SXU Alum Named to Arab American Foundation's 30 Under 30 List
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alum Majid Matariyeh '25 has been named to the Arab
American Foundation's 30 Under 30 list. 30 Under 30 spotlights professionals in all
fields who excel in their industries, promote their heritage and cultures, empower
their communities, and make a difference. As an Outreach and Volunteer Manager at
Zakat Foundation of America and Illinois Regional Director for MSA National, Matariyeh
exemplifies the criteria.
"Being named to the Arab American Foundation's 30 Under 30 list means a lot to me,
because when I look at everything that brought me here, I do not really see a list
of accomplishments. I see people. I see my parents, my siblings, my friends, my professors,
my community, the students I served with, my brother, my grandfather, and everyone
who helped shape me. I am Palestinian and Lebanese American, and being recognized
by an Arab American organization means even more because my identity has always been
deeply connected to family, faith, Palestine and service," Matariyeh said.
After earning a bachelor's degree in business, Matariyeh is furthering his education
at SXU and is currently pursuing an MBA in project management. The endless career
choices the Chicagoland business world offers, plus its proximity to the University,
originally drew him to campus.
"What I did not expect was for SXU to become such a big part of my life. It became
the place where I really discovered myself as a leader. I built relationships with
professors, staff, friends and mentors who believed in me. I also found a Muslim community
that I eventually had the privilege of helping lead. Somewhere along the way, the
school I originally chose because it was practical became home. That is why staying
for my MBA in Project Management felt natural. SXU had already played such a large
role in my growth, and project management connected directly to the type of work I
was already doing through leadership, outreach, events and community service," Matariyeh
said.
With a number of opportunities to join a student organization at Saint Xavier, Matariyeh
found a home as the president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and served as
treasurer of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Both groups helped him to grow
as a leader and fulfilled his urge to give back to his community. He's carried those
lessons into his professional career.
"I learned that sometimes leadership is not standing in front of a room. Sometimes
leadership is sitting next to one person who is struggling, listening, and helping
them find the support they need. A lot of what I do professionally today started [at
SXU]. Outreach, volunteer coordination, public speaking, relationship building, event
planning, partnerships, conflict resolution, and working with different communities
all grew from those experiences," Matariyeh said.
Matariyeh has always felt called to serve and never wants to stop giving back. While
experiencing great losses in his life, including the passing of his brother and grandfather,
he's felt a deep need to reach others who need help directly. Among his accomplishments,
he has mobilized thousands of volunteers through strategic partnerships with universities,
faith institutions, and community organizations to advance humanitarian relief, food
security initiatives, and youth civic engagement. He has also led statewide collaborations
and service campaigns that strengthen Arab American representation and leadership.
"Through Zakat Foundation, I found a way to connect my faith, my career, and the service
that had already become such a large part of my life. Our work includes things like
food distributions, orphan sponsorships, clothing assistance, water projects, emergency
relief, and other humanitarian programs that support Gaza and communities around the
world that need assistance the most," Matariyeh said.