As-salamu alaykum:

Welcome to Empowering Voices, a celebration of those who dare to speak truth to power and uplift the marginalized in our society. Tonight, we honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, challenging injustice, and bringing light to the forgotten corners of our world. From journalists who risk their lives to report unfiltered truth to leaders advocating for a more inclusive democracy, each of our honorees embodies the resilience and courage that democracy requires. As we gather here, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, freedom, and the enduring belief that, together, we can build a society rooted in dignity and compassion for all

- Salam Al-Marayati, President of Muslim Public Affairs Council

Empowering Voices:
Event History

Since its founding in 2013, the Empowering Voices Awards has celebrated trailblazers in policy, culture, and civil rights who champion MPAC’s mission to foster a just, inclusive society. Held annually in Washington, D.C., this event gathers hundreds of influential leaders—including government officials, advocates, and civil society members—to honor individuals who embody the values of freedom, justice, and equality. Past honorees include civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, Nobel laureates Muhammad Yunus and Shirin Ebadi, and cultural figures like George Takei and Morgan Freeman. Each year, Empowering Voices highlights those who inspire change and promote unity.

Meet the Team

• Salam Al-Marayati - President

• Sue Obeidi - Senior Vice President, Hollywood Bureau

• Haris Tarin - Vice-President, Policy and Programming

• Rebecca Husaini - Vice President, Operations and Administration

• Lydia Burgos - Director of Administration and Finance

• Mohammad Ali - Director of Legislative and Congressional Affairs

• Iman Ali - Director of Government Affairs

• Blake Wood - Director of Communications

• M. Faiyaz Hussain - Senior Advisor for Strategy, Policy, and Programs

• Ravyn Chatmon - Communications Manager

• Neelab Yousafzai - Program Manager 

• Dahlia M. Taha - Young Leaders Policy Manager

• Shahbano Nawaz - Major Gifts Officer

• Grace Tapia - Administrative Coordinator 

• Umar Hakim-Dey - Consultant 

• Misaal Irfan - Policy Advocacy Fellow

Awardees

Shireen Abu Akleh (PostHumous)

Shireen Abu Akleh was a trailblazing Palestinian-American journalist whose distinguished 25-year career with Al Jazeera made her a revered figure throughout the Arab world. Her reporting brought international attention to Palestinian life under occupation, focusing on human stories often ignored by mainstream outlets. Her commitment to truth and justice made her a stalwart in covering critical events like the Second Intifada and numerous operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Tragically murdered in May 2022 during an Israeli military raid in the West Bank, her death sparked global condemnation and highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones. Shireen’s enduring legacy continues to inspire journalists and advocates worldwide, as her life’s work symbolizes the courageous pursuit of truth and the human right to justice.

Senator Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders has been a cornerstone of American politics for over four decades, relentlessly championing the rights of working-class and marginalized communities. As the mayor of Burlington from 1981 to 1989, he spearheaded progressive reforms that revitalized the city’s infrastructure and enhanced community welfare. His political journey continued in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2007, followed by his election to the U.S. Senate. Here, Sanders has fervently advocated for policies such as Medicare for All, free public college tuition, and the establishment of a $15 minimum wage. A staunch ally of the American Muslim community, Sanders has opposed racially and religiously discriminatory policies, notably criticizing President Trump’s Muslim Ban as fundamentally unjust. He has also been a vocal critic of U.S. Middle East policy, primarily Israel's actions in Gaza, advocating for Palestinian humanitarian aid and supporting student protests on U.S. campuses. As a Jewish senator with a personal family history tied to the Holocaust, Sanders brings a unique, deeply informed perspective to his lifelong fight against oppression and for global justice and peace.

Krystal Ball

Krystal Ball is a prominent figure in political commentary and independent journalism, co-hosting "Breaking Points," a podcast and YouTube channel that critiques mainstream media and political narratives. Her platform advocates for economic justice, political transparency, and comprehensive engagement in public issues. Krystal's work is crucial in a media landscape that often overlooks significant human rights concerns, such as the plight of Palestinians. Her dedication to upholding democratic principles and human rights through journalism challenges the status quo and underscores the significance of independent media in promoting justice and amplifying marginalized voices.

Featured Speakers

Naz Shah

Naz Shah is a Pakistani-British MP who has used her personal trials and advocacy background to shape a potent political career since 2015. Overcoming personal adversity, including fighting for her mother’s release from imprisonment, Naz has been an indefatigable voice for disability rights and societal issues. As chair of several Parliamentary groups and recently appointed as the Shadow Minister for Crime Reduction, she has been a vocal supporter of peaceful resolutions in conflict zones, including Gaza. Her resignation from the Labour frontbench in 2023, following the rejection of a ceasefire motion she supported, marks her firm stance on international justice and human rights.

Isra Chaker

Isra Chaker is a Syrian-American activist and Senior Campaign Manager at Amnesty International USA, currently leading their Gaza Crisis Response Campaign. She created the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s “For Mama” campaign, which raised over $13 million for maternal, newborn, and child health. As a One Young World Ambassador and Public Advocate for UNRWA USA, she raises awareness and funds for refugee programs. With 280,000 followers on her social media platform @IsraSpeaks, Isra inspires people globally to use their voices for positive change.

Imam Johari Abdul-Malik

Imam Johari Abdul-Malik is a prominent American Muslim leader and former Director of Outreach at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, where he also served as the first Muslim Chaplain at Howard University. A longtime advocate, he’s held leadership roles with the National Association of Muslim Chaplains, Muslim Alliance in North America, and the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington. Known for his fundraising efforts for community projects and his Ramadan Feed-the-Needy program in D.C., Imam Johari inspires through lectures on self-betterment and public service. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Genetics from Howard University, with further bioethics training from Georgetown.

Fatimah popal

Fatimah Popal is a co-founder and Managing Director of MakeSpace, a third space serving as an inclusive community of God-conscious, compassionate, and empowered American Muslims, providing a platform for those often sidelined - women and youth. She previously served as a community builder at a local mosque for more than a decade, focusing on outreach, youth empowerment, and pastoral care. Ms. Popal also serves as a board member of Interfaith Communities for Dialogue (ICD) with a goal of promoting mutual understanding and positive relationships amongst faith-based communities.

Ms. Popal holds a Master of Science and a bachelor's degree of which are in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, with a specialization in identity, trauma & healing, interpersonal and organizational conflict, and restorative justice. She also serves as the first Muslim chaplain for Fairfax County’s police department.  

Javairiah Fatima

Dr. Javairiah Fatima, MD, is a Professor of Surgery and a Distinguished Fellow of the Society of Vascular Surgery. She co-directs the Complex Aortic Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and serves as Site Director at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. As an expert vascular surgeon, Dr. Fatima performs both open and endovascular surgeries, specializing in complex aortic procedures such as fenestrated aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and aortic dissections. Notably, she is the only female vascular surgeon nationally with an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to study FEVAR for complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Dedicated to collaborative, multidisciplinary care, Dr. Fatima has led pioneering studies in branch graft and fenestrated technology, contributing numerous articles and book chapters to the field. Her philosophy emphasizes availability, approachability, and the importance of building lifelong patient relationships to deliver comprehensive care.

Dinner Menu

Salad

Mixed Greens with Ripe Mango, Roasted Tomatoes, Cucumber, Crisp Wonton Skins, Sweet Curry Vinaigrette

Dinner Plate

Halal Yogurt-Marinated and Spice Roasted Chicken with Lentil Basmati Rice Pilaf, Cardamom Scented Broccolini, Pickled Onion, and a Garlic Ginger Tomato Sauce

Maple Glazed Salmon with Steamed Basmati Rice, Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower, Charred Baby Peppers, and a Bhuna Masala Jus

Cauliflower Steak, Gluten Free Grains, Baby Heirloom Carrots, Vine Tomatoes,
Chimichurri (Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free)

Dessert

Trilogy Chocolate Cake with Assorted Berries and Raspberry Coulis

Mango and Lime Mousse Cake with Almond Date Crust (Vegan)