Essraa Nawar, the 2024 NAWRB Media Leader, stands as a pioneering figure in the fields of diversity, cultural advocacy, and academic leadership. Recently celebrated by ForbesWomen as the face of their Arab American Heritage campaign, Essraa represents the ‘Transformative’ addition of the Middle Eastern/North African category to the 2030 U.S. Census—a vital step toward ensuring Arab Americans are recognized, valued, and appropriately represented in future policies. Essraa’s work as a community advocate, interfaith leader, and diversity champion has had a profound impact across both academic and public spheres, promoting inclusivity, unity, and social justice on a national and global scale.

Essraa’s academic background is as impressive as it is diverse. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Alexandria University, Egypt, an MBA from the American Management & Business Administration Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University, California, and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from San José State University. Currently, she is advancing her expertise in leadership and social innovation by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University. Essraa’s educational journey underpins her commitment to developing initiatives that bridge cultural gaps and establish equitable, welcoming environments in academia and beyond.

In her role as Assistant Dean for Library DEI Initiatives and Development and Full Librarian at Chapman University, Essraa has redefined what diversity and inclusion mean in the library setting. She implemented the Leatherby Libraries’ first-ever Diversity Statement and Plan, a groundbreaking initiative that led to the library receiving its inaugural Diversity Award. Her vision and leadership have transformed the library into a model of inclusivity and cultural engagement. Through her efforts, Essraa has curated over 100 unique events and exhibitions, creating spaces that amplify diverse voices and narratives while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Essraa’s strategic approach to library development has also included the establishment of the library’s first Marketing and Fundraising Strategy. This initiative has not only raised over $10 million in support but has also earned prestigious awards, including five CASE awards and an ALA PR award. Essraa’s innovative model for library outreach and engagement serves as an inspiration for libraries nationwide, showcasing the potential for academic institutions to drive social change.
As a prolific writer and thought leader, Essraa’s influence extends well beyond her roles at Chapman University. She is a regular contributor to respected publications such as The Huffington Post, the Orange County Register, and various academic journals, where she shares her experiences and insights as a Muslim woman living in America. Her writing provides a nuanced perspective on the intersections of identity, culture, and belonging, aiming to challenge stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of the Arab and Muslim experience in the United States. Through her widely recognized social media campaign #changethenarrative, Essraa has become a powerful voice advocating for cultural awareness and social change, bridging divides through the stories she tells and the dialogues she fosters.

Essraa also co-hosts Information Gone Wild, a podcast produced by San José State University School of Information, where she engages in conversations about the evolving role of libraries, the impact of AI on knowledge management, and the future of information science. She is the host of Salon Essraa: The TV Show Telling Stories One Egyptian Expat at a Time, a show that celebrates the achievements of Egyptian expatriates, highlighting their journeys, struggles, and contributions to communities worldwide. Through her media presence, Essraa continues to redefine what it means to be a cultural ambassador, using her platforms to promote inclusivity and inspire audiences globally.

In addition to her professional and media endeavors, Essraa is deeply committed to interfaith work and community engagement. She serves on multiple boards dedicated to social, cultural, and religious causes, where she actively fosters dialogues that promote understanding and respect across religious and cultural boundaries. Her interfaith initiatives, which bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, underscore her belief that differences should be sources of strength and mutual respect, rather than division. Essraa’s work in this realm reflects her dedication to creating a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Outside of her professional life, Essraa is a devoted mother of three, a wife, and a proud Egyptian American. Her personal interests are as vibrant as her professional pursuits: she is an avid yoga practitioner and a passionate runner, recently making history as the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to appear on the cover of a major yoga magazine. Essraa’s commitment to health and wellness is emblematic of her holistic approach to life, balancing physical well-being with spiritual and cultural fulfillment. A lover of travel, photography, and storytelling, Essraa embraces every opportunity to expand her horizons and bring new insights to her work.

Essraa’s journey embodies resilience, strength, and a relentless drive to make a difference. As she continues her doctoral studies, builds her media presence, and expands her work as a diversity and inclusion leader, Essraa remains an inspirational force within her community and beyond. Her story is one of empowerment, bridging cultures, and fostering positive change, making her an indelible figure in today’s landscape of transformative leadership.

Selected Links:Website: Essraa Nawar
TEDx Talk: Feeling Welcomed and Empowered | Essraa Nawar | TEDxTUM
BUE Event Coverage: Breaking the Disability Taboo – British University in Egypt
Forbes Feature: Empowering Egyptian Expatriates Through Integration and Pride
Podcast: Information Gone Wild – Conversations from the Field
Salon Essraa TV Show: Salon Essraa: The TV Show Telling Inspiring Stories One Egyptian Expat at a Time
Conversations of Hope: Conversations of Hope • Essraa Nawar
Finding Your Soul in Success: Essraa Nawar on OC Talk Radio
Embracing Diversity of Thought: Impact of Cultural and Religious Harmony
Scholarly Profile: Essraa Nawar on Google Scholar
The Library Pros Podcast: Talking DEI, Outreach, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Power of Unlearning 
Yoga Feature: Essraa Nawar’s Yoga Journey