Dearborn American Association of University Women President Joan Reed (left) recognizes Marge Powell Leadership Awardee Khloud Abdullah of Edsel Ford High School on May 8 at the Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden-Ross House.
Marge Powell Leadership Awardees Ava Nasser (left) and Nadine Khalil of Dearborn High School enjoy the post-ceremony celebration May 8 at the Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden-Ross House.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – The Dearborn chapter of the American Association of University Women awarded scholarships to four Marge Powell Leadership honorees, who represent graduating young women from the city’s public high schools.
The 2024 awardees are Asma Saleh of Fordson High School, Khloud Abdullah of Edsel Ford High School, and Nadine Khalil and Ava Nasser of Dearborn High School.
The recipients are chosen for their outstanding leadership, exemplary character and their commitment to making a difference in their schools and community. Counselors and administrators at each of the schools nominate female seniors for the honor.
AAUW member Valerie Murphy-Goodrich said Marge Powell demonstrated important leadership traits, including challenging gender-based assumptions, caring about diversity and inclusivity, and serving as a community pioneer while advancing those values.
“She believed in human dignity and equality, and demonstrated it while serving as Dearborn council president for two terms, from 1977 to 1985,” she said. “She established a task force to promote understanding, and addressed stereotypes, which benefited our community considerably.”
Murphy-Goodrich said Powell was one of the first female Rotarians, was a board member for the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, and was a member of AAUW Dearborn until the end of her life.
The Marge Powell Leadership awardees were introduced individually, with each speaking briefly.
Khloud Abdullah from Edsel Ford High School plans to study biomedical engineering at Wayne State University.
She said the award surprised her, since she said she doesn’t showcase what she does but merely lends a hand whenever she can.
Abdullah said her volunteer work has broadened her experience.
“I’ve learned that true leadership is not about titles,” she said. “It’s about connecting with people and attending to their needs.”
Asma Saleh from Fordson High School plans to study mathematics and education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
She said she’s been involved in many activities at school and in the community, including work with Gleaners Community Food Bank, donating toys to the Dearborn Child Center, and tutoring elementary school students.
Saleh founded the school’s Active Minds chapter, which is part of a national organization that focuses on mental health resources.
“I’m so grateful to experience helping others,” she said.
Dearborn American Association of University President Joan Reed (left) recognizes Marge Powell Leadership Awardee Asma Saleh of Fordson High School on May 8 at the Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden-Ross House.
Nadine Khalil of Dearborn High School plans to study biomedical engineering.
She said it was a privilege to receive an award named after an esteemed and brave councilwoman.
“It reflects values that I deeply cherish,” Khalil said. “The power that we hold in leadership positions grants us increased access and ability to carry out meaningful acts of service.
“To properly do so, we must acknowledge the privilege of power and leadership we possess, using it solely to support those who lack it. Together, these roles empower us to be great agents of positive change in our shared world.”
Ava Nasser of Dearborn High School plans to study pre-law at the University of Michigan.
She said community service has taught her about morals and ethics while teaching her about herself.
“It’s taught me to have confidence in what I believe in because my voice is powerful, it’s taught me that we never know the circumstances of anybody, so it’s important to remain kind no matter what,” Nasser said. “Most importantly, it’s taught me that in a world of injustice and misfortune you can always rise above and become that change you wish to see.”
She said that Powell saw a cause she believed in and wanted to become a voice for the voiceless.
“I hope to have a significant impact not just in the community but in the rest of the world,” Nasser said.
Prior to the Marge Powell Leadership Award ceremony, the Dearborn AAUW branch installed three new officers: Secretary Kathy Savatsky, Membership chair Mary Nameth and Treasurer Jan Frank.
For more information about the AAUW Dearborn chapter, go to dearborn-mi.aauw.net.
Family, friends, supporters and Dearborn American Association of University Women members attend the Marge Powell Leadership Award presentation May 8 at the Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden-Ross House.