Nielsen Launches Marhaba – The United States government has designated April as National Arab American Heritage Month this year. Marhaba (Arabic for “hello”), Nielsen’s newest Business Resource Group (BRG) dedicated to helping and connecting employees of Arab heritage, is joining the festivities. Our BRGs, which are led by employee volunteers, are crucial in fostering a diverse, egalitarian, and inclusive Nielsen culture. 
 
Issam Kaisse, co-founder and regional head of Marhaba, joined numerous BRGs when he arrived in Nielsen seven years ago. While he gained a lot of knowledge and developed several connections, he discovered that there was no community of individuals who shared his interests. Simultaneously, he discovered that many of his coworkers knew very little about Morocco and other Arab countries. As a result, he was moved to develop Marhaba. “Why not form a group?” 
 
Leaders and members of the BRG strive to increase cultural knowledge and understanding through education and collaboration, embracing Nielsen’s values of inclusiveness, courage, and progress. Kaisse recently hosted the BRG’s inaugural meeting for Nielsen workers, during which he discussed Ramadan, the lunar calendar’s ninth month. In more than 50 nations around the world, people of Arab descent mark this week as a time for fasting, prayer, meditation, and community. 
 
During the seminar, Kaisse gave tips for what to say or do around colleagues who are fasting. “We provided individuals the opportunity to ask questions. “We discuss what it’s like to be Arab, as well as our holidays and traditions,” Kaisse remarked.