AUGUST 2019

noteworthy
Speaking to Young Leaders
Vanessa Denha Garmo was invited by Wayne State University and Professor
Colleen McGowan Ezzeddine to speak to students from Iraq who are participating
in the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program. Vanessa spoke to the
students about a number of topics including communications, storytelling, and
her own company, Denha Media Group.
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) brings Iraqi high
school and undergraduate students to the U.S. for summer exchanges to explore
themes of leadership development, civic rights and responsibilities, respect
for diversity, and community engagement.
Andy Meisner Celebrates
10 Years in Oakland County
Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner is celebrating 10 years in Oakland
County, where he has prevented thousands of tax foreclosures. Oakland County
voters elected Andy Meisner as their county treasurer in the fall election of
2008. Thousands of Chaldeans have resided in Oakland County for more than
five decades and many are business developers in the county.
“Ten years ago, Oakland County was in the midst of a housing crisis and
recession. At that time, we had a treasurer’s office that wasn’t focused on the
human tragedy of the Great Recession. We adapted and became fully engaged
in finding or creating solutions to the tax foreclosure crisis,” Meisner said.
During these ten years, Meisner and his team have seen a fall in annual tax
foreclosures to a fraction of the quantity he acquired, 1,650 down to 200. Meisner
has implemented several compassionate projects to prevent foreclosure and keeping
families in their homes. He has also developed business opportunities for developers.
West Michigan
Chaldean Grocer
Wins Small Business
of the Year
Midtown Fresh Market, a Kalamazoo
grocery store dedicated to providing
fresh and organic produce, and products
from local vendors, has been
named the Best Small Business for
the SBDC Southwest Region. Midtown
Fresh Market has also been
selected as a finalist for Consumers
Energy Project of the Year Award.
Ministerial to
Advance Religious
Freedoms
Chaldean Community Foundation
President and CEO, Martin Manna,
attended the U.S. Department of
State Ministerial on Religious Freedom
in Washington D.C. on July 17
where he sat on a panel to discuss the
plight of the community in Iraq.
Chalk it Up to Life
Contest at VBS
The Right to Life of Michigan presented
the first of three Chalk It Up
for Life contests at St. Thomas on
July 11, as part of the ECRC’s Vacation
Bible School. The children did
an amazing job at interpreting the
theme “God Made Us All, Big and
Small.” The members of twenty-four
crews (about 150 kids in total) collaborated
on their drawings and the
winners were given award ribbons
and bragging rights for the rest of
VBS.
The children were led out to the
parking lot at 11:45 to begin their
drawings. Volunteers brought around
water bottles and extra chalk for
those who needed it. Judges walked
around as the drawing was happening
to listen to explanations of the
drawings. As each team finished,
their leaders took them back into the
church to await the judges’ decisions.
They enjoyed Veggie Tales and pizza
as they waited. There was much celebration
for the winning teams when
they were announced and everyone
enjoyed the contest.
CCF Hosts Students From Iraq
On July 16, 2019, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) hosted a group of 21 students from the
Iraq Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). IYLEP brings undergraduate college students to the U.S.
from all over Iraq, diverse regions, institutes and backgrounds for one month to learn about leadership,
civic engagement and peace building.
The students visited the CCF to hear from community leaders, which included Dr. Adhid Miri, Director
of Special Projects at the Chaldean Community Foundation, Rony Foumia, District Leader for Rite
Aid Corporation and Dr. Nahid Elyas.
The discussion was centered around leadership, their upbringings and how these students can better
the future of Iraq when they return. Students also enjoyed a traditional Middle Eastern dinner at Ishtar
Restaurant in Sterling Heights, following the discussion.
IYLEP is sponsored and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Department of State and
implemented by World Learning. Wayne State University was selected to be the host institution for the
students during their stay.
10 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2019