2026 Empowering Voices Honorees & Speakers
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Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is a leading advocate for civil rights, immigrant communities, and economic justice. As the first Indian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she has championed policies protecting civil liberties, expanding healthcare access, and supporting working families. Before entering Congress, she founded OneAmerica, a prominent immigrant rights organization. Her career reflects a longstanding commitment to inclusive democracy and equal opportunity.
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Chief Issa Shahin has led the Dearborn Police Department since 2022, becoming the city's first Muslim police chief. With more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, he has prioritized transparency, accountability, and strengthening community trust. His leadership has been particularly important in protecting Dearborn residents amid rising anti-Muslim hostility and targeted provocations by far-right activists, including coordinating public safety efforts during demonstrations intended to intimidate the city's Muslim community. His work reflects a commitment to protecting civil liberties, preserving public safety, and ensuring that all residents feel secure in their communities.
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Saafir Rabb is a business strategist, community advocate, and CEO of Interculture, a consulting firm specializing in cross-cultural engagement. A Baltimore native and former advisor to President Barack Obama’s transition team, he has dedicated much of his career to community development and economic empowerment. His work in Baltimore has focused on expanding affordable housing, supporting addiction recovery programs, creating employment opportunities, and advancing urban agriculture initiatives to address food insecurity. Through his local and international work, Rabb remains committed to strengthening underserved communities and creating pathways to economic opportunity.