Maha Abdullah
is a program director, a published author, an innovative educator and a public speaker who helps audiences bridge cultural and language differences to achieve deep understanding. She is skilled in reaching audiences of all ages in public and private educational settings, universities, faith-based and community organizations. Five times delegate to the United Nations, Ms. Abdullah is an active advocate for social justice with a passion to shape a changing world. She is a polished, personable presenter-trainer with deep intellectual knowledge and broad life experiences in both Western and Eastern cultures. A member of Speaker Sisterhood, Innovation Women, World Women's Association, and only Arab Muslim woman who is ING certified speaker in New England. She has many media appearance featuring her work in various leadership roles: Jiran's Co-Founder, First Gen Mentors' Founder, the IACC excessive board member, and on the YWCA board of Directors.
FINDING THE MISSING LINK
My work is at the intersections of education and advocacy. Combining my personal experiences and expertise, I am able to bridge gaps among communities, decision makers and all stakeholders. I am a change agent with engaging and informative presentations and eye-opening workshops called 'Finding The Missing Link".
-
Eliminating Barriers
-
Clarifying Misconceptions
-
Connecting Cultures
-
Refugees; Efficiency and Assimilation
-
Training Educators
PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
EDUCATION EAST & WEST
This workshop delves into a cultural dimension that further helps educators assist their students and create harmony within the student body. It offers a comparison between the different educational systems in the West (US) and the East.
-
Explain the different educational systems
-
Explore language differences
-
Navigate turbulence & overcoming challenges
CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN REFUGEE NEEDS & SERVICES PROVIDED
For agencies assisting refugees and people with refugee or recently arrived neighbors, this workshop provides excellent training to help consolidate efforts of refugee service agencies with the actual needs of refugees to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
-
Identify refugee needs
-
Consolidate resources
-
Offer cultural understanding & effective approach
CORRECTING THE DISTORTED IMAGE OF ARABS & MUSLIMS
This topic aims to clarify misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of the Arab and Muslim cultures. Discover tools for success in building harmony among individuals & communities.
-
Defining terms & concepts
-
Religion vs. Cultural adaptation of Religion
-
Measuring sensitivity towards the 'norms'
-
Building Trust & Dismantle walls
ASSISTANCE FOR RECENTLY ARRIVED FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS
This topic is geared towards resettled families or individuals and organizations assisting them. It features helpful tips for re-adjusting to the new American environment, as well as, helping organizations better understand the background and context of their experiences.
-
Advocacy
-
Expediting assimilation while preserving identity
-
Understanding the “American system"
-
Building a Network
-
Gaining independence
-
Language Acquisition
Friendly, caring, inquisitive, genuine, respectful and reliable, warm and personable very passionate about what she knows and believes. Her contribution and exemplary work has been well received and followed by administrators, colleagues and the community. She is a perfect combination of a serious scholar and accessible but professional speaker.
Dr. Millie Crespo-consultant & Director of ESL Programs and Community Relations
Manchester Public Schools
Maha Abdullah has begun to change the narrative for our most disenfranchised children, youth and families through her unwavering volunteer work in advocating for educational, social, and economic equity across the board, so people can thrive not just survive to attain a just tomorrow for all!"
Marilyn Calderón - Executive Director of CT Parent Power
Maha inspires people together across cultures by explaining various cultural perspectives in an incredibly accessible way. She is both passionate and knowledge, and everyone in our program who engages with her credits her with opening them up to new perspectives
Emily Goldman-Site Director, Jiran Community Program, Middlebury College
Maha Abdullah talked about “Simple Truths that Lead to Harmony and Effectiveness at Schools and among Communities”. Mrs. Abduallah’s keynote remarks were very informative and helpful to advocate minority kids in K-12 schools. Particularly, Mrs. Abduallah’s helped the future school leaders and educators understand the cultural and religious values and the challenges of Arab and Muslim kids in schools.
Dr. Olcay Yavuz, Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, SCSU.
INVITE ME TO PRESENT OR OFFER TRAINING AT YOUR EVENT
Choose from the four available workshops above, or contact me about creating a custom workshop.
​
