#CAIR-MI Attorney Honored as Everyday Hero Farmington Hills, MI, July 31, 2014 – Farmington Hills resident Lena Masri, Staff Attorney at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan, was honored with the Everyday Hero Award at the annual “Night of Heroes” event. The RARE Everyday Hero Program, a Winning Futures’ program, is dedicated to inspiring Michigans youth through Everyday Heroes. The prestigious award celebrates the lives of everyday people in the workplace who through extraordinary commitment, courage, compassion, and integrity are changing lives and inspiring others. To be an Everyday Hero one has to be a proven leader, selfless and committed to enhancing the lives of others. Malak Ismail recognized these qualities in her role model, Lena Masri, and nominated her for the award. When we look back at the progress our society has made throughout the years, the changes almost seem inevitable. It is far too easy to overlook the extraordinary efforts of those who fought for the advances we have made and those who are fighting discrimination today. One of those heroes is Lena Masri. As a staff attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan, Lena advocates for the Muslim and Arab-American community. She works tirelessly to protect the rights of those facing discrimination and hate. As a prominent Syrian-American Muslim lawyer, she has given many underprivileged, minority families the opportunity to find refuge by taking on pro bono cases. Her pro bono work on behalf of poor and indigent clients has won her the Norman Leifstein Award of Excellence and the recognition of the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Lena’s dedication to her profession and her community has lead to her presenting a report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Lena has also advocated for the end of racial and religious discrimination at Capitol Hill. This level of courage and achievement demonstrates her dedication to creating a more just and inclusive society. Lena is an example to women, minorities and people of all races that when a person is determined, open-minded and a risk taker any task is possible. Her tireless advocacy for change and the inspiration she gives to those who are moved to fight injustice makes Lena Masri a RARE Everyday Hero. Masri was honored alongside nine other heroes and five RARE “Everyday Hero” Scholarship recipients from Michigan schools. The unique scholarship program engages youth through the process of discussion, discovery and writing about the Everyday Heroes in their communities. Over 450 scholarships were submitted; five recipients each received a $2,500 college scholarship. The RARE Everyday Hero Scholarship program is currently seeking scholarship submissions. The deadline is December 1st. To learn more about the program or how to apply for a scholarship please visit rarefoundation.org. PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Elkins [email protected] (586) 698-4364
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:47:28 +0000
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