As Arab American Heritage Month gained federal recognition starting in 2022, it marked a significant milestone in acknowledging and celebrating the heritage of Arab communities in the United States. Join us as we honor the heritage and contributions of Arab Americans during the month of April and beyond!
Meet Yasmine!
Yasmine, our Customer Experience Lead at Vagaro, proudly embraces her Egyptian heritage, adding new perspectives to our workplace culture and broadening our appreciation of diversity.
“My cultural background is deeply rooted in the rich history, traditions, and customs of Egypt. Our heritage encompasses ancient civilizations, vibrant arts, and diverse culinary traditions that reflect centuries of influences from various cultures.
For Yasmine, family traditions are key in her cultural identity, with high importance placed upon the cherished value of togetherness. She fondly recalls how her family gathers for holidays like Ramadan and Eid, finding comfort and joy in these moments of shared celebration. These occasions not only reinforce familial bonds, but also serve as connections to her heritage.
Yasmine also emphasizes the significance of hospitality in her culture. “Guests are always warmly welcomed into our homes and treated with generosity and respect,” she explains, highlighting a value deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Egyptian communities.
Through Yasmine's insights, we gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted beauty of Egyptian heritage and how their traditions foster unity, warmth, and inclusivity within families and communities alike. Her commitment to preserving and sharing these traditions serves as a beacon of cultural pride and understanding in our workplace, contributing to her individual success and the supportive team dynamic at Vagaro.
During her time here so far, Yasmine has advanced from a Retention Specialist to a Customer Experience Lead. She feels that with her cultural upbringing, she's had the privilege to gain a unique perspective that has contributed to her success, “one that values collaboration, empathy, and understanding.”
She continues, “My upbringing has instilled in me a strong work ethic, adaptability, and the ability to navigate diverse environments with ease. These qualities have not only contributed to my success but have also enabled me to effectively be a team player and inspire my team.” Yasmine also acknowledges the supportive environment at Vagaro, where values of diversity and inclusion provide her with the space to relate to and understand the diverse clientele she interacts with.
Yasmine reflects:
“Overall, my cultural background serves as a source of strength and resilience, empowering me to navigate the complexities of the world and the challenges of my career with confidence and grace. It has enriched my identity and equipped me with the skills and values necessary to engage with the global community with an open mind and a compassionate heart.”
Dismantling Stereotypes
When first approached regarding this spotlight article, Yasmine says she was pleasantly surprised to learn that Arab American Heritage Month existed, noting the lack of representation of Arab individuals in the United States. Yasmine’s candid response sheds light on the broader issue of the need for increased awareness and recognition of Arab American contributions to American society. In response to this realization, Yasmine proposes the following:
To foster a better understanding of the diverse Arab American community, we need to promote open dialogue and celebrate more cultural and religious events emphasizing diversity and inclusivity in this community.
Arab Americans have faced discrimination and harassment since their ancestors first immigrated and settled here. However, there was a severe increase in hate crimes and violence against Arab Americans, as well as other communities, following 9/11. In 2015 the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice stated, “The Civil Rights Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Attorneys’ offices have investigated over 800 incidents since 9/11 involving violence, threats, vandalism and arson against Arab Americans, Muslims, Sikhs, South-Asian Americans and other individuals perceived to be of Middle Eastern origin.”
In response to the alarming increase in hate crimes, various initiatives have emerged to raise awareness, promote tolerance, and advocate for the protection of Arab American rights. These efforts include educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and legal advocacy aimed at combating stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.
However, Yasmine believes that these efforts need to be more intentional and widespread, extending beyond programs and curriculum. True representation and advocacy are crucial, particularly in smaller communities such as schools, universities, and the workplace, where stereotypes and biases often persist unchecked.
Mirroring Yasmine’s sentiments, The ADC, a civil rights organization centered around Arab American rights and visibility, stated that “Despite the multicultural philosophy that currently prevails in American education, ADC has found many teachers, and the public at large, not yet sufficiently sensitized to the problem of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim stereotyping.”
Yasmine reiterates,
Recognizing the broad spectrum of contributions made by Arab Americans to our society is vital in challenging stereotypes and biases.
Overall, Yasmine highlights the significance of individual efforts in challenging misconceptions and fostering a more inclusive society. She emphasizes that every opportunity to highlight the education, diversity, and inclusivity valued by Arab individuals is a chance to dismantle stereotypes and promote understanding. By engaging in these conversations and advocating for accurate representation, individuals can contribute to the gradual transformation of societal perceptions.
She encourages everyone to embrace these moments as opportunities for positive change, affirming that collective action, no matter how small, can lead to significant shifts in attitudes and behaviors. In doing so, she envisions a future where Arab Americans and other marginalized communities are fully recognized, respected, and celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the fabric of American society.
About Vagaro
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