Arab America Foundation sets November CONNECT summit in Virginia

The Arab America Foundation says its 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit will bring Arab Americans together Nov. 6-7 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. The program will feature speakers, awards, cultural events and networking aimed at building leadership and strengthening community ties.

Why it matters: - The CONNECT Empowerment Summit is designed to bring Arab Americans together for networking, leadership development and community building. - The event comes as Arab American voices and stories are getting more attention, making the summit a platform to shape representation and civic engagement. - The summit also serves as a pipeline for emerging leaders through awards, mentorship and intergenerational programming.

What happened: - The Arab America Foundation announced confirmed speakers and programming for the 2026 CONNECT Empowerment Summit. - The summit is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. - The event will take place at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. - CONNECT is a national gathering for Arab Americans from across the country. - The program will bring together community leaders, public servants, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, advocates, professionals and rising leaders.

The details: - The summit will focus on public service and civic engagement, women’s leadership, mental health, entrepreneurship, education, mentorship, cultural identity and strengthening the Arab American narrative. - The weekend agenda includes panels and conversations with national Arab American leaders. - The Foundation will recognize its 20 Under 20, 30 Under 30 and 40 Under 40 awardees. - Organizers will host networking opportunities for Arab Americans from across the United States. - The schedule also includes an Ahlan Networking Reception and Dinner. - The event will debut the Arab America Ensemble during "Fann Wa Tarab: Tarab Across Generations — The Songs That Raised Us." - The summit will feature Arab cuisine, music, dance and other cultural programming. - The weekend will close with the Al Rabitah Gala on Saturday evening. - An optional Washington, D.C. tour and farewell gathering is planned for Sunday, Nov. 8. - In 2025, the event drew more than 400 attendees from 24 states.

Between the lines: - The programming combines civic, professional and cultural content, signaling an effort to make the summit more than a conference. - The mix of awards, performances and networking suggests a focus on both visibility and leadership development within the Arab American community. - The Foundation is using the summit to reinforce a national identity across generations and professions.

What's next: - Registration and sponsorship information are being promoted for attendees and partners. - The Arab America Foundation says the 2026 summit will be larger than the 2025 gathering. - More event details are available on the foundation's website. - The organization also shared social links on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - CONNECT is shaping up as a national Arab American convening that blends leadership, culture and community building in one weekend.