Khitam is a first generation Palestinian female born and raised in Northern California. At the age of 16, she was emancipated and has been on her own ever since. She has learned that in order to advance economically, skilled trades should never be overlooked, especially for women.

Working multiple jobs at a time to provide for herself, she has been trying to complete her first Bachelor’s degree since she graduated high school in 1999. Life lessons including; fighting cancer on her own, managing mental health conditions including; PTSD, anxiety, ADHD and depression, surviving abusive relationships, these challenges made it very difficult in maintaining a 2.0 or higher G.P.A  to complete a college education as a non-traditional adult student. 

After surviving cancer in 2007, Khit moved to Chicago where she then learned more about how to get involved with not-for-profit organizations. For over a decade, she has been volunteering and working at Chicago based organizations including Imerman Angels, a 1-on-1 cancer support organization, as a Mentor. Angel. Khit has gained an overwhelming amount of experience and skills thanks to non-profit professionals in her life that have become some of her most trusted mentors today. Her passion in philanthropy and making an impact for women like her, became the impetus in starting her own charity, Blessons for Women (Blessons, NFP). With more than 200 speaking engagements under her belt, she has learned how to cultivate relationships within the Chicago community and individually fundraising over $100,000 by hosting events, participating in various endurance sports and races in support of making a difference in the community.

As she continues to face and overcome her own challenging life lessons, including obstacles in finishing her last few semesters of college, Khit hopes to empower other women who have suffered from life lessons such as cancer, mental illness, emotional or physical abuse (including sex trafficking), or who are first generation female immigrants, view the blessings from challenging life lessons. Khit believes by giving women just like her, a second chance in completing their higher education with the additional financial resources, whether it's at a college, university, trade school or tech/vocational program, we can help change many lives by empowering women through education, self love and self-care.

HARPER’S BAZAAR ARABIA | JUNE 2019

The Arab-American Business and Professional Association (ABPA) is to empower and advocate for the Arab American/Middle Eastern North African community in Illinois by providing essential tools, resources, and support to facilitate the growth and success of small business owners and professionals. We are committed to creating impactful programs and initiatives that foster the growth and prosperity of Arab American business owners and professionals, enabling them to achieve excellence in their careers and businesses. Our dedication extends to serving all residents in need of assistance in reaching their business goals. As a collective voice and advocate for small business owners, we address issues that require attention from the media, government, and community organizations, ensuring that the concerns and needs of our members are heard and acted upon.

Furthermore, the Arab-American Business and Professional Association (ABPA) are devoted to developing the next generation of Arab American professionals through our Emerging Leader Program, nurturing and empowering young talent to become future leaders in the business and professional landscape. In addition, we provide invaluable services and information to Illinois businesses seeking to establish and expand their presence in Arab countries, fostering mutually beneficial relationships and opportunities. Finally, ABPA places a strong emphasis on giving back to the communities where our members own retail shops, embodying our commitment to social responsibility and community enrichment. Through these initiatives and commitments, the Arab-American Business and Professional Association stands as a catalyst for positive change and growth within the Arab American business and professional community, driving economic prosperity and fostering a thriving, interconnected network of entrepreneurs and professionals.

MARCH 2024: Arab American Family Services, Worth, IL. 

The mission of Arab American Family Services is to change and impact the quality of life by serving and building stronger and healthier generations of Arab Americans in our communities. The vision of Arab American Family Services is to be a nonprofit organization that provides accessible and effective social services to communities in the Chicagoland area. AAFS is committed to empowering, educating, and supporting individuals, families, and organizations to foster and enhance economic well-being of Arab Americans.

“Another day, another #WomensHistoryMonth Spotlight! We are proud to feature Khitam Masoud, the founder and Executive Director of Blessons for Women, a non-profit which provides free mentorship, workshops, and wellness clinics for all women, in addition to scholarships for women who are 25 years or older and who have had their higher education interrupted due to challenging life lessons. Thank you, Khit, for being an inspiring force in the community.”

 PechaKucha Night Volume 49. It's a girl gang. Amy Gozalka has made us an amazing poster that's shouting loudly and proudly what the evening is all about. March 12th, 2019.

VIDEOS

Non-Profit Career since 2012

With more than 300 speaking engagements under her belt.

Teaching others to support a charity by using their feet!