Kurdish National Congress of North America
About Kurdish National Congress of North America
Founded in July 1988 by a dedicated committee of Kurdish leaders in Washington, DC, the Kurdish National Congress of North America stands as one of the oldest and largest Kurdish nonprofit organizations in North America. Established with the vision of creating a unified Kurdish umbrella organization, KNCNA held its first annual conference in August 1989 and has since grown into a cornerstone institution for the Kurdish diaspora. The organization's founding members—Asad Khailany, Ibrahim Salih, Asfandiar Shukri, Ahmed Uthman, Jalal Shaban, Wafa Khorsheed, and Abdul Haleem Mostafa—laid the groundwork for three decades of community empowerment and cultural preservation. Based in Washington, DC, KNCNA celebrates a milestone achievement in 2018 when the organization marked 30 years of unwavering dedication to the Kurdish cause and the Kurdish-American community. The organization's core mission centers on promoting unity and common purpose among all Kurds, transcending political and religious boundaries to foster inclusive community building. KNCNA serves as a vital gathering place where Kurdish families and individuals can connect with their heritage, engage in meaningful advocacy, and work collectively toward shared goals. Through years of dedicated service to Washington, DC and the broader North American Kurdish community, KNCNA has earned recognition as a trusted institution that honors Kurdish identity while advancing the interests and wellbeing of Kurdish people across the continent.