Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Arab Heritage Month, occurring yearly in April, provides Arab Canadians with the space to showcase their rich culture while also recognizing their important contributions to Canada’s social, economic, and political life, and to building Canadian society. The Arab Canadian population has grown to over one million and continues to flourish, with young and dynamic Arab Canadian communities thriving throughout Canada.
In recognition of this important month, AMAPCEO Arab Caucus Chair Léa Nsouli and Arab Caucus Vice-Chair Dina Al-Khooly joined us for this edition of Equity at AMAPCEO Interview Series. Cynthia Watt, AMAPCEO Vice-President and Equity Committee Chair, recently caught up with Nsouli and Al-Khooly for a question-and-answer session discussing the significance of Arab Heritage Month, and participating in the Arab Caucus, highlighting a “Arabiyyun: The Threads that Bind Us,” a hybrid event co-hosted by AMAPCEO and Arabs in Government (AiG), an Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employee Network, on Wednesday April 23, 2025.
Léa Nsouli began her career as an elementary school teacher in Montreal before pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy at OISE, University of Toronto. After completing her Master’s, she joined the OPS in the Ministry of Education as an Education Officer where she worked on tracking COVID-19 cases in schools. Léa continued on to the OPS French Language Education Division where she led and secured funding for projects that supported racialized teachers and students. Most recently, she served as the Anti-Islamophobia Project Lead at the Treasury Board Secretariat, working on a learning program addressing and combating Islamophobia. In addition to her role as Chair of the Arab Caucus, Léa serves as the Equity Committee representative on the Activist and Recognition Committee.
Dina Al-Khooly has had a career spanning across science, public health and community development. Prior to joining the OPS, she has worked on a number of equity-focused initiatives, from newcomer occupational health to science education among racialized youth in social housing communities. Dina joined the OPS about a year and a half ago as a Team Lead in the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and recently stepped into the role of Vice-Chair of the Arab Caucus to grow and broaden her involvement in AMAPCEO’s equity efforts.
Cynthia Watt: What can you tell us about the Arab Caucus event on Wednesday April 23? What are you looking forward to?
Léa Nsouli: This hybrid event is truly special as it will be jointly hosted by the AMAPCEO Arab Caucus and the AiG OPS Employee Network. Not only will this mark the official launch of both groups, it will also be the inaugural Arab Heritage Month event for both AMAPCEO and the OPS. I am looking forward to folks coming together listening to classic Arabic songs, eating delicious Arabic food, engaging in fun activities, and hearing from Arab voices in the workplace.
Dina Al-Khooly: Not only do we have fun activities lined up, but we’ll also get to break bread and hear from an inspiring panel of Arab public servants. I’m especially looking forward to connecting with folks in person and kicking off the first of many initiatives that will aim to strengthen our sense of identity, community, and collective power as Arab members.
CW: What message would you like to share with AMAPCEO members about the importance of Arab Heritage Month?
LN: As many of you know, the past few years have been deeply painful for Arabs around the world. Our community has endured daily loss and grief. This Arab Heritage Month, we come together to honor our heritage, culture, and roots. It’s a time for us to unlearn misconceptions and develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of Arab traditions—to explore the richness of our cultures, the diversity of our tongues, the flavors of our food, and our soulful music. Arab Heritage Month is a time to gather and recognize the contributions of Arabs to society, celebrating our legacy, resilience, and the positive impact we continue to make in various fields.
DA: Arab identity is often portrayed in a singular way. In reality, there are over 20 Arabic-speaking countries with vast linguistic, ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and historical diversity. This month is an opportunity to increase the visibility of our stories, to deepen understanding of our diverse experiences, traditions, and struggles, and to be in community with one another.
CW: Can you tell us about other Arab Caucus events coming up in 2025?
LN and DA: In celebration of UNESCO’s World Arabic Language Day on December 18, we will be hosting an Arabic Calligraphy Workshop this fall. Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Arabic alphabet and immerse themselves in the art of Arabic calligraphy, all while having fun and learning new techniques.
CW: Can you provide some insight into why it was important for you to be actively involved with the Arab Caucus, either in a leadership or non-leadership role?
LN: As an Arab, I got involved with the Arab Caucus as I felt the need to have a space where I could connect with others who understand what we go through as a community. The work being done around equity and anti-racism didn’t always feel like it addressed the unique struggles I face as an Arab Canadian woman. Anti-Arab racism, including Anti-Palestinian racism, is not new to us—it is something we’ve grown up with, but it has often been overlooked. By getting involved and helping to establish the Arab Caucus, I see it as a powerful form of advocacy—a step toward reclaiming our narrative and ensuring our voices are heard.
DA: I think the past two years have demonstrated just how vital it is for Arabs to have a space for collective healing and advocacy. Being part of the Arab Caucus has helped me feel grounded, validated, and energized to push for change. I want to help build a union and workplace where Arab members feel understood, supported and valued—especially in times marked by our erasure, censorship, and dehumanization. Our communities and cultures hold so much beauty and deserve to be uplifted.
CW: Finally, what advice do you have for members who may be interested in joining the Arab Caucus?
LN: The Arab Caucus is newly established and aims to amplify the Arab voice and experience within AMAPCEO. We have an incredible opportunity to come together and make a lasting impact. Let’s unite, mobilize, and work towards creating a more inclusive and empowering space for Arab members in AMAPCEO.
DA: Join us! Your voice and experiences matter deeply in advancing our collective interests. We know folks are carrying a lot and we are spread out thinly across our workplaces. Getting involved in the Arab caucus can be an opportunity to find strength among community, amplify our voices, and contribute to a union and workplace that are safer and more just for Arab communities.