Bringing IC Home to Michigan
As the Ambassadors of the ICAA Michigan Chapter, it has been a heartfelt and rewarding experience to reconnect with our beloved IC community, right here in the heart of the American Midwest.
Our latest alumni gathering took place in the charming City of Franklin, nestled in Metro Detroit, a region where many of our IC alumni live, work, and contribute to a vibrant local community. To make the evening feel warm, personal, and authentically connected, the event was hosted at the home of one of Michigan’s ambassadors, Mariam Alboustani (’98). The intimate setting brought back that familiar sense of belonging, laughter, and community that we all cherished during our days at IC.
Michigan is home to a vibrant Lebanese and Arab American population, and within it lives a dynamic, accomplished network of over 100,000 individuals, including a growing number of IC alumni. From top-tier professionals in academia, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, to leaders in Michigan’s globally recognized auto industry, and even policymakers and public sector champions, the diversity and excellence of our IC family here never cease to amaze us. The journey to building this chapter has been one filled with warmth, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. We owe a special thank you to ICAA Beirut — particularly Zeina Annan, whose open-mindedness and constant support made our “shared ambassadorship” possible. Launching an ICAA chapter is no easy feat; it demands dedication, communication, and the ability to nurture a growing web of connections. Together, we started by reaching out to names on the ICAA list, sending emails, texts, and slowly but surely forming bonds that turned into a supportive alumni network. Our group chat today is a lively hub — full of nostalgia, laughter, and the occasional “do you remember?” moments.
Our approach has always been grounded in inclusivity and simplicity. Given Michigan’s vast geography (it’s over 24 times the size of Lebanon!), we prioritize easy-to-access events and involve alumni in the decision-making process by polling for preferred dates and venues. This collaborative spirit ensures that every gathering feels intentional, welcoming, and above all, like home.
The benefits of this initiative go beyond reunions and casual get-togethers. For us, the most powerful reward has been the emotional connection — the flood of school-day memories and the shared pride in our IC roots. Professionally, this network opens doors to collaboration and mutual support, whether it's helping a fellow Lebanese family, mentoring a new arrival, or offering a hand in times of need.
To anyone considering starting a chapter but feeling overwhelmed, our advice is simple: don’t do it alone. Partnering up makes the journey lighter, more joyful, and far more meaningful. Together, we’ve created something special; a reminder that no matter how far we are from Beirut, IC lives in us all. It’s more than a school; it’s family. It’s home.
Nada Charara’99 & Mariam Alboustani’98
ICAA Michigan Chapter Ambassadors