Hedab Tarifi

Hedab Tarifi was born in Gaza, Palestine. She lived in Kuwait until after the first Gulf War, when she moved to the US. In April 1992, Hedab chose to make Los Angeles her
home. Hedab Tarifi holds a bachelor degree in Computer Software Engineering from University of Florida and an E-Business MBA from University of Phoenix.

Hedab worked as an IM Program Manager at General Electric Energy for 20 years. She is now an IT Consultant & Financial Coach and on her way to become a certified Financial Planner.

Hedab has been active in the Muslim and Interfaith communities in Southern California since 1994, working on building bridges and bringing people together. She served on the board of several Muslim non-profit organizations, including the New Horizon School Los Angeles, Shura Council of Southern California.

She was elected to be the first Chairwoman of both the Muslim Public Affairs Council in 2007 and the Islamic Center of Southern California in 2016. Hedab served and continues to serve on the boards of several interfaith groups/organizations such as University Religious Conference at UCLA and Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders.

In 1994, Hedab worked with Dr. Hassan Hathout on his book Reading the Muslim Mind. A
book referenced by those who seek to learn about Islam. In 2002, Hedab led the effort to make a quilt in remembrance of 9/11 victims. The quilt now resides in the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

Hedab worked with KPCC, the Pasadena National Public Radio station on “Portrait of Hedab”, an audio diary reflecting on her experience and the Muslim community in Southern California after 9/11. The diary aired nationwide on the first anniversary of 9/11 and won the Golden Mike Award for best documentary.

Hedab works with humanitarian organizations focusing on elevating the suffering of Children in Palestine and the Middle East. She is currently serving as the Chair of the Muslim Public Affairs Foundation.

In June 2018, Hedab was honored by City of Los Angeles, Mayor Garcetti and Human Relations Commission for her leadership and community contributions to elevate interfaith relations.