Brews, Bites, and Banter - A Sustainability Sip & Share with Araif Yusuff (episode 7) - A special series of Walk Talk Listen at the UN.

Araif Yusuff is the Director of Programs at Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) and also a board member of JLI. Araif brings a wealth of knowledge in leading the organization’s global relief and development efforts, overseeing a $350 million portfolio spanning 40 countries and all 50 U.S. states. During the conversation, Araif discusses IRUSA’s commitment to economic empowerment programs, highlighting how these initiatives aim to move beyond aid by promoting self-sufficiency, particularly among women-headed households. He shares insights from his recent visit to Morocco, where he observed projects focused on entrepreneurship and digital marketing as tools for economic empowerment. Araif also touches on how Islamic Relief integrates renewable energy into their development programs, particularly in regions like East Africa.

 

Araif has been instrumental in developing strategies for addressing healthcare, food insecurity, and disaster management both in the U.S. and globally. He has played a significant role in refugee resettlement efforts, partnering with the U.S. State Department to support Afghan refugees. Prior to his current position, Araif strengthened IRUSA’s disaster management team, working closely with FEMA and stabilizing long-term recovery programs. Araif holds a Master of Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a certified fundraising manager. He also serves on multiple disaster interfaith boards, making impactful contributions to disaster preparedness and recovery efforts across the U.S.

 

Stay tuned for more episodes featuring inspiring leaders in sustainability and development! Araif his Linkedin, Facebook.  And Islamic Relief Instagram. 

 

Follow Us:

• Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram.
• Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives.
• Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).