In a moment that will be remembered as a cultural turning point, Arab Excellence made its debut in New York City — a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to amplifying Arab and SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership on a global stage.
Officially partnered with Square, the event was more than a showcase — it was the launch of a movement. Together, Arab Excellence and Square built a space where Arab voices, visions, and ventures were not only represented but celebrated as drivers of global culture and innovation.
Founded, produced, and curated by Dena Mekawi & Arab Excellence team, Arab Excellence reflects years of personal and professional dedication to reframing narratives for underrepresented communities. Mekawi — a first-generation Egyptian-American and founder of Mekawi Impact — spent her career working across media, storytelling platforms, and the United Nations, determined to create spaces where authentic stories could thrive.
“We’re not asking for space anymore. We’re creating it,” Mekawi said.
“Arab Excellence was born from the belief that our creativity doesn’t just deserve recognition — it moves culture forward.”
The night unfolded as a dynamic and emotional celebration — with curated art installations, live performances, an immersive vendor marketplace, and culinary experiences deeply rooted in SWANA tradition. Featured artists like Marwan Shahin and Farida Temraza showcased the vibrancy of Arab artistic excellence, while vendors like Habibi Things and Yaqoub Jerusalem connected heritage to entrepreneurship, offering everything from handmade jewelry to culturally rooted design.
Every detail was intentional — from the visual storytelling lining the venue walls, to the curated catering by Laila Restaurant. Thanks to Square’s partnership, participating artists and vendors were also empowered with tools to grow their businesses, receiving Square Readers and access to commerce solutions that extended beyond the night itself.
Mekawi’s leadership was the driving force behind the movement’s launch.
Through Mekawi Impact — a marketing and consulting agency specializing in culturally driven storytelling and purpose-led brand activations — she has dedicated her work to bridging the gap between representation and reality. Her experiences navigating industries that often overlooked or misunderstood Arab identity became the foundation for a new kind of platform: one that centers authenticity, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride at every level.
Arab Excellence is now expanding beyond its inaugural event — positioning itself as a living platform for Arab and SWANA creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders across industries.
The debut was not the destination. It was the beginning — the first chapter in a movement committed to celebrating Arab excellence on our terms, and rewriting the global narrative for generations to come.