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Andy Shallal

Andy Shallal

CEO of Busboys & Poets; Artist, Entrepreneur & Painter, Award-Winning Peace Activist & Philanthropist

Travels From Travels From:
Washington, DC, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000
Virtual Event: Please Contact
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Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Business, Business Leadership, Civil Rights, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Food & Beverage, Middle Eastern Heritage, Non-Profit, Poetry, Social Activism, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Justice
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Andy Shallal Biography

Andy Shallal is an Iraqi-American artist, activist, and entrepreneur best known as the founder of Busboys and Poets, a progressive restaurant, bookstore, and cultural hub based in Washington, D.C. Born in Baghdad and immigrating to the United States at a young age, Shallal has long straddled the intersection of art, politics, and community activism. His work reflects a deep commitment to social justice, peace, and cultural diversity.

Shallal’s early life was shaped by his experience as an immigrant and by his family’s displacement from Iraq. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his enduring concern with issues of identity, belonging, and political consciousness. Originally trained as a biochemist, he later pivoted toward more creative and civic endeavors, believing that change is often rooted in culture and conversation.

In 2005, Shallal opened the first Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C., envisioning it as a space where art, politics, and good food could coexist. Named after poet Langston Hughes—who once worked as a busboy—the venue quickly became a haven for activists, artists, and thinkers. With its open mic nights, community forums, and socially conscious programming, Busboys and Poets has grown into a regional chain that remains deeply engaged with local communities and national conversations.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Shallal is a prolific muralist whose artwork can be found in several of his restaurants, each piece reflecting themes of resistance, equity, and multiculturalism. He has also been active in political organizing and progressive causes, particularly in the areas of anti-war activism, racial justice, and local politics. In 2014, he ran for mayor of Washington, D.C., campaigning on a platform of inclusion, education reform, and economic equity.

Shallal's multifaceted career reflects a rare blending of artistic sensibility and civic responsibility. He continues to be a leading voice in conversations about how public spaces can foster dialogue, healing, and social change. Through his work, he exemplifies the power of the arts not just as a form of expression, but as a vehicle for activism and community building.

Shallal has founded or co-founded several peace movement organizations and holds leadership positions in numerous others. Among them are Iraqi Americans for Peaceful Alternatives, created prior to the 2003 invasion, and The Peace Cafe, which seeks to promote Arab-Jewish dialogue. At 800 members, it is the largest such group in the Washington, D.C., area. Shallal is a Peace Fellow with Seeds of Peace, spokesperson for Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) and at one point was chair of the board of trustees for Abraham's Vision, a conflict transformation organization working with Muslims, Jews, Palestinians, and Israelis. Shallal is a recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Community Award and has been named Man of the Year by the Washington Peace Center. He is a Foreign Policy In Focus analyst for the left-leaning think tank Institute for Policy Studies and current board member serving as Treasurer.

In 2010, the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington gave an award to Shallal for his support of the local arts community. On October 12, 2010, Shallal was awarded the Champions of Democracy Award by DCVote for his activism in support of voting rights for the people of the District of Columbia. Shallal is a member of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC-United) which works to help improve wages and working conditions for restaurant workers.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/13/2025.

Andy Shallal Videos

  • Bridging race and culture -- the story of Busboys & Poets | TEDx
    Bridging race and culture -- the story of Busboys & Poets | TEDx
    Andy Shallal moved to the U.S. from Iraq when he was 11 years old—the same year that Saddam Hussein came to power in his native country. In 2005 he...
  • Andy Shallal at TEDxWDC
    Andy Shallal at TEDxWDC
    Anas "Andy" Shallal is an artist and social entrepreneur. He was born in Iraq and moved to Washington DC with his family in 1966.
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Andy Shallal Books

  • A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets
    A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

Speaker Lists Featuring Andy Shallal

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  • What topics does Andy Shallal speak about?

    Andy Shallal is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Leadership, Civil Rights, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Food & Beverage, Middle Eastern Heritage, Non-Profit, Poetry, Social Activism, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Justice.

  • Where does Andy Shallal travel from?

    Andy Shallal generally travels from Washington, DC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Andy Shallal for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Andy Shallal for your next private or corporate function.

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Andy Shallal is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Andy Shallal for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Andy Shallal generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Andrew Leon Hanna, Christopher Bradshaw, Dr. Michael Time, Jasmine Crowe-Houston and Linda Sarsour. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Andy Shallal for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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