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Meet Ali Jaafar :
Head coach of The University of Arizona’s Wheelchair Track and Road Racing team and member of TYP Philanthropy Committee !

Each month, we check in with a young leader in our community to share their insights and inspire our members.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raise in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. My parents immigrated from Lebanon and from a young age they instilled the importance of having a strong work ethic, education, and helping others to my siblings and me. I spent 10 years as a public school teacher and coached a variety of sports. I moved to Tucson almost five years ago with my wife, Kristin. 

 Some of my interests include golf, riding my bike, cooking, exploring new restaurants, and watching stand- up comedy. 

A few fun and random facts about me are: 

– I have a twin brother 

– I have a dog names Andre the Giant who my wife and I rescued two years ago. 

– I have been lucky enough to get a hole-in-one while golfing…twice! 

How did you first get involved with YLU & TYP?
I first go involved with TYP/YLU because I wanted to find a way to give back to my community. At the time, I was transitioning out of the classroom and wanted to find another way to serve. 

What was the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a young professional?
An important lesson I learned when I first entered the professional world is there is always going to be more work to do. However, the saying “Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life” really resonates with me. I try to spend my days doing fulfilling work and end each day proud of what I have accomplished.

How do you get involved in your community?
As a member of the TYP philanthropy committee, we find different projects to serve the community, I particularly look forward to United Way Days of Caring and enjoy meeting new people while working on community projects. 

What do you love most about Tucson?
There is so much to love about Tucson. I have met some amazing people since moving here. Additionally, the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the great weather to enjoy the outdoors, and the amazing food scene are just a few of the reasons I am grateful to call Tucson home.