AAAW Team

Founder and Executive Director Souad Akib

Souad Akib is a Moroccan-American community activist , a mother of two daughters, a wife and a full-time banker at Citizens Bank. In her position as a personal banker, she met many Arab families who were facing various difficulties and needed translation/interpretation services. In 2010, Souad who is fluent in Arabic, French, and English formed the American Association for Arab Women (AAAW). She felt the need of leadership and community organizing for the Arab community in particular women. Souad’s inspiration is to build Arab leaders in the community who can take on civic responsibilities. She was honored with the 2012 YMCA’s “Women of Distinction” award for her community service and commitment to AAAW’s mission.

Treasurer Mourad Afani

Originally from Morocco, Mourad is a business major studying at Cambridge College . His experiences as a student in Morocco has led him to establish Afandi Leadership Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to challenge the existing methods of the educational system and to create opportunities for a successful future of all students. His motivation and dedication has inspired other youth and college students to join AAAW. He brings his management, finance and international skills to the position of Treasurer.

Board Member Habiba Idrissi

Habiba a Moroccan-American is a mother of three children and a former Federal Agent. She has a Master’s Degree in Linguistics and has taught for five years in Boston schools as well as in Harvard business school. Habiba was instrumental in mobilizing the community of Malden during the mayoral campaign. She brings her knowledge and experience from law and education to manage the community outreach for the Association.

Board Advisor Abdssemad Zouhir

Mr. Zouhir utilizes his advising experiences by consulting the association from the business and community sides. He is a published writer in several magazines regarding various subjects. He is also a freelance translator and interpreter in Arabic and French primarily serving schools and the community. As an Advisor, he is charged with community relations and outreach of the association in various languages, as well as technical administration and language support during workshops and events. He is a strong supporter of the organization and a founding member. His passion for the community, social justice and leadership has helped guide the association and turned our community events into a success.

Board Chair Farah Assiraj

Farah Assiraj is a Moroccan-American who lived in Morocco before her family immigrated to the Boston area. She is the Director for Research and Instruction and the former Senior Academic Specialist with the Office of English Language Learners (OELL) at Boston Schools. Previously, she oversaw the ELL program at the Boston Renaissance Charter School where she was recognized for her leadership by the Massachusetts Charter School Office. Farah graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of N. Florida where she was the recipient of the “Outstanding Student” award. She completed an Arabic certificate program at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco and received her M.A. in Teaching-ESL from Simmons College. Farah was one of 19 U.S. educators awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching in 2011-2012. She also serves on the Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment Committee, the Massachusetts Board of Education ELL Council and the United Way’s Education Committee.