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From Sumer to the Present Day: Recapping SOM’s ‘Cradle of Civilization’ Presentation!

The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted a profound and educational afternoon event, diving deep into the rich and complex past of Iraq with a special presentation titled “Cradle of Civilization.” Held in person in Irvine, the gathering featured Issam Alhariri, who skillfully guided the audience through millennia of history.

Mr. Alhariri’s comprehensive talk covered everything from the very dawn of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia right up to the present day. We explored the ancient Sumerians and Babylonians, whose inventions laid the foundation for modern life, as well as the various empires, cultural shifts, and contemporary challenges that have shaped the nation. It was a powerful reminder that the story of Iraq—the birthplace of writing, law, and agriculture—is, in many ways, the story of humanity itself.

What made this gathering truly special was the incredibly diverse turnout. The audience included not only members of the Arab community eager to reconnect with their roots but also people from all backgrounds who joined us specifically to learn more about the region’s colossal historical significance.

The educational afternoon was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of open education and cross-cultural understanding. Thank you to Issam Alhariri for sharing his expertise and to everyone who attended and contributed to such a rich and informative conversation!

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Turning Dreams into Reality: Recapping SOM’s ‘Vision into Action: Leadership in Practice’ Workshop!

he Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted an inspiring and highly practical workshop designed to empower our community members to achieve their goals! On Saturday, May 20th at 11 AM via Zoom, we were honored to have Salam Ali Hariri, Senior IT Manager – Global Data & Analytics, lead the enlightening session titled “Vision into Action: Leadership in Practice.”

The workshop challenged participants to “Think of a Personal or Community DREAM you wish to come true,” and then provided the tools to make it happen. Salam expertly guided attendees through critical questions such as: “What is a vision, and our purpose in life?” and “Who is a leader?” He also delved into identifying common obstacles, asking, “What is pulling us back, and what should change?”

A significant focus of the session was on tangible steps, offering “Examples of goals, initiatives, projects, and ideas.” Crucially, participants gained valuable insights into Project Management principles to effectively deliver on their goals. Salam Ali Hariri, renowned for “Serving our Community,” shared his wealth of experience, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

This “Vision into Action” workshop was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just a title, but a practice of turning dreams into reality. Thank you to Salam Ali Hariri for his exceptional presentation and to all who attended, ready to transform their visions into tangible achievements!

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SOM’s Social Media Presentation with Ola Al Asadi!

he Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted an incredibly relevant and insightful presentation, diving deep into the ever-evolving world of social media! Held on November 5th, 2022, via Zoom, the virtual event featured the highly knowledgeable Ola Al Asadi, MSc, MBA, PMP, CSM.

Ola guided us through the intricate landscape of digital connectivity, tackling crucial questions that resonate with everyone navigating the online space. We explored metrics like: How many people are truly active on social media? What stands out as the most popular platform? How much time do we actually spend scrolling each day, and what’s the fastest-growing network capturing attention?

Beyond the usage statistics, Ola also offered invaluable insights into the strategic side, discussing the best times to post on social media to maximize reach and engagement. This session provided a fantastic opportunity for our community to better understand the digital tools that shape our daily lives, whether for personal connection, community building, or professional growth.

Ola Al Asadi’s expertise shed light on these vital aspects, making the complexities of social media accessible and understandable for all attendees. A huge thank you to Ola for her time and insights, and to everyone who joined us for this important discussion!

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SOM Presentation : Tales From a Suitcase

The Spirit of Mesopotamia (SOM) recently hosted a profound and incredibly moving event titled “Tales From a Suitcase,” dedicated to supporting Iraqi immigrants and refugees. Held on March 10th via Zoom, this important evening provided a vital platform for sharing stories of struggles, survival, and triumphs experienced by those living in America.

The presentation featured four dedicated community experts, each offering guidance on a critical area. Ilham Al-Sarraf Rope, a Doctor in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist, discussed the Psychological Journey of resettlement. Sahar Ali, a Social Services Case Manager, offered crucial Resources covering financial, health, and education information. Finally, Salam Ali Hariri, Senior IT Manager, focused on Educational and Career Guidance to help individuals build their new lives, while Duha Al-Hakeem, Arabic Community Liaison, provided essential community support.

The event was a powerful initiative organized by the SOM Education and Self Development Committee. By bringing these experts together, the session offered practical advice and emotional support, embodying the SOM mission of serving our community.

Thank you to all the speakers for sharing their expertise and dedication, and to everyone who joined this essential discussion. We remain committed to helping Iraqi immigrants and refugees in their journey of survival and success in America!