2026 Empowering Voices

Each year, MPAC is proud to recognize individuals whose work embodies the values of justice, compassion, and truth. These honorees inspire us through their dedication to advancing human dignity, equality, and understanding across communities. Stay tuned as we prepare to celebrate a new group of leaders who continue to speak truth to power and uplift the voices that shape a more just and inclusive society.

Chicago - Sept. 26th

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, political commentator, and author. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the independent media company Zeteo and a columnist for The Guardian US. Known for his incisive interview style, he previously hosted shows on MSNBC and Al Jazeera English.

Los Angeles - Oct. 10th

Ana Kasparian is an American political commentator, media host, and journalist. Best known as the co-host and executive producer of The Young Turks (TYT), Kasparian has built a reputation for sharp, unfiltered digital journalism spanning broadcast, print, and online media. She has more recently gained widespread attention for her independent, "unaligned" political commentary on complex societal issues on TYT, an award-winning news and politics network, with a growing 30 million followers and 31 billion lifetime views. Kasparian's commitment to honest, straight-talking commentary earned her a place on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and recognition from the Daily Dot as one of the Top Women of YouTube.

Cherien Dabis is an award-winning filmmaker, Emmy-nominated television director, and actress whose deeply human storytelling has brought underrepresented voices to the forefront of global cinema. In recognition of her singular artistic vision, Dabis received the 2025 Variety International Vanguard Director Award.
Her latest feature, All That's Left of You, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and went on to earn over 30 festival awards. It was selected as Jordan's Official Submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards®, where it was shortlisted. The film also received a Best International Film nomination at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards.

Washington, D.C. - Nov. 9th

Additional distinguished voices to be announced soon!

Leading. Inspiring. Fostering change.

The MPAC Empowering Voices Awards have honored political and cultural leaders working to perfect American pluralism. We bring together the nation's most influential advocates to celebrate causes and individuals who have worked with us to champion the American and Islamic values of freedom, justice, and equality for all.

Past Highlights

2025 Empowering Voices

Rohit “Ro” Khanna is a U.S. Representative representing California’s 17th Congressional district—located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Former attorney and Obama Administration official, Khanna began his career in politics in 2016 when he got elected to Congress with a rare primary endorsement from President Carter.
Now serving his fifth term, Khanna is a leading progressive voice in his work primarily focusing on technology, reviving American manufacturing and production, and economic policies. Khanna champions what he calls “economic patriotism” as his governing philosophy and describes himself as a “progressive capitalist”.
Khanna led and authored the bipartisan “Endless Frontier Act” laying the groundwork for the CHIPS and Science Act signed into law by President Biden.

Humza Yusaf is a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer in civic engagement, known for his tireless work in advancing equity, justice, and representation. As one of the rising voices advocating for inclusive leadership, Humza has championed policies that uplift underrepresented communities and build bridges across faiths and cultures. MPAC is proud to recognize Humza for his leadership, integrity, and vision of a more inclusive America where every person has the opportunity to serve and thrive.

Chris Van Hollen was elected into the U.S. Senate in November 2016 as Senator representing the state of Maryland. As a member of the Democratic Party, Hollen started off as a member of the Maryland State Legislature, relentlessly advocating for the interests of the working people, then elected to represent Maryland's 8th Congressional District for seven terms and now senior Senator.

In the Senate, Hollen has focused on issues that include creating more jobs, supporting small businesses, expanding educational and job training opportunities—through seeking common sense solutions and working across the aisle whenever possible. Through his persistent advocacy, Hollen successfully built on solutions to expand medical research, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, fighting childhood cancer, and passing the ABLE Act to assist families with children of disabilities.

GHF Whistleblower, LTC (ret.) Anthony Aguilar is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Green Beret) who, after 25 years of service, brought his skills and sense of duty to humanitarian missions, including a deployment in Gaza in 2025 with a private contractor supporting the aid distribution effort of the Gaza Humanitarian Fdn. During his time on the ground, he witnessed and publicly spoke out about practices he believed were consistent with war crimes. His decision to share what he observed reflects courage in the service of accountability and justice. MPAC is honored to recognize Anthony for his commitment to truth-telling, his willingness to stand for the voiceless, and his embodiment of the principle that holding power to account is part of protecting human dignity for all.

Elom currently works as a Graduate teaching Fellow at Harvard university and has previously served as a Trainer of trainers for the United States Institute of Peace, a Consultant apprenticeship for the United Nations and a Legal Ethics Fellow for the UNRWA. He received his BA in Political Science at Haverford College, and later his Master’s in Religion, Ethics, and Politics at Harvard University.
Elom and Ibrahim were put under a national spotlight for their role as safety marshals and organizers of a pro-Palestine protest, where they were arrested and charged with unfounded allegations. Thanks to the hard work of Mrs. Greer, both Elom and Ibrahim are free to further pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Delia Ramirez has served as Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District since 2023, which covers part of Chicago. Before her tenure in the House of Representatives, Ramirez worked as an activist leader, advocating for housing affordability and rights of immigrants in Chicago. In 2018 she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.
Representative Ramirez has used her experiences as the child of immigrants and her time in advocacy to prioritize legislation which affects her local communities and families. She has focused on expanding Medicaid access, affordable housing, and a commitment in immigration enforcement to treat migrants with compassion and care.

Mahmoud Khalil is a human-rights activist and Columbia University alumnus known for serving as the lead negotiator with Columbia’s administration during the encampments and pro-palestinian demonstrations—demanding for divestment and for an official call for ceasefire. His campus advocacy caught the attention of government officials, leading him to be detained by ICE with no crime or charge, sparking national outrage and support from civil liberties organizations. Since his release, Khalil has been perpetually targeted by the Trump administration alongside a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism.

Born in Syria to Palestinian parents, Khalil’s advocacy began in Syria where he participated in protests against the Assad regime, then fleeing to Lebanon—receving his bachelor’s from the Lebanese American University and later, his MPA from Columbia. His work has been recognized nationally, earning him a Champion of Justice Award from CAIR and the 2025 Mahoney Award from AMEU to spotlight his plight and acknowledge his courage.

Ibrahim Bharmal is currently an Immigrants' Rights legal fellow at CAIR-CA via Harvard Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and International Relations from Stanford University and later completed his Juris Doctorate cum laude from Harvard Law School and his Master of Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School.
Elom and Ibrahim were put under a national spotlight for their role as safety marshals and organizers of a pro-Palestine protest, where they were arrested and charged with unfounded allegations. Thanks to the hard work of Mrs. Greer, both Elom and Ibrahim are free to further pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Linda Sarsour is an author and award-winning political activist, named Time Magazine’s “100 most influential people” in 2017. Sarsour’s political activism included organizing protests against police surveillance of Muslims, mobilizing for the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, and co-chairing Women’s Marches, among more civil rights causes.
As an American Muslim of Palestinian descent, Sarsour assumed the Executive Director position of the Arab American Association at just the age of 25, successfully increasing their funding fourteenfold. With her outspokenness and active media presence, Sarsour is hailed as a symbol for empowerment—breaking down stereotypes of Muslim women and advocating for marginalized communities with steadfast conviction.

Past Empowering Voices

Past distinguished empowering voices include journalist and author, Mehdi Hasan, DNC Chair and then Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yusaf, Retired Lt. Colonel Anthony Aguilar, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, NPR Journalist and "Serial" podcast creator Sarah Koenig, and civil rights icon, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), among many others.

Attendees include government officials, media professionals, civic leaders, community activists, and young leaders. The Awards also serve as an opportunity for like minded professionals to network and celebrate our wins.

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Past Speeches by Empowering Voices.

HUMZA YOUSAF

Humza Yusaf is a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer in civic engagement, known for his tireless work in advancing equity, justice, and representation. As one of the rising voices advocating for inclusive leadership, Humza has championed policies that uplift underrepresented communities and build bridges across faiths and cultures.

DR. DEBBIE ALMONTASER

Dr. Debbie Almontaser is a community activist, advocate, entrepreneur, and educator who works across sectors in New York City. Dr. Almontaser has developed avenues for social exchange to encourage interfaith activism and outreach across the boundaries of race, ethnicity and religion.

MEHDI HASAN

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, author, and broadcaster. He is the founder and CEO of the media company Zeteo and a columnist for The Guardian. Formerly an MSNBC host, he previously worked for Al Jazeera English, The Intercept, and the New Statesman. Hasan’s tenacity and courage in reporting represent the best tradition of journalism.

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS

Bernie Sanders is an American politician who was first elected to represent Vermont in the U.S. Senate in 2006 and took office the following year. Previously he served (1981–89) as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont, and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1991–2007). He sought the Democratic nomination in the U.S. presidential elections of 2016 and 2020.

JOY REID

Joy Reid is an Emmy nominated & award-winning (NAACP Award) political analyst, New York Times bestselling author, former MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) national correspondent and longtime host of MS NOW’s beloved The ReidOut. She is the host of The Joy Reid Show, which features her takes and analysis of the news, politics and culture.

REP. ZOE LOFGREN

Rep. Zoe Lofgren has been a civil servant for over two decades, having first been elected to represent California’s 19th District in 1994. Over the last three years, she has been a steadfast ally for American Muslims on Capitol Hill and an advocate for immigrants.

LTC (Ret.) ANTHONY AGUILAR

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Whistleblower, LTC (ret.) Anthony Aguilar is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Green Beret) who, after 25 years of service, brought his skills and sense of duty to humanitarian missions, including a deployment in Gaza in 2025 with a private contractor supporting the aid distribution efforts of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

ERIC TREENE

Eric Treene has been a steadfast government advocate for the religious liberties and human rights of American Muslims across three presidential administrations. Treene manages the Justice Department’s efforts to protect Muslims, Sikhs, Arab-Americans and Asian-Americans from discrimination and bias crimes.