Dear Federation Family,
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the honor of being elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the coming year. As someone whose family has a long and proud history of service to our Federation, it is truly a privilege to continue that legacy and serve this incredible organization.
My family and I had an amazing time in Orlando, and I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Federation Convention Committee and the Syrian Lebanese American Club of Orlando for hosting an outstanding 95th Annual Summer Convention. Your dedication, countless hours of planning, and warm hospitality created an event that brought our members together in fellowship, friendship, and a shared celebration of our heritage. Thank you to every volunteer, committee member, sponsor, and attendee who contributed to the success of this special week.
I am also honored to serve alongside an outstanding Board of Directors that brings together experienced leadership and a new generation of members with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Together, we will continue to strengthen our Federation while building toward an exciting milestone—our 100th Anniversary. Like the cedar tree, whose roots run deep and whose branches continue to grow, our Federation is strengthened by the legacy of those who came before us and inspired by the promise of future generations.
As we celebrate the success of our Summer Convention, we now turn our attention to our 81st Mid-Winter Conference, taking place March 4–7, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. This year’s conference will be jointly hosted by two exceptional clubs—the Syrian Lebanese American Club of New Orleans and the Lebanese American Society of New Orleans.
New Orleans has long been known for hosting memorable Federation gatherings, and I know our Federation Convention Committee and host clubs are already working tirelessly to create another outstanding experience you won’t want to miss.
Our conference theme, Cedar & Soul, beautifully reflects who we are—a people deeply rooted in our heritage, united by lifelong friendships, and inspired by the spirit that has carried our Federation forward for nearly a century. The Mid-Winter Conference is more than just a meeting; it is an opportunity to reconnect, welcome new members into our Federation family, celebrate our shared traditions, and continue building the relationships that define us. I encourage each of you to mark your calendars and make plans to join us.
Thank you for your confidence, trust, and support. I look forward to serving alongside each of you during the coming year as we continue honoring our past while embracing our future. Together, through the strength of our roots and the spirit of our people, we will carry the legacy of the Southern Federation forward toward our Centennial celebration.
With gratitude,
Stephanie Joseph Shunnara
Chairman, Board of Directors
Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs