Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG)

Co-Chairs: Farideh Jahanbin

Members: Akhtar Zubairi, Amjad Chaudhry, Deborah Trent, Karen Leggett Abouraya, Laila Elasmar, Samira Hussein, Sara Abdel, Shahrzad Nakhostin, Subhi Rawi, Tharwat Abouraya, and Zaffer Mirza.

Established in 2008, under the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, MEAAG aims to strengthen engagement between Middle Eastern American communities and county government.
MEAAG serves as a non-political, non-religious, and intergenerational platform composed of volunteer members representing diverse Middle Eastern and Southwest Asian backgrounds. Its core mandate is to advise the County Executive and government agencies on the needs, priorities, and concerns of Middle Eastern American residents, ensuring inclusive and equitable engagement.
The group plays a crucial role in bridging communities and government, promoting civic engagement, and advancing equity through advocacy, outreach, and strategic partnerships. MEAAG supports initiatives across sectors, including education, public health, small business development, and social services, while also facilitating access to county resources and programs.
In addition, MEAAG actively leads and collaborates on cultural, educational, and public engagement initiatives, such as heritage month celebrations, resource fairs, and public awareness campaigns, aimed at elevating the visibility, contributions, and diverse identities of Middle Eastern American communities.
Through its advisory, convening, and community-building functions, MEAAG contributes to Montgomery County’s broader goal of fostering a more inclusive, culturally responsive, and equitable society.


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Ongoing / Recurring Activities

  • MEAAG Monthly Public Meetings – Regular advisory meetings (usually on the fourth Wednesday of each month) to provide input to Montgomery County government and plan community engagement activities.
  • Community Outreach & Engagement – Participation in county events, forums, and collaborative programs across educational, civic, and cultural sectors.
  • Educational & Cultural Programs – Partnerships to host cultural dialogues and other learning events.

Annual Signature Events

Middle Eastern American & Arab American Heritage Months (March & April)

  • Official Joint Proclamation – Montgomery County Council
    MEAAG organizes proclamation presentations to recognize Middle Eastern American Heritage Month (March) and Arab American Heritage Month (April).
  • Cultural Display – Rockville Memorial Library
    A month-long exhibit presented in partnership with Montgomery County Public Libraries and MEAAG that showcases Middle Eastern and Arab American heritage, cultures, and community contributions.
  • Heritage Month Celebrations
    Community events featuring educational activities, performances, cultural exhibits, music, resource tables, dialogue sessions, and public engagement.

Library Partnership: “Stories to Broaden Understanding”

MEAAG partners with the Montgomery County Public Libraries, the Office of Community Partnerships, and the Baltimore–Luxor–Alexandria Sister City Committee for a series titled “Stories to Broaden Understanding,” which features author conversations and cultural programs promoting cross‑cultural awareness.

Other Community Programs

  • Middle Eastern American Resource Fairs – Events connecting residents with service providers, community organizations, and local resources.
  • Voter Education & Civic Engagement Initiatives – MEAAG supports outreach related to voter registration, education, and civic participation.
  • Intercultural & Interfaith Dialogues – Programs and discussions to foster understanding and inclusion across diverse communities.