Arab Employee Network Values Community and Culture

Arab American TEKsystems employees share how their career journeys have shaped them personally and professionally.

April 26, 2023 | By TEKsystems

At TEKsystems, we’re committed to nurturing an inclusive workplace culture and welcoming diversity into every aspect of our business. To celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, we asked employees from our company’s Arab Employee Network (AEN) to share their perspectives.

Hajar Sadik

I was born and raised in Morocco. I’m proud of the way Morocco has evolved, but it has required sacrifice and resiliency, which has shaped the spirit of our people. That said, I cherish my heritage as it shapes the person I am today. Moroccans are recognized for our remarkable hospitality, rich history, vibrant culture and delicious food. Several movies have been filmed in Morocco such as Gladiator, Inception and Spectre. Also, the city of Marrakech is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

Being part of the Arab Employee Network (AEN) is a blessing. It is a powerful support system for Arabs at TEKsystems.

AEN has been a catalyst for my career growth, providing community and a sense of belonging throughout my TEKsystems journey.

Most importantly, we lean on and push each other to become the best version of ourselves while pursuing our personal and professional goals. I’m looking forward to seeing how my heritage can continue to deliver a positive impact and elevate my footprint at TEKsystems!

Alaa Khalil

I’m a first-generation Palestinian and Muslim American. I have two brothers and a sister, and my parents are educators. Family and honor are the pillars of my heritage, and I take pride in our rich cultural traditions in food, music and dancing. In our tight-knit communities, our friends become chosen family and we always have room for them in our homes. We extend that same warmth to my non-Arab loved ones and especially enjoy sharing our cuisine with them. Finally, we strive to honor our families by taking advantage of opportunities they didn’t have, like getting an education and building a career.

Personal and professional growth are equally important in my career. Personal growth requires continuous learning and keeping an open mind. For me, it also includes being financially independent, providing for my community and making my family proud, despite not getting a degree in higher education. It’s being a source for other Arab (and Muslim) women who are unsure about a path outside of being a mom, a doctor, a lawyer or an engineer. Professional growth ties in with becoming a better salesperson and leader—reflecting our core values.

The AEN has facilitated my personal and professional growth by allowing me to build valuable relationships with Arab Americans who have similar passions and goals. I care about paving the way for other Arab (and Muslim) women in corporate America and that is why AEN has been so integral in my time at TEKsystems.

Maher Atta

I am first generation Palestinian American and the founder and executive sponsor of AEN. I have five brothers and two sisters, and all my brothers currently live in the West Bank town of Al-Bireh in occupied Palestine.

My personal and professional growth has always been centered on challenging myself to maximize any opportunity that I aim to achieve. My mother taught me the importance of discipline, commitment and respect, so those values are foundational to how I live my life today. I am proud of my mother and the sacrifices she made to come to the U.S. to provide a better life for us. I strive daily to honor her commitment to my siblings and me.

As I continue my journey at TEKsystems, my focus and purpose (outside of driving business) will be to impact as many people as possible by helping them achieve their professional and personal goals. My legacy at TEKsystems is very important to me. I don’t want to be remembered by the markets I have built or by a title.

My commitment to creating an inclusive environment at TEKsystems has become an important part of my mission here. I want to make sure groups like our AEN can feel a sense of belonging and identity by getting the necessary support they need to maximize the full potential of what this great company has to offer.

Ayman Hamid, SPHR | Allegis Global Solutions (TEKsystems’ fellow operating company)

I am first generation Palestinian American, raised in California—the oldest of five brothers, by my father, a middle school teacher, farmer and entrepreneur and my mother, a dedicated homemaker. Our parents instilled a strong work ethic and values. We learned to take pride in our heritage and to respect others, and I’ve carried these principles with me throughout my life.

I began my career with Allegis Group as a contract engineering recruiter with Aerotek in Greensboro, NC in 1998. I was fortunate to start my career in an office with so many future Allegis Group leaders who always prioritized inclusion. I have had mentors and sponsors well before ENs/ERGs were popular, and I continue to lean on them regularly. Maher Atta [listed above] and I knew each other before we began our careers at Allegis Group, and while I referred him to the company, we began only weeks apart. To this day our families stay close. When he asked me to join AEN, I jumped at the opportunity to share my experience and connect with other Arab Americans to help them navigate their careers.

I’ve found that shared life experiences or coming from similar backgrounds can create a safe space for people to discuss career challenges. Since I’ve been the beneficiary of great coaching, I feel a responsibility to give back in the same way.

Joining the AEN has allowed me to meet so many talented and committed people across Allegis Group and to grow together—sharing stories, discussing career management, and expanding our personal and professional networks. I’m honored to be a member of AEN and excited to see the impact we’ll make at TEKsystems and across Allegis Group.