Students Recognized for Community-Building Efforts Among Muslim Americans

Two Yale SOM students, Dalia Hammouri ’25 and Mohammed Serdah ’26, have received the Victor H. Frank, Jr. Fellowship for U.S. and Muslim World Relations.

Established in 2012 by the Asian Programs Foundation, this award provides support for students in any degree program at SOM who are working to identify ways in which the business community can contribute to enhanced relations between the Muslim world and the United States.

Hammouri, a Silver Scholar and graduate of the University of California, Irvine, was recognized for her volunteer work with the Majlis, a California-based nonprofit that offers faith-centered educational programs, community events, and interfaith dialogue. With the support of the fellowship, she plans to start a peer support program for Muslim mothers, addressing what she calls a “critical need for community support.”

“The Victor H. Frank, Jr. Fellowship will support me in launching this initiative, furthering my commitment to creating environments where Muslim moms feel empowered to show up fully to their workplaces and communities,” Hammouri said.

Serdah, a graduate of the University of Connecticut has assumed leadership roles in numerous Muslim student organizations in college and at SOM, including the UConn Muslim Student Association, the Connecticut Muslim Basketball League, and the SOM Middle East and North Africa Club. He has served as a mentor at Yale’s Middle Eastern and North African Cultural Community and is working to launch a Muslim Student Association at SOM.

“I am committed to fostering opportunities for young Muslims to enter and thrive in the business world,” Serdah said. “This fellowship will enable me to expand mentorship programs and curate speaker events that connect leading business professionals from diverse Muslim communities.”