Self-confidence, leadership skills and a successful career all came together for Chicago resident Karim Awwad, thanks in part to the help of his mentor, Nina-Shoman Dajani.
Awwad, who is originally from Amman, Jordan, said he had some difficulty adjusting to life in a new country, and Dajani helped tremendously. Dajani was his adviser when he was a student at Moraine Valley Community College before graduating in 2016 with an associate’s degree in Business Administration.
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It’s not an isolated case, either. Dajani, assistant dean of learning enrichment and college readiness at Moraine Valley, was recently awarded the 2026 Trailblazer Award from the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago for the impact she’s had on her community. She’s won numerous other awards, too, including the 2025 Dr. Vernon O. Crawley Leadership Award and she was a participant in the Cultivate: Women of Color Leadership Fellowship Program.
“As a student trying to find my path in a new country and environment, she consistently challenged me to think bigger, step outside my comfort zone and believe in my potential,” said Awwad. “With her encouragement, I ran for student trustee on the College Board of Directors, an opportunity that significantly shaped my leadership skills and confidence.”
Awwad subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Chicago and now works as a manager of ingredients procurement at Kraft Heinz. He also works with Dajani on the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, where she is the executive director.
“What makes Dr. Nina truly exceptional is that her impact extends far beyond education,” he said.
Naheda Zayyad-Hussien, a prosecutor with the Cook County state’s attorney’s office and a member of the board of directors for the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago, said she nominated Dajani for the award because of her positive influence on the Arab American community and strength as an educator, mentor and ability to boost community engagement, both with students and professionals.
She pointed out that Dajani was an adviser for the Arab Student Union at the college in Palos Hills, and helped establish the Arab American Academic Excellence Scholarship. She also organized a women-led panel discussion where speakers talked about their careers, from where they started to their current positions. Some of the students at the discussion then visited her at the courthouse to learn more about the legal profession and job opportunities with the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
“Those conversations became a foundation for their exploration of a career in law, allowing them to meet professionals in the field, ask questions, and gain the mentorship and guidance needed to navigate their interests and future goals,” Zayyad-Hussien said.
She also said Dajani was also able to use her mentorship skills to boost the Arab American community.
“What stands out most about Nina’s contribution is her ability to bridge education, culture, and community,” said Zayyad-Hussien. “She has dedicated her career to creating opportunities, amplifying Arab American voices, and building connections that empower others.”
Dajani has also worked on boards for a refugee resettlement organization and the Association of Arab American studies and served on scholarship committees at the Mosque of Orland Park. She’s also an adjunct professor in Middle Eastern studies at Saint Xavier university and taught Arab American studies as a visiting lecturer at the University of Illinois Chicago.
“As a first-generation college student myself, I have always enjoyed providing guidance and offering support to students who are navigating their higher education experience,” said Dajani. “It’s just gratifying to see our students reach their goals and gain opportunities.”
Dajani pointed out she was the daughter of immigrants and a first-generation Palestinian-American.
“I naturally gravitate towards opportunities to uplift our community and see it as a duty to elevate the voices of those who are so often suppressed,” she said. “It’s a very difficult time right now — specifically for the Arab and Muslim community, as well as for minority and immigrant communities, and as someone who is in a position of privilege, I believe we shouldn’t forget about the importance of supporting marginalized communities regardless of background.”
The Trailblazer Award was not only an honor for Dajani but also reaffirmed her own work.
“This recognition is humbling and it is a great honor,” said Dajani. “I believe it’s critical to work side by side with those who have a shared purpose.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.