Head of Supplier Diversity Development
President of the Middle Eastern Employees Together Business Resource Group,
Stellantis North America
National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017, raising awareness about and celebrating the enormous contributions Arab Americans continue to make in the social, economic and cultural lives of all Americans.
Stellantis employees of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage are a vital and growing part of our company. Indeed, the metro Detroit area is home to the largest population of Middle Eastern people outside of the Middle East.
So, it was fitting that in 2020 our company established the Middle Eastern Employees Together (MEET) Business Resource Group, to not only develop our diverse and talented multicultural leaders, but to also offer a bridge from our company to members of the community who prefer our products.
The purpose of the group is to support our growing Middle Eastern employee population by providing career development skills and networking opportunities and by promoting cross-functional learning and connection.
Another key purpose of the group is to promote a deeper understanding of a community that is so essential to the fabric of our company, to dispel stereotypes, and to celebrate our diverse culture and leadership.
MEET is one of 11 Employee Resource Groups within Stellantis that supports and represents the vibrancy of a truly diverse company and work culture.
Since its founding, MEET has been very active providing mentorship, leadership development programs and training for its growing base of members.
The group has also partnered with groups outside the company, such as the Arab American and Chaldean chambers of commerce, to create economic opportunities in these communities, including partnerships with the Arab American National Museum and the Chaldean Museum to spread cultural understanding within Stellantis.
Importantly, MEET has acted on its values by reaching deep into local Arab and Middle Eastern communities in Southeast Michigan to support families in need during these extraordinary times.
I’m so proud to be a founding member of MEET.
An important mantra among Stellantis Business Resource Groups is “you don’t have to be to belong,” all are respected and welcome.
On behalf of the group, whether you are of Middle Eastern heritage or not, we wish you a fulfilling and enlightening National Arab American Heritage Month, and health and success for the rest of 2022 and beyond.
