valerie younan (syria)

"Growing up in a traditional Arab household with Christian values, I never expected to be a part of a sorority. The values of a typical sorority did not align with mine. But, the Empowered Arab Sisterhood isn't your typical sorority. It is a group of fun, educated, passionate, beautiful young women, who were all raised in conservative Arab households, like me! Almost every time we encounter one another, we notice shared characteristics that most Arab women possess- wisdom, composure, kindness. And yet, we are more than just your typical Arabs, because we all have dreams and ambitions that challenge the confines society places on Arab women. It is my dream to continually further my education in any way I can, help expand EAΣ through my role as National Finance Director, work diligently as a budget analyst, and one day manage raising a family at the same time. In my future, I hope to use my knowledge, experience, and passion to give back to my Arab community that made me the woman I am today. This is why I joined EAΣ; to meet other strong, beautiful, passionate, like-minded women, whom will help me change the Arab world."