Executive Committee
Dr. M. Waleed Gaber President
Dr. M. Waleed Gaber was born in Alexandria, Egypt. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Ain Shams University in Cairo, followed by a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from University College London, United Kingdom. He also holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Memphis.Dr. Gaber is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He is an active member of the Houston community, serving as a founder and director of Nora’s Life Gift Foundation, and previously served as President of the Egyptian American Society
Abdel A. Elkhadiri Treasurer
Mr. Abdel A. Elkhadiri, originally from Marrakech, Morocco, relocated to Houston to pursue higher education. He holds degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, and an Executive Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. He is the founder of KECH Technology, LLC, and a dedicated community leader, having co-founded the Moroccan Society of Houston and served as President of the Arab American Cultural and Community Center (ACC)
Rachida Benamar Secretary
Ms. Benamar holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering. She began her professional career in the petroleum industry, where she worked for eight years. She later transitioned into the language services field, working as a freelance translator for fifteen years. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of RBGlobal SVC, a Translation and Interpreting Services company. In addition, she serves as President of the Algerian Association of Houston and Vice President of HITA (Houston Translators & Interpreters Association).
Ali Daher/ Immediate Past President
Mr. Ali Daher has made Houston his home since 1985. He is a graduate of Central State University in Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Since 1990, he has been the sole owner of Daher & Associates Inc., a firm specializing in business financial services and tax preparation.
Mr. Daher is deeply committed to serving the Arab community in Houston and generously volunteers his time and expertise with numerous local charitable organizations.
DR. Ghaidaa Makki
Coming soon
The Arab American Cultural and Community Center was developed to serve the needs of Arab-Americans and the general community of Houston.
Board Members
Abla Amin
Ms. Amin has been an active community volunteer since 1998, volunteering in four FBISD schools and community organizations. She has held various organizational leadership positions as president and vice-president and was one of the founders of the annual IFEST International Festival in Sugar Land.
Kamal Khalil, M.D.
Dr. Khalil has been in Houston for the last 45 years and joined the ACC Board at its inception in the late 1990s. He is a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon and holds clinical professor of surgery positions in both subspecialties at UT and Baylor Medical Schools.
Lema. Mousilli, Esq.
Ms. Mousilli is a Litigation Partner at Lloyd & Mousilli, a boutique law firm specializing in intellectual property and technology law. She advises executives on a broad range of complex commercial matters and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law and Constitutional Law.
Mahmoud Rabie, Ph.D.
Dr. Rabie was the President of the ACC for 2019-2020. He is the Chairman of the Board of Guidance College and the CEO of Gore Resources, Inc. He previously served on hospital Boards of Directors. He is also the Founder and President of Association Health Care Management, Inc.
Samir Tuma, M.D.
Wafa Abdin, Esq.
Mrs. Abdin is an immigration attorney and the Founder and Managing Partner of Abdin Consulting. She has 18 years of experience in managing non-profit legal services as the Executive Director of Houston Volunteer Lawyers and the Vice President for Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities.
Burhan Ajouz, Ph.D.
Mr. Burhan Ajouz was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and educated in Cairo, Egypt, France, and the United States. He holds advanced degrees in Law, Political Science, Government, and International Relations, including a Ph.D. in International Law. He has held senior business leadership roles in Saudi Arabia and Houston, Texas, and is an original member of the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC), where he chaired the Building Committee, as well as an early member of the Arab American Educational Foundation (AAEF
Faiza Zalila, PhD
Coming Soon
Rami Farasin
Mr. Farasin brings a strong background in business strategy, operations, and real estate. He holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard, an MBA, and a Bachelor’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Ohio State. Formerly a Big 4 strategy consultant and petroleum engineer, he now manages a multifamily real estate portfolio in Houston. His expertise and commitment to community development make him a valuable ACC Board member.
Assad Mohana
Mr. Mohanna is a Partner at ERM, a global sustainability consulting firm. He is a licensed professional engineer, certified leadership coach, and Rice University MBA graduate. He founded the Houston chapter of Amel Association International, leading to humanitarian initiatives supporting underserved and displaced populations, including medical relief, emergency response, and community development programs.
Norma Ayoub
Coming Soon
Abdel K.Fustok
Coming Soon
Issam Konsul
Coming Soon
