DEARBORN – The American Arab Chamber of Commerce’s Professional’s Network (AAPN) presented awards to exceptional Arab Americans on Wednesday during its 9th annual “Celebrating Success” banquet at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center.  

This year, a select group of professional Arab Americans received awards in the fields of creative arts, education, finance, legal, medical and technology. 

Suzanne Sukkar, chairwoman of AAPN, presented the evenings welcoming remarks. “AAPN promotes and fosters leadership, creativity and achievements. The success of each professional is a reflection of our community’s success,” said Sukkar. 

“This organization has successfully built economic bridges over the past 21 years,” said Ali Dagher, American Arab Chamber of Commerce Chairman.

Keynote speaker John Carter, President of the Michigan Middle Market for JP Morgan Chase, said that being a good corporate citizen is part of Chase’s DNA. 

Gene Michalski, President and CEO of Beaumont Health Systems, received the Champion of Diversity Award for possessing the most diverse and welcoming environment. 

“We work hard to increase diversity in the work force and work toward professional accomplishments and dedication to our community,” said Michalski. 

Rola Nashef, writer, producer, and director of the movie Detroit Unleaded, received the American Arab of the Year award in creative arts. 

The American Arab of the Year Award in education was Nadia Shuayto, assistant professor of Marketing in the College of Management at Lawrence Technological University. 

Osman Minkara, founder and managing principal of CIG Corp., was the recipient of the American Arab of the Year award in finance.

American Arab of the Year in the legal category was awarded to Tanya Abdelnour, assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. 

Majd Aburabia, staff surgeon of Oakwood Healthcare, was honored with American Arab of the year in the medical category.

American Arab of the Year in technology was Hussein Dourra, senior technical fellow of Chrysler, LLC.