Arwa B. Ensour, PMP, CMR, BS, is an educator, community leader, and activist dedicated to shaping the future of education, civic engagement, and social equity. She is president of the Prospect Park Board of Education in New Jersey, where she made history as the first Arab, Muslim, young American Jordanian woman elected to this position in the state. In addition to her leadership role, Ms. Ensour is a fifth-grade STEM educator, teaching social studies, English language arts, and math. She also teaches Arabic on weekends and during the summer, fostering cultural awareness, language proficiency, and identity-building for her students.
Ms. Ensour earned a Bachelor of Science in cellular and molecular biology from William Paterson University of New Jersey, a degree that provided her with a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and data-driven leadership. She holds numerous professional certifications, including as a project management professional (PMP), certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), and certified municipal registrar (CMR), as well as in board member boardmanship and in first aid and CPR –showcasing her versatility, commitment to lifelong learning, and cross-sector expertise.
Moreover, since 2023, Ms. Ensour has been the deputy municipal registrar for the Borough of Prospect Park, where she supports local governance and vital municipal services. Her professional background includes roles such as office assistant for the Office of University Community Partnerships at William Paterson University from 2017 to 2024, during which she was key in strengthening university-community engagement. She also worked as a financial aid assistant from 2023 to 2024 and as a pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy from 2021 to 2023, further demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to service in a range of professional environments.
Ms. Ensour’s passion for leadership, service, and youth empowerment emerged early. In school, she was involved in various clubs supporting children with special needs, the yearbook and arts committee, the physics club, and numerous student-led initiatives. That same drive carries into her adult life, where she remains active in civic engagement efforts, frequently volunteering at food shelters, hospitals, and the Islamic Center of Passaic County. Ms. Ensour also leads monthly free food distribution initiatives in her community, ensuring dignity and access to basic needs for all. In addition, she serves as chairperson for Community Recycling Programs, advocates for environmental sustainability, and mentors youth through workshops, public speaking engagements, and educational programs.
For her dedication, Ms. Ensour has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Volunteer Award, Outstanding Achievement Award at the 9th International Women’s Day, Outstanding Contribution Award during New Jersey Muslim Heritage Month, and Senior Recognition for Exceptional Service. She also has been interviewed and recognized across New Jersey by educational networks, community platforms, and public service organizations for her inspiring work and leadership. Ms. Ensour’s name has become known throughout the state as a rising voice for equity, representation, and youth empowerment. Along with being recognized often for her service, she remains a visible and respected figure in civic and educational circles.
Further, Ms. Ensour’s impact has reached global audiences, having been featured on major Jordanian news outlets, including Roya TV, and on various social media and influencer platforms throughout Jordan, where her achievements have sparked pride and admiration among Jordanians locally and abroad. As a dual citizen, she feels a deep responsibility to carry her family’s legacy forward, knowing that their hopes and sacrifices are what drive her work. Her efforts have resonated with youth, women, and underrepresented voices in the U.S. and Jordan.
Hailing from a distinguished Jordanian family deeply rooted in public service, Ms. Ensour is the proud cousin of former Jordanian Prime Minister Dr. Abdullah Ensour. Her uncle is current Governor of the Al Balqa Governorate, Ibrahim Alawamleh. Ms. Ensour’s late grandfather, Naji Abdelaziz Ensour, was a highly respected figure as the Jordanian Ambassador to Egypt. She considers it an honor and blessing to be related to such impactful leaders and is humbled to carry on the family’s legacy of service, leadership, and national pride. Ms. Ensour is especially proud to be a reliable resource for her people, her community, and young women, offering advice, mentorship, guidance, and support. Whether it’s helping someone navigate their career, gain confidence, or simply feel seen, she has become a trusted voice and role model for many. Being that person others can count on is one of her greatest honors.
Beyond her career, Ms. Ensour enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new foods, sightseeing, arts and crafts, shopping, and visiting water resorts as part of her self-care and wellness routine. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her impact statewide and nationally, particularly in the areas of immigrant support, education reform, women’s political representation, and equitable access to STEM opportunities. With a strong foundation in science and a clear vision for the future, she intends to continue her professional journey in STEM, blending her academic background with her passion for leadership and service.
Ms. Ensour also looks forward to starting a family of her own one day and hopes to instill the values of purpose, service, and strength in her future children. She takes pride in knowing that one day, they will be proud to say, “That’s my mother.” With a life defined by purpose, faith, and community, Ms. Ensour remains committed to empowering others to lead boldly, serve humbly, and create meaningful change wherever they are planted.