Apr 12, 2017

Henry Ford College recognizes Zaman CEO Najah Bazzy

Henry Ford College (HFC) has honored Zaman International Founder and CEO Najah Bazzy with the 2017 Gene L. Brazell Community Role Model Award, a distinction bestowed each year by HFC’s Focus on Women program to honor a woman who works tirelessly in the community to better the lives of others, supports the work of HFC, and is an exemplary role model for women.

Bazzy accepted the award on March 24 at the Women’s Recognition Luncheon on the college’s campus. Proceeds from the luncheon go to Student Outreach and Support and its Student Emergency Fund, which provides financial assistance to HFC students with unforeseen emergency needs to help them stay in school and complete their education.

“Najah Bazzy is a dedicated, compassionate and respected member of the community who has been an invaluable asset in helping many households break the cycle of poverty,” said Lisa Copprue, HFC vice president for student affairs. “I cannot think of a candidate who is more deserving to be this year’s Community Role Model.”

Bazzy, who founded Zaman International 20 years ago to provide urgent needs to severely impoverished women and children throughout Greater Detroit, spoke to luncheon attendees about her inspiration to serve, Zaman’s work locally and around the world, and her dream of a world without hunger. 

“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized by Henry Ford College,” Bazzy said. “Being a role model is not something I set out to do; I simply saw a need in the community and tried to meet it. The countless individuals and community partners who have lent their support to this effort – partners like Henry Ford College – have made Zaman what it is today.”

HFC has provided vital volunteer support to Zaman over the past years, sending groups of staff and students to assist with packing hygiene items and organizing Zaman’s food pantry.