The fourth installment of the “Engaged Conversations” series featured, from left: Kelly Pemberton, Diya Agha, Salma Elkadi Abugideiri, and Alma Jadallah. (Photo: Jeff Watts)

In ways big and small, Muslim women are drawing from their faith and working toward peace in their communities and around the world.

On Sept. 30, four scholars and practitioners discussed these “transformative actions” during the fourth installment of “Engaged Conversations,” an Islam lecture series sponsored by the School of International Service (SIS).

Salma Elkadi Abugideiri, codirector of the Peaceful Families Project, discussed her work with Muslim victims of domestic violence, and the ways in which she tries to help them find peace.

According to Abugideiri, about 10 to 50 percent of Muslim women in the United States have experienced or witnessed domestic violence, compared to about 25 percent of women, nationwide. And while cultural nuances often make it difficult to reach Muslim women who are being abused, Abugideiri encouraged the audience to ask questions, offer a helping hand, and open a dialogue.

“I challenge all of us to be more aware of injustice and to stand up, in our own ways, and make a difference,” she said. “In making the difference in the life of one human being, you are making a difference in the world.”

Alma Jadallah, president of Kommon Denominator, a conflict resolution firm, also urged the audience to challenge stereotypes about gender and religion and work toward Muslim women’s empowerment, social justice, and equality.

“If you are an advocate, it means you are wearing your values,” said Jadallah, visiting scholar at SIS’s Center for Global Peace. “You are taking a risk . . . and adding value and meaning to those around you.”

The event also featured Kelly Pemberton, religion and women’s studies professor at George Washington University, and Diya Agha, managing editor of the Common Ground News Service.

Honored as One of 14 Exemplary Entrepreneurs before 1,000 at Black Tie Event

Fairfax, Virginia - March 13, 2009 - Dr. Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, President and Managing Director of Kommon Denominator, Inc. will be honored as a 2009 Women’s Business Enterprise Star, the nation’s premier award for excellence among women’s business enterprises (WBEs), by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) at its Annual Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises.  Dr. Abdul-Hadi Jadallah will receive the award acknowledging her innovation, drive and community leadership on Thursday, March 26, 2009, before 1,000 corporate executives, WBEs and government and nonprofit VIPs at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.

She was selected by the WPEO, which conducts WBENC’s world-class certification of WBEs in Washington, D.C region, in addition to providing skill-building educational programs and business development opportunities with major corporations.

“Dr. Abdul-Hadi Jadallah illustrates this country’s vital ability to build successful businesses,” said Linda Denny, President and CEO of WBENC, the leading advocate for and authority on WBEs. “Her strategic vision, business acumen and sheer talent combine to meet the complex needs of corporate clients and propel our economy forward.”
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In 2009, WBENC is enhancing this annual event by presenting a Summit, which includes strategic educational workshops and industry meetings that will address the current and future business needs of WBEs and WBENC’s Corporate Members.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Abdul-Hadi Jadallah expressed the following sentiment: “It is truly an honor to enjoy such recognition, and especially that this is Kommon Denominator’s third award in less than two years.  It is certainly a testimony to the group effort and the collaborative spirit that our team enjoys with our clients and the business community at large.”

The Salute black-tie reception and dinner will honor the 14 Women’s Business Enterprise Stars of 2009, as well as America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises for 2008.  For reservations, visit www.wbenc.org/summit-salute.

Early corporate sponsors of the 2009 Summit and Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises: The Bridge to Quality (as of December 1, 2008) are Accenture, Summit-Salute Chair; Raytheon Company (Benefactor); UPS (Platinum); AT&T, Chevron and United Airlines, Inc. (Diamond); Avis Budget Group, Energy Future Holdings, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, Kraft Foods, Office Depot, PepsiCo, Inc., Shell Oil Company and The Home Depot (Tribute to Education Patron).  President’s Circle sponsors (WBEs and nonprofits) are Accel Inc.; ASAP LLC; Banneker Industries, Inc.; EMCO Technologies; Exhibits South Corp; Meadows Office Furniture Co. and The Warrior Group.

About WBENC: The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the leading advocate for, and authority on, Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) as suppliers and vendors to the nation’s corporations. Founded in 1997, WBENC is also the nation’s leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with WBENC certification accepted by more than 1,000 corporations, representing America’s most prestigious brands, as well as government entities at the state, local and Federal levels.  Throughout the year, WBENC’s RPOs provide opportunities for interactions between more than 250 member corporations and over 8,500 certified WBEs at business building events and other forums.    WBENC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks and accepts donations from corporations, foundations and individuals that support its mission and programs.  For more information, please go to www.wbenc.org.

Watch the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o19FxcSYVZo

Kommon Denominator (KD) of Fairfax, Virginia is proud to announce that the company’s President and Managing Director, Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, PhD, wins top honor as the DC - Region Outstanding Woman Business Enterprise for 2008. The Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO) - a regional affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) - confers the award and is the nation’s premier third-party certification organization for women owned businesses.

Kommon Denominator is an award-winning woman owned firm that was founded by Dr. Abdul-Hadi Jadallah in 1996. She is joined by two affiliates Dr. Cynthia Irmer and Mr. Bruce Engelbert who bring broad and complementary experience on the national and international level. Collectively, the KD Team brings more than seven decades of experience in government, private sector, and community work. The Team’s expertise encompasses conflict prevention and mitigation, evaluation and monitoring, public participation processes, organizational and leadership development, and training programs in their areas of expertise. KD is proud to report their continued commitment to helping others make a difference, and therefore donate 10 percent of what they earn to non-profits and social entrepreneurs in the areas where they work. Dr. Jadallah announced: “We are proud to report that we exceeded this target in 2007, and will continue with our commitment as we move forward in meaningful partnerships.”

The event took place March 7th, 2008 in the Mandarin Hotel in New York City and was attended by key executives and senior ranking officials from America’s Fortune 500 Corporations. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Abdul-Hadi Jadallah thanked all those who supported her nomination, her corporate sponsors, and especially Freddie Mac, her clients, family and associates.

Kommon Denominator Inc., is a Commonwealth of Virginia corporation. For contacts and more information please visit Kommon Denominator at: www.kommondenominator.com .

Alarab Alyawm (Arabic)
http://www.alarabalyawm.net/pages.php?news_id=70864

Addustour (Arabic)
http://www.addustour.com/ViewArchiveTopic.aspx?ac=%5CEconomy%…

Alray

• George Mason Foundation,
• Starlight Ministries,
• Partners for Peace,
• Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions,
• Sharing Jerusalem,
• Northern Virginia Mediation Services,
• Hands Along the Nile,

http://www.top100mbe.com/2007winners.htm

www.wbenc.org