Jump to content

Draft:Karim Kadouh

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  • Comment: Also excessive bolding, please remove them. Author might have a conflict of interest. ToadetteEdit (talk) 08:42, 7 December 2024 (UTC)

Karim Kadouh is a Lebanese-American student leader and business strategist from Dearborn Heights, Michigan. He is noted for his involvement in governmental initiatives, community organizations, and business ventures. Kadouh serves on the Michigan Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs[1] and is associated with the growth of JJ's Custard Company.[2]

Early Life and Education

[edit]

Kadouh was born in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, to Lebanese immigrant parents. He attended Dearborn High School, where he participated in leadership and community service activities. In 2020, he was named one of the Arab America Foundation's 20 Under 20 for contributions to the Arab-American community.[3][4]

He is currently a junior at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, concentrating in Strategy. During his time at Michigan, Kadouh chaired LSA Unified, a nonprofit that connects Lebanese Student Association chapters across Michigan. He oversaw the 10th and 11th Annual Unified Lebanese Student Association Gala, which raised $26,500 for charitable and international relief efforts.[5]

Career

[edit]

Government and Advocacy

[edit]

Kadouh perviously interned in the Executive Office of the President, specifically within the Office of Management and Budget. In this role, he worked with White House and federal agency teams, focusing on cross-agency coordination and strategic communication.

In August 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Kadouh to the Michigan Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (CMEAA[6]). The commission addresses issues affecting Middle Eastern Americans in Michigan. Kadouh is also the Board Chair of LSA Unified, supporting Lebanese student associations in the state.[5]

Kadouh graduated as a fellow of the Change Collective,[7] a program of Civic Nation[8] aimed at empowering community leaders to drive local change. As part of this initiative, Kadouh focused on addressing Substance Use Disorder in Wayne County, Michigan, working with community stakeholders to develop strategies for prevention, treatment, and support services.[9] The program emphasized collaborative approaches to tackle systemic challenges at the local level.

Business

[edit]

Kadouh is the Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for JJ's Custard Company,[10] a chain of frozen custard shops owned by Arab Americans. Under his leadership, the business expanded to seven locations, including one within Little Caesars Arena. The chain is known for innovative menu items such as the Sweet Bun and collaborations with many local and national brands.[11][12]

Awards and Recognition

[edit]
  • Arab America Foundation's 20 Under 20 Award (2020)[3][4]
  • Governor's Appointment to CMEAA (2024)[13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ https://www.michigan.gov/ogm/commissions/cmeaa
  2. ^ https://jjscustardco.com
  3. ^ a b Penn, Lindsey (2020-12-07). "Arab America Foundation Announces 20 Under 20 Awardees". Arab America. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  4. ^ a b "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  5. ^ a b Javier, Anna (2024-02-19). "Lebanese Student Association hosts Gala". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  6. ^ https://www.michigan.gov/ogm/commissions/cmeaa
  7. ^ https://change-collective.org/
  8. ^ https://civicnation.org/
  9. ^ "Karim Kadouh". Change Collective. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  10. ^ "Ford software engineer finds sweet success with specialty ice cream shop". Crain's Detroit Business. 2022-05-16. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  11. ^ epevos@MLive.com, Edward Pevos | (2024-01-27). "Something sweet just opened at Little Caesars Arena by Portal 14 for all events". mlive. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  12. ^ "The Custard Company opens third location in Little Caesars Arena". ArabAmericanNews. 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  13. ^ Executive Office of the Governor (August 29, 2024). "Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions".