ACCESS extends an enthusiastic congratulations to newly appointed President and CEO Maha Freij on her selection by Crain's Detroit Business as a 2021 "100 Most Influential Women” designee. Check out Crain's feature here. 

Throughout Maha’s 30-year tenure at ACCESS, she has led numerous efforts to help empower her community. She is a principal visionary within the Arab American community, notably with regard to philanthropy and the establishment of robust institutions that work to strengthen the voice of Arab Americans in American civil society.

Through her visionary leadership, the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), a national institution of ACCESS, has established itself as the only national Arab American community foundation in the U.S., connecting philanthropists across the country and helping them to make significant impacts. Maha has also been a key leader in growing ACCESS from its roots as a regional human services organization to what it is today — a community builder, nationwide.

Maha’s ingenuity and vision has also allowed ACCESS to successfully raise tens of millions of dollars for endowment building and various brick-and-mortar projects, including the first-ever Arab American National Museum in the U.S. Her exceptional leadership and contributions have impacted communities throughout Michigan, the U.S. and the world.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to be selected as one of Crain's “100 Most Influential Women” says Maha. “I am incredibly humbled to be part of a cohort of such extraordinary leaders, all of whom are respected innovators, trailblazers and visionaries in their respective fields." 

To read Maha's full feature, visit here. 

Alf mabrouk, Maha!