NASHVILLE (AP) - Nashville resident Kasar Abdulla will be honored by the White House as a "Champion of Change" for her work helping immigrants integrate into the fabric of their neighborhoods.

According to a news release, the Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to honor individuals, businesses and organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire their communities.

Abdulla was one of the founding members of the Welcoming Tennessee Initiative. A native of Kurdistan, Abdulla continues to work to address difficult issues in immigration and religion through dialogue.

Abdulla was selected as one of 10 "Welcoming America Champions of Change" who are ensuring that America's history as a nation of immigrants continues to enrich the country.

She will be honored on Thursday.