Hello people

My name is Merna Shehata. I am Egyptian-American living in California. I have my doctorate in Occupational Therapy from University of St. Augustine of Health Sciences, San Marcos and my bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University Long Beach. I am currently Miss Arab USA finalist. Essential aspects I learned throughout my school years are to have a voice to contribute and serve underserved communities including refugees and homeless. I also learned to advocate for resources for elders, families, children and individuals in need to gain their ultimate independence and to live in overall wellness. Further, I was trained to visit hospitals to collaborate with staff and professionals to facilitate appropriate approaches depending on each case observed. My rotations in school were in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living homes that made me gain experience and hands-on practices on how to provide therapeutic services and/or appropriate services for populations and/or settings. I have worked as a physical therapy staff and I worked as an ABA for children with special needs with 2 years of experience. I participated in community services. I’m learning every day a lesson of how to fill up the cups of others for my own cup to be fulfilled by God in hardships and throughout my short life journey.

Therefore, by being fortunate to be in Miss Arab USA and as a finalist for recognition of giving, I support The Arab American Organization (AAO), founded by Ashraf Elgamal, based in Phoenix 501 (c)(3) non-profit that represent our culture and in investing services in multiple communities. I request from you to donate as minimum as 5$ to support. Your donations will target hospitals, refugees and underserved communities to make a change.

Additionally, there will be a prize of $10,000 for each finalist that raises $1000 for AAO by July 13. Your donations will be directed and contributed to AAO with no deduction fee. While GoFundMe donations are not automatically tax deductible, they are tax deductible through AAO’s 501(c)(3) status. If I won the $ 10,000, I will donate 50% of the amount to cancer support and I will show prove of it aligning with this mission. Please help contribute in making small steps that become bigger in time. You can pay through Zella, PayPal or Check.

Zelle send to: [email redacted] and include in the message “In sponsorship of Merna Shehata

PayPal send to: [email redacted] and write in the “note” section “In sponsorship of Merna Shehata”

make sure to select “family and friends”

Check should be mailed to:

Miss Arab Organization

P.Q Box 22

Phoenix, AZ 85001

And write in memo line:

“In sponsorship of Merna Shehata”

Thank you

Merna Shehata

Miss Arab USA 2025 finalist