Board of Directors

The Arab Social Association’s Board of Directors is comprised of a passionate and accomplished group of individuals rooted in the rich heritage of the Arab world. Representing both the first and second generations of Arab-Americans in Dayton, Ohio, our Board members are deeply committed to preserving cultural identity, fostering community ties, and empowering the Arab-American community.

With strong business backgrounds and diverse professional expertise, each Board member brings valuable leadership to the organization, ensuring that the Arab Social Association operates with integrity, efficiency, and a clear vision. Their collective experiences reflect a commitment to supporting individuals and families, advocating for inclusivity, and celebrating Arab culture within the broader fabric of Dayton’s diverse community.

Meet our Board members below to learn more about their roles, professional achievements, and shared mission to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Mashur Shawar
President
president@daytonasa.org

Mashur Shawar
President
president@daytonasa.org
I was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1990 to a second-generation Palestinian family from Burqa, Ramallah. Raised in Palestine during my early years, I developed a deep connection to my cultural heritage, which has shaped my unique perspective as a bilingual speaker of Arabic and English. This blend of cultures has inspired both my personal journey and my professional endeavors, allowing me to bridge two rich worlds and foster understanding across communities. After returning to Ohio, I completed my high school education at Centerville High School before enrolling at Wright State University. However, after a couple of years, I decided to leave college and join my father in his retail business. That decision marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial path. Working alongside him, I quickly learned the intricacies of business operations, customer relations, and the hard work necessary to build something meaningful. Under my leadership, our family business evolved from a single store into a thriving chain with multiple locations across Dayton and Cincinnati. As the business grew, I expanded further into real estate, developing a robust portfolio that spans both Dayton and Cincinnati. Today, I am proud to lead diverse ventures in retail and real estate, with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, financial management, and community-driven growth. In addition to my professional ventures, I was one of the founding members of the **Arab Social Association (ASA)**, an organization dedicated to fostering unity and providing a platform for the Arab-American community. Through the ASA, I’ve contributed to strengthening cultural ties, advancing the interests of Arab-Americans, and offering support to individuals and families in need. Being part of this initiative allowed me to combine my entrepreneurial mindset with my passion for community development, creating lasting connections and opportunities for collaboration among members of our community. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from my father isn’t just about business—it’s about the power of giving. His unwavering commitment to helping those in need has had a lasting impact on me, and I continue to live by his example. My success is not just about growing businesses—it’s about using that success to create opportunities for others, particularly within the Arab-American community. I am deeply committed to giving back to all people, with a special focus on supporting the needs and advancement of the Arab community, while fostering a spirit of unity and inclusion for all. Through my work in retail, real estate, community development, and my involvement with the Arab Social Association, I strive to create lasting change—not only in Dayton and Cincinnati but also in the broader region. My mission is to ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities I had, while preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic empowerment for all.

Fadi Qeshta
Vice President
vicepresident@daytonasa.org

Amer Mustafa
Chairman
chairman@daytonasa.org

Suhaib Abukhas
Vice Chairman
vicechairman@daytonasa.org

Mahmoud Qoran
Treasurer
treasurer@daytonasa.org

Mansour Issa
Secretary
secretary@daytonorg.org

Belal Al-Shafi
Member
member@daytonasa.org

Board of Directors

Mashur Shawar

Fadi Qeshta

Amer Mustafa

Suhaib Abukhas

Mahmoud Qoran

Mansour Issa

Belal Al-Shafi

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