The American Arab Chamber of Commerce will recognize five leaders in the Arab community at its fourth annual Arab American Professionals Network (AAPN) Banquet this month.

The five leaders to be honored are: Dr. Daw Alwerfalli, Lawrence Tech University; Charlene Elder, Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge; Rashid Bazzi, owner Lava Java and Midnight Expresso Café; Dr. Ali Farhat, director of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Hospital; and Mike Amine, managing partner, New England Financial.

According to Amal Berry-Brown, chairman of the AAPN, the individuals are selected for their leadership and their desire to make a difference in the community.

“As Arab Americans, we often highlight the success of individuals, not as contributors to the greater community,” Berry-Brown said. “This is one way to provide that continuity in the community by highlighting their overall contributions.”

The five leaders are from all walks of life, but Berry-Brown said they all have one thing in common: a legacy of community involvement that blends seamlessly into their professions and daily activities.

“They serve as role models for up and coming Arab Americans in the field,” she said. “We want young Arab Americans aspiring to be whatever they want to be.”

“Being a role model and mentor is important to me because it confirms my role in the community,” Alwerfalli said. “I have a passion for all my students, local or foreign born. I find joy when I see them receive their diplomas and land high-ranking jobs.”

Charlene Elder, another selected leader, said: “Thank you to the Arab American Professionals Network for acknowledging the successes in our community. It is an honor to be recognized, and even more of an honor to be recognized by ones own community.”

The banquet takes place Wednesday, May 20, at the Greenfield Manor in Dearborn. For more information, contact the American Arab Chamber of Commerce at (313) 945-1700 or go to the Web site www.americanarab.com.