit Renaissance).

AAWBC will also present the Arab American Businesswoman of the Year Award for significant contributions to her business, profession and community. “Arab American women do so much for our economy and the society that goes unnoticed,” said Renee Ahee, executive director of the National Arab American Medical Association and head of the award selection committee. “We’re delighted to recognize and celebrate an Arab American woman for her successes, not only for what she has accomplished individually but because she serves as a role model for others.

Nominations are now being taken through the AAWBC web site, www.aawbc.org. Deadline for nominations is October 15.

Also at the breakfast, scholarships will be awarded to Arab American female college or college-bound high school students. The deadline to submit applications, which can be downloaded from www.aawbc.org, is October 15.

AAWBC President Nabelah Ghareeb, chief strategy and administrative officer, Children’s Center of Wayne County, said, “Arab American women often face challenges in their careers or business pursuits. Many women who want a career or to own a business are discouraged by even their families based on stereotypical or cultural expectations of women. The AAWBC’s mission is to assist these women through mentorships, internships, scholarships and professional development programs.”

Founded in 2007, the 501c6 nonprofit professional organization represents a cross-section of Arab American women in many professions and businesses, including nursing, marketing and public relations, public affairs, engineering, law, academia, sales and financial planning. The organization is recruiting members as well as sponsoring companies who see opportunities in the Arab American women’s market.

Breakfast tickets are $20 each. Sponsorships and table sales are also available. You may purchase tickets or learn about sponsorships, table sales and membership by contacting Yvonna Abraham at yvonnaabraham@gmail.com or 313.770.7676. For more information on the Arab American Businesswoman of the Year Award, contact Renee Ahee at ahee@naama.com or 248-646-3661.