Fady Qaddoura

Fady Qaddoura is a Palestinian American politician from Indianapolis. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to represent Senate District 30 in the Indiana Senate in the 2020 general election, becoming the first Arab Muslim lawmaker in the state's history. In the election, he defeated his Republican opponent, winning 52.5% of the vote.

Life
Qaddoura was born in the West Bank, State of Palestine to Palestinian parents. Qaddoura traveled at the age of 18 to study computer science in the US. He lost his home in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.

Qaddoura studied at the University of New Orleans and obtained a bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science. And from Rice University, he holds a master's degree in public administration and nonprofit management, and later, he holds a doctorate in philosophy in philanthropy and public policy from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.

He has worked in scientific research at the University of Texas System and the University of New Orleans. He also has worked as adjunct faculty in Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.

Volunteering
Qaddoura volunteered with the Muslim American Society in Houston to help feed those in need after Hurricane Katrina, while also being an evacuee himself. He was involved in providing logistical support digitally, building databases for the Muslim American Society to use in its efforts to provide resources to evacuees. During Ramadan of 2007, Qaddoura organized a community iftar, hosting refugees coming from Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria.