DEARBORN — The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) honored two local leaders Wednesday at its Annual Community Leadership Dinner. Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge Charlene Elder and Armada Oil & Gas CEO Ali Jawad received leadership awards. Elder was appointed to her seat by Governor Jennifer Granholm in December 2005 and retained her position in the November 2006 election.

Ali Jawad receiving his award from Andrea Awada

After receiving the award, Elder said she heard recently that in a current murder trial, Middle Eastern men were sought out as jurors by a defense team because they were thought to be more likely to have sympathy for a man accused of killing his wife. She said that was an ugly example of why the community needs outspoken Arab American leaders. “If we’re not out there, we really don’t make a difference,” she said. Jawad was awarded in part for his efforts in promoting higher education through a large scholarship fund offered by the Lebanese American Heritage Club, which he founded. “I was a much younger man when the whole thing started,” said Jawad, who started the club in 1982.

Judge Charlene Elder

He said it’s important for the community to begin heavily involving members of the younger generation in leadership roles to encourage them to step forward and begin to take over. “We need to start grooming our leaders of the future,” he said. He said Judge Elder is an example of someone from the younger generation rising to the top, describing her as an “ideal role model for others to follow.”