Casablanca, Morocco — Dr. Khadija El Cherkaoui, also known as Kathy Carver, has been bestowed with the prestigious “Moroccan of the World “award by the Moroccan government, recognizing her extensive contributions to preserving and promoting Moroccan heritage globally. A renowned biologist with a career that spans scientific research, civic advocacy, and cultural engagement, Dr. El Cherkaoui has dedicated herself to fostering a sense of Moroccan identity and heritage, both within the United States and internationally.
Dr. El Cherkaoui has garnered significant academic accolades, including being nominated as Professor of the Year in 2016, 2019, and 2023, and as a finalist for the NISOD Excellence Award in 2020. Her academic pursuits are complemented by her commitment to defending Moroccan heritage, notably by opposing the Polisario Front’s presence at an Arab festival in Dallas, Texas, in 2018, and advocating for accurate representation of Morocco’s Sahara region.
Since 2016, Dr. El Cherkaoui has been an ambassador for the International Moroccan Storytelling initiative, focusing on cultural preservation. In 2021, she expanded her cultural reach as the President of World Cultural Dance in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her humanitarian efforts were notably demonstrated following the Al Haouz earthquake, where she organized aid deliveries to affected communities.
Dr. El Cherkaoui’s commitment to community support is exemplified through her Trans-Atlantic Association, which provides initiatives for Moroccan families abroad and maintains cultural ties for younger generations. Through events like interfaith iftars, holiday celebrations, and soccer match watch parties, she fosters a strong sense of community and cultural pride.
In addition to her civic work, Dr. El Cherkaoui founded the DFW New Leaders Organization, mentoring youth as young as 12. Her efforts have been celebrated by the City of Arlington, which declared October 31, 2026, as Moroccan Cultural Day, a groundbreaking initiative in Texas.
Reflecting on her multifaceted career, Dr. El Cherkaoui underscores the significance of staying connected to Moroccan heritage, emphasizing that her work is aimed at “supporting our community and inspiring the younger generation to remain connected to their Moroccan heritage.”.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Oumaima Moho Amer
