Mahir Awrahem – Author & Teacher
Mahir Awrahem is a highly educated professional with an extensive background in theology, mathematics, computer science, and business administration.
Mr. Awrahem earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Mosul in 1990, a Master of Science Degree in Computer Sciences from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2000, and a Master’s in Business Administration Applied Computer Sciences from North-Central University in 2012. He also studied Theology, Bible, Philosophy, and church history at OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP Catholic Church in Mosul/Iraq from 1986 to 1990.
Mr. Awrahem has a successful career as an Information Technology Specialist Supervisor/Section Chief at the US Federal since 2013. Additionally, he has been teaching the Aramaic Language and History & Culture courses for university credit every semester since 2009. He offers none-credit courses of 10 weeks for the public to learn the Syriac (Sureth) Language at the Holy Martyrs Chaldean Catholic Church since October 2019, the Chaldean Cultural Center since January 2022, and Ishtar Cultural Center for many year for adults and childern. He also taught computer application classes at Chaldean Community Foundation from 2017 to 2018 and Computer Programming courses (Java, C++, C#, PERL, JavaScript, Data Structures, Database, and more) at Baker College of Clinton Township from 2000 to 2012, Oakland University from 2016 to 2019, Oakland Community College from 2015 to 2017, and Wayne Community College from 2014 to 2018.
In 2009, Mr. Awrahem and the Ishtar Cultural Center in Michigan started The Aramaic Language Course and The Aramaic Culture Studies Course in partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy’s Language & Cultural Training Department. He created the courses’ curriculum, and he has been teaching these classes since January 2009. Furthermore, he created the Chaldean Aramaic App (course of 10 chapters) for Mango Languages in 2017.
Mr. Awrahem has been highly engaged in community service throughout his career. He has served as a Senior Member of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol from December 2022 to December 2024, and as President of the Ishtar Cultural Center from March 2017 to March 2025. In addition, he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Chaldean Cultural Center from March 2022 to October 2023, and for the Shelby Township Historical Committee from September 2018 to March 2023. He also contributed to the Assyrian Aid Society of America, Detroit Chapter, serving on its Board of Directors from 2000 to 2013, as well as the Chaldean Federation of America from 1999 to 2005.
In recognition of his volunteer and community service efforts, Mr. Awrahem received the Detroit Federal Executive Board – Public Service Recognition Award in May 2024.
Martin Bitris – Linguist Advisor
Mr. Madhi (Martin) Bitris has a profound educational and professional background in the fields of linguistics and Arts. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts at the University of 
Mosul/Iraq in 1994.
Mr. Bitris career has been characterized by his dedication to language education. He served as a language teacher for high schools in Mosul and also instructed introductory language courses at the University of Mosul.
From 2007 to 2010, Martin made a significant contribution to the United States Army by serving as a Senior Linguist and Translator in support of the U.S. military efforts in Iraq.
In 2023, Mr. Bitris embarked on a new chapter in his career by becoming a Linguistic Advisor and Educator at Aramaic Studies, further demonstrating his commitment to the field of linguistics.
Rita Amma Shamou – Teacher
Say hello to Mrs. Rita Amma Shamou, a super passionate teacher who loves teaching Sureth to kids. She grew up in Alqosh after being born in Kirkuk and has always felt a strong connection to her culture and the cool Sureth language.
Mrs. Rita really thinks that learning a language is like having a superpower to keep who you are and feel like you belong somewhere. She’s full of energy and ideas, and she made a plan to teach Sureth that’s not boring at all. In her classes, you don’t just learn words and stuff – you also hear about cool stories, traditions, and important values. Mrs. Rita believes that if learning is fun and makes sense, kids will really love and remember their language.
She’s not just a teacher; she’s like a language superhero, making sure kids love and remember Sureth for a long, long time!