The Power 10 is ABPA’s debut edition spotlighting ten remarkable Arab American professionals who are redefining industries, driving innovation, and weaving service into the fabric of their success. This inaugural edition stands as both a tribute to extraordinary achievement and an aspirational benchmark for future leaders.
Each profile in The Power 10 tells a story of bold strategy, tireless work, and an enduring commitment to the communities they serve. It’s a snapshot of leadership where professional excellence meets mentorship, philanthropy, and civic responsibility. As ABPA introduces this premier edition, it invites readers to discover how ten extraordinary professionals are not only leading businesses but also lifting communities—and in doing so, lighting the way for future generations of Arab American leaders in Illinois.
Badie Ali is the Co-Founder of Watermelon Pictures and Co-CEO of MPI Media Group, one of the nation’s most respected independent film companies. Alongside his brother, Hamza, he carries forward the legacy of their father, Malik, and uncle, Waleed, trailblazers who carved out space in an industry that rarely made room for voices like theirs. The brothers honor that legacy with a guiding belief: “They opened the door, our job is to walk through it.”
In 2023, Badie and Hamza launched Watermelon Pictures, a mission-driven studio rooted in Palestinian culture and dedicated to elevating stories from the Global South. Under their leadership, the studio quickly made its mark. Their film From Ground Zero, executive produced by Michael Moore, was shortlisted for Academy Award consideration, while Encampments, executive produced by Macklemore, broke the per-screen average box office record for a documentary.
They also introduced Watermelon+, a streaming platform for bold, politically conscious cinema, expanded their catalog to over 200 narrative and documentary titles, and secured six submissions to the 2025 Academy Awards®. Beyond his work in film, Badie is committed to community leadership and has served on the Executive Board of The Prayer Center of Orland Park since its inception.
Donna Haddad is a seasoned executive lawyer with more than 25 years of experience helping global companies navigate complex technology, privacy, and intellectual property issues. She is known for her practical guidance, collaborative leadership style, and ability to simplify high-stakes decisions for senior leaders.
Donna’s commitment to service extends beyond her corporate work. She led IBM’s Global Pro Bono Program and has spent over two decades supporting nonprofit organizations through board leadership, advisory roles, and community work.
A passionate advocate for responsible innovation, Donna speaks frequently on AI ethics, inclusion, and how law and technology intersect in everyday life. Her career reflects a deep belief in using expertise to support both business growth and positive community impact.
Abdelnasser Rashid’s career has been focused on fighting for working families and building a strong middle class. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance & Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His legislative priorities include property tax relief, affordable housing, environmental justice, and consumer protection.
He is co-chair of the Illinois Generative AI and Natural Language Processing Task Force. Rep. Rashid is the first Palestinian-American to serve in the Illinois legislature. He lives in Bridgeview with his wife and four children.
Dr. Lena Alia is a Palestinian-American, Muslim OB/GYN serving the Southwest Suburbs, where she provides compassionate, culturally attuned care to Arab and Muslim families. As the eldest of five and the daughter of immigrants, she has long been a source of inspiration, carving her path in medicine with determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to service.
Throughout her journey, Dr. Alia has become a role model for many, proving that perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Her work reflects both clinical excellence and an unwavering dedication to her community’s well-being.
Dr. Alia recently celebrated her first year of marriage to her husband, Husam, the lead accountant at the Zakat Foundation. Together, they share a strong commitment to service, philanthropy, and uplifting those around them.
Judge Rouhy J. Shalabi was sworn in as Associate Judge on January 6, 2020, becoming the first Palestinian Muslim to serve as a judge in Cook County and the State of Illinois. His election marked a historic milestone celebrated both locally and internationally.
Before joining the bench, he led the Law Offices of Rouhy J. Shalabi and Associates. Born and raised in Chicago, he is a graduate of Chicago Public Schools, the University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University College of Law.
Judge Shalabi has spent his career advancing civil rights, combating discrimination, and strengthening diversity and inclusion across the legal and civic landscape. He has held several groundbreaking public service roles, including appointments to the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, and serving as the first President of the City of Chicago Advisory Council on Arab Affairs. He is also a co-founder and past president of the Arab American Bar Association.
His service extends across numerous advisory boards focused on justice, community relations, and public safety. Judge Shalabi’s leadership has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Award and the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s Advocate for Diversity Award.
He lives in Chicago with his wife, Samar, and their eight children.
Rocky Aiyash is a veteran entrepreneur and hospitality executive with 40+ years of experience in international franchising, restaurant operations, and large-scale commercial development. He is the founder and CEO of Charger Construction, a multi-state contracting firm specializing in hotels, marinas, restaurants, and community facilities.
Rocky previously served as Managing Director/CEO of Arby’s International, leading global expansion across the Middle East, UK, and Europe, and as VP of Franchise Development for ShowBiz Pizza & Chuck E. Cheese. In 1994, he founded Pazzo’s Cucina Italiana, one of Chicago’s long-standing restaurant and event destinations.
A licensed General Contractor, Rocky has overseen hundreds of commercial build-outs and developments totaling more than $40M annually. He studied Business & Aeronautics at Southern Illinois University and completed executive coursework at the London Business School. He is fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish.
Abdulrahman Alnobani is an accomplished entrepreneur and construction executive with more than 30 years of experience in commercial development and general contracting. He is the founder and principal of AYAZZ Construction LLC, a multi-state contracting firm licensed in 11 states, and previously founded Izis General Contractors, specializing in national franchise construction for brands such as Popeyes, Arby’s, and Burger King.
Born and raised in Kuwait, Abdulrahman holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Kuwait and has lived in Chicago since 2013. His entrepreneurial path began abroad with the launch of Black and White Advertising Agency in Jordan before transitioning into the U.S. construction industry in 1998.
A dedicated philanthropist, he is a co-founder of the Motherland Lovers Support Group and a committed supporter of organizations including PCRF, PSSF, and Pious Projects. His efforts have helped deliver vital infrastructure, medical facilities, student support programs, and emergency relief across Gaza and the West Bank. He actively participates in international conferences focused on rebuilding the health and education sectors in Gaza.
Salma Ghanem, PhD, is the Provost of DePaul University, appointed in 2021 after serving in interim and acting roles. She joined DePaul in 2014 as dean of the College of Communication, following leadership positions at Central Michigan University and the University of Texas–Pan American.
Her career spans academia and global communications, including service as a press and information officer for the Egyptian Mission to the United Nations and as a communication specialist for Texas A&M’s Health Science Center.
Born and raised in Egypt, Dr. Ghanem brings a deeply intercultural perspective to her work. Fluent in Arabic and French with strong Spanish proficiency, she has taught at a Hispanic-Serving Institution and led study-abroad programs across Europe and the Middle East.
An award-winning scholar, she has published internationally on political communication, agenda-setting, framing, and intercultural media studies. She is the founding editor of the Agenda Setting Journal and serves on the board of the International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies.
Cameel Halim is a suburban visionary who turned a lifelong fascination with time into one of the most extraordinary cultural destinations in the Midwest. What began as a childhood curiosity, taking apart the family alarm clock just to understand its inner workings, grew into a passion shared by his wife, Hoda, and their three daughters. Together, the Halim family spent more than 11 years collecting rare clocks, watches, and stained-glass masterpieces from around the world.
That dream now stands five stories tall as the Halim Time & Glass Museum in Evanston, a museum they built from the ground up to honor the complexity, beauty, and history of time itself. The museum showcases over 1,100 timepieces and more than 70 stained-glass works, each restored with care: if something is broken, they fix it; if a piece is missing, they replace it. Many artifacts are over 300 years old, carrying stories that stretch across generations.
Designed vertically to mirror the grandeur of the works inside, the museum blends art, engineering, and history in a way that invites visitors of all ages to slow down and appreciate craftsmanship. Kid-friendly and deeply personal, the Halim Time & Glass Museum is the Halim family’s gift to the community, a place where time isn’t just measured, but truly experienced.
Amin Ljbara is a seasoned businessman and real estate developer widely regarded as a long-standing pillar of the Chicago and national Palestinian communities. Throughout his career, he has played a major role in shaping the landscape and cultural fabric of Little Palestine, influencing both the local economy and community identity.
As a visionary in development and commerce, Amin has helped transform spaces into vibrant hubs that serve as gathering places for residents and visitors alike. Notably, his leadership helped Westfield Plaza evolve into a national destination. This all-in-one center caters to Arab merchants and patrons from across the country, attracting visitors for gifts, food, professional services, and a diverse array of retail experiences.
Driven by a commitment to community and entrepreneurship, Amin Ljbara continues to advocate for inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and opportunities that empower the Palestinian diaspora and broader Chicago-area communities.
