In her senior year at UCLA, Anna received the Chancellor’s Service Award, and was one of four out of 10,500 seniors to receive the UCLA Alumni Association’s highest honor.
Today, Anna serves as President and CEO of the Academy of Business Leadership, a nationally recognized program that helps young people take their rightful place in our society.
Because of this work on behalf of our youth, and her dedication to making the world a better place, Anna sits on many boards, including the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.
The first time I met Anna, she was being honored at the Beverly Hilton Hotel along with other luminaries like Debbie Allen, the actress, dancer, choreographer, and star of the TV show “Fame.”
On that day, as Anna accepted the Inspiration Award, she told a touching story about how Debbie Allen had inspired her many years before.
“When I was living in the orphanage in Beirut," Anna said, "I would sneak out of my bed late at night and watch American TV. One of my favorite shows was “Fame.’ I sat there in the dark, and watched Debbie Allen. I sang the theme song of the show, and dreamed of the life I knew I could have.”
Whenever I see Anna, I think about that story. I see the little girl with the big eyes (and even bigger dreams) sitting in the darkness of that orphanage, and in my mind I imagine that I can hear her clear strong voice singing those words that have carried her so far:
“Look at me, and tell me what you see. You ain't seen the best of me yet, give me time I'll make you forget the rest.
I got more in me, and you can set it free. I can catch the moon in my hands. Don't you know who I am?
Remember my name! Fame! I'm gonna live forever. I'm gonna learn how to fly. High… I feel it coming together. People will see me and cry. Fame!
I'm gonna make it to heaven. Light up the sky like a flame.
Fame!”
***
The Academy of Business Leadership (ABL) is a dynamic and innovative social entrepreneurial venture that is at the forefront of providing business and leadership education to underserved youth in Southern California.
ABL strives to bridge the economic and educational divide among minority and low-income students. In conjunction with its extensive corporate partners and collaboration with local universities, high schools, and entrepreneurs, ABL has enriched and impacted the lives of thousands of high potential, low opportunity students throughout the region.
If you would like to find out more about how you can help our youth, contact:
