Andy Shallal Brings Visionary Leadership and Social Justice Expertise to DAWN's Board of Directors
(Washington, D.C., December 24, 2024) – Social entrepreneur and social justice advocate Andy Shallal has joined DAWN's board of directors, the organization said today.
"We are thrilled to welcome Andy Shallal to our Board of Directors," said Sarah Leah Whitson, DAWN's Executive Director. "His remarkable work as a social entrepreneur, his commitment to building communities, and his dedication to promoting social justice align deeply with DAWN's mission to advance human rights and dignity in the Middle East."
Shallal founded Busboys and Poets, a network of restaurants in the Washington D.C. area where art, culture, and politics converge over food and community. With eight locations, including in Columbia, MD, Busboys and Poets has become the city's preeminent cultural hub, hosting renowned intellectuals and activists such as Howard Zinn, Angela Davis, Cornel West, Alice Walker, and Nikki Giovanni. Shallal's business has been recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability and is one of the first businesses in the District of Columbia to operate entirely on wind power. Shallal's focus on worker rights has made him a leader in advocating sustainable labor practices within the restaurant industry.
"I am honored to join DAWN's board of directors and look forward to working with my fellow board members and the staff to support this fearless and bold organization challenging America's failed policies in the Middle East," said Shallal. "DAWN is not only working to ensure that U.S. policies support democracy and human rights in the region but also to protect U.S. democracy from nefarious foreign influence and corruption."
In addition to his business success, Shallal has long advocated for peace and justice, particularly in the Middle East. He has co-founded several organizations focused on these issues and served in leadership roles across many civic and nonprofit initiatives. Shallal has also been an active member of boards, including the Institute for Policy Studies, the Anacostia Coordinating Council, and the Palestine House of Freedom.
"Andy Shallal will help serve as a bridge for DAWN's work to reform U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East to a broader community of individuals and organizations dedicated to social justice," said Whitson. "We and Andy share an understanding of the interconnectedness between U.S. foreign policies that impact millions abroad and their profound repercussions within the United States," said Whitson.
