Message From The Founder
As I reflect on the past year, I am inspired by the remarkable progress and collective energy that have propelled the MENASA Group forward. Our mission—to mobilize representation, networks, and advancement for Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA) communities in clinical research—has never been more urgent or more achievable.
We began this journey with a simple yet bold vision: to bridge the persistent gaps in health representation and ensure that MENASA voices are heard, valued, and included in the global dialogue on clinical research. In 2024, this vision took shape through six flagship initiatives, each designed to empower healthcare providers, build inclusive research ecosystems, and engage communities historically overlooked in clinical trials.
Our first MENASA Clinical Research Inclusion Summit in Houston brought together over 200 attendees, 32 community leaders, and nine life sciences vendors, marking the launch of the first U.S.-based advocacy platform for MENASA clinical trial inclusion. This event not only secured media coverage and academic recognition but also laid the foundation for ongoing partnerships and advocacy.
With the launch of the MENASA Magazine, we have created a vital platform for sharing stories of accomplished physicians, insights on clinical trial equity, and innovations within our communities. The magazine’s reach is already expanding, with 350 printed issues distributed and partnerships with leading medical associations.
Looking ahead, we are committed to launching a comprehensive MENASA Clinical Trial Registry, expanding the Junior Academy nationally, and securing core funding for our central hub in Sugar Land. These steps will ensure that our impact continues to grow, both in the United States and internationally.
I am deeply grateful to our team, partners, sponsors, and the broader MENASA community for their unwavering support. Together, we are not just an organization—we are a movement. A movement dedicated to creating an inclusive global healthcare landscape where every patient, regardless of their ethnicity, is truly represented, valued, and served.
With hope and determination,
Dr. Hadi Danawi
Founder, MENASA Group
Board of Directors
Dr. Faten Almasri
Vice Chair
Jerry Settle
Treasurer
Liliana Gamba
Secretary
MENASA Group Partners with National Arab Orchestra
We are proud to announce a strategic partnership between MENASA Group and the National Arab Orchestra. Together, we will celebrate and promote the richness of Arab culture, music, and heritage through collaborative events and initiatives that inspire and connect communities worldwide.