JULY 2025

accept the role if offered. He believes

California’s young talent will groom its

own “Martin Manna.”

Manna echoed the optimism but

cautioned that much needs to be

worked out. “The Michigan Chamber

is extremely busy right now,” he

said. “The California chapter must be

carefully rolled out.” He referred to

a past incident when an illegitimate

California CACC misused the logo and

falsely claimed affiliation, prompting

legal action to stop them.

By the end of the meeting in

California, Somo had secured a few

more seed-money commitments. The

moment was especially meaningful

to him, having spent decades in

San Diego’s Chaldean business

community—from co-founding and

serving as the first president and CEO

of the Chaldean American Grocers

Association (CAGA) in 1995, which

later evolved into the Neighborhood

Market Association (NMA), to now

helping bring this movement full circle

in California.

Ricky Haisha of Jamul also felt a

full-circle moment. More than 50 years

ago, his father, the late Habib Haisha,

helped purchase the land for St.

Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Cathedral,

the first Chaldean church in California.

Following in his father’s footsteps,

Haisha committed to the seed money

and became a founding member of the

new Chamber.

He described the experience as

both historic and deeply rewarding.

Haisha, 58, is president of Haisha

Insurance Services, Inc. in La Mesa

and currently serves as president

of the California Agents and Health

Insurance Professionals – San Diego

Chapter. He believes the new Chamber

will amplify the community’s voice

and strengthen its presence in

California’s diverse economy.

“It’s a testament to the enduring

legacy of Chaldeans who have

worked tirelessly to build a better

future,” Haisha said. “This will serve

as a catalyst for economic growth,

collaboration, and cultural pride for

years to come.”

Steve Mattia, 38, of El Cajon, was

energized by the Chamber’s potential.

Deeply involved in the community,

Mattia has served with the NMA, on

the parish council, and as the Grand

Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He

is also an active member of the La Mesa

Chamber of Commerce. Having grown

up in the liquor store business, Mattia

now works as a business transactional

attorney with expertise in compliance

and licensing.

He plans to sign his firm, Mattia &

Yousif Law, up for membership in the

California Chamber.

Mattia said he was especially

moved by Manna’s honesty in sharing

the Chamber’s early missteps,

believing that if San Diego can

replicate the model, the Chamber will

become a powerful force for the local

Chaldean community.

“Right now, the only body we

have that is consistent and unifying

is the Church,” Mattia said. “I think

more young people should get

involved. They’re not just interested

in business—they’re also interested in

preserving our culture, and I give our

priests credit for encouraging that.”

Afaf Konja of El Cajon was the

only woman in attendance. She leads

two nonprofits in San Diego that help

new immigrants and English language

learners achieve self-sufficiency

through education and connection.

Konja, a former United Nations

resident correspondent and

geopolitical journalist, also served as

spokesperson and lead media adviser

for UN President John W. Ashe. After

reaching the height of her career, she

returned to California to be with her

family.

She was inspired by the Chamber’s

vision but wished more women had

been present at the meeting.

“Women can build beautiful

families and beautiful communities,”

Konja said. “I want them to have

the confidence to know their voices

matter—especially for causes they

believe in.”

As interim organizer, Somo is

committed to ensuring the Chamber’s

strong launch. He believes the best is

yet to come as California and Michigan

work hand in hand to uplift and unite

the Chaldean community across the

nation.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel,”

Somo said. “This is just the beginning.

What we’re building is more than

an organization, it’s a movement.

A space where Chaldeans can grow

economically, preserve our culture,

and lead with pride.”

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JULY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 27