DEARBORN —  The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) announced Dec. 5 that Zena Ozier of Dearborn received the organization’s Emerging Leader Award in recognition for her work on behalf of the Arab American community. 

She received the award during the recent Quwa 2013: Strengthening Nonprofit Leadership conference.

The award is presented annually to a young person who demonstrates community leadership through advocating for the interests of Arab Americans and serving as a role model for younger generations.

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Ozier, 22, graduated from Boston University with high honors in May 2013, majoring in International Relations. 

As an undergraduate student, Ozier served as president of the group Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and engaged the student body in a variety of cultural programs and freedom protests. 

Ozier also helped organize events to celebrate cultural diversity through international cooking and dance programs.

Her passion for human rights led her to become an international volunteer at the Aida refugee camp in Palestine, where she spent three weeks working with youth. 

As president of SJP, Ozier organized Boston University’s first Right of Return conference, which is used as a model for various college campuses across the United States.

Ozier currently works as an intern for Badil, a nonprofit organization that assists in building awareness for Palestinian residency and refugee rights. 

She lives in Bostongrounds influence our perception of things. But with the resources that we have, we direct our rules and guidelines to follow the law, with the core mission of keeping people safe.