Souzan Naser

Souzan Naser was born in Palestine and raised on the southwest side of Chicago, in the heart of one of the largest Arab American communities in the U.S. A product of Chicago's Arab Community Center (Al Markaz, "the Center" in Arabic), Souzan is a second generation community activist, and dedicates her time to the board of the Arab American Action Network where she has played a key role co-directing the strategy and vision of the organization, and supporting the mental health needs of Arab and Muslim youth. Souzan also works as a Counselor and Associate Professor at Moraine Valley Community College where she has won awards for her work increasing diversity on campus—from serving as a member of the Celebrating Diversity Task Force to leading events for Arab Heritage Month, participating in events for Black History Month, facilitating sexual assault prevention workshops, and organizing Women’s History Month on her campus.

Naser is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Stewardship, Leadership & Learning from the University of St. Francis. Her doctoral dissertation addresses the paucity of Arab American cultural competency training available for counseling professionals. To keep her grounded and centered, Souzan, takes comfort in spending time with her two children: Yarah and Lana, encouraging them to discover ways to live their story and always dream radically.