Ali has always been a self-directed learner. In high school, he turned his hobby and passion for building websites into a profitable business.  “I had to pay taxes when I was 15. A couple grand!” College did not fit his learning by doing style, so he dropped out. “I wanted to learn something that’s operationalized rather quickly.” He held a series of tech industry jobs as a freelancer and technical consultant. As a young Arab American, he often felt his contributions were dismissed.  “Older white dudes would not want to listen to me, but if someone older than me or someone that looked a little bit different repeated it, they’d say “oh yeah, that makes sense’.”  This made him question himself at times but he moved on and founded his own web development and design company. He acknowledges the stress of running a business, especially during the economic downturn. To stay grounded and energized, he engages in mindfulness practices including journaling, meditation, and exercises.

His experiences as a STAR inform how Ali hires for his business. He prioritizes work experience and looks holistically at the candidate.  “Let me see your portfolio, that’s number one, and let’s see how we work together on a test project.” Ali’s company has a pro bono program that designs websites for nonprofits, including one that helps people obtain their GEDs and prepare for their careers. Reflecting on his own professional  trajectory, Ali encourages STARs to have a growth mindset. “I want them to have not just the relevant skills, but a learning ability.”