Arif arrived in the United States in 2020, just one week before the national COVID-19 lockdown.Everything was unfamiliar. He left behind more than 50 family members and arrived with only his parentsand siblings, without friends or extended family to support the transition. Navigating a new countryduring a global crisis was incredibly challenging, and the adjustment period was marked by isolation,uncertainty, and hardship.
Despite these challenges, Arif adapted quickly. As he became more familiar with the system, he began to notice a growing lack of social connection, limited access to sports, and a rising mental health crisis among youth—especially within immigrant and underserved communities. Recognizing this urgent need, Arif founded the International Sports Organization (ISO) with a mission to bring communities together and support young people through meaningful, accessible programs.
ISO began by offering free sports programs, along with transportation to ensure kids could safely get to and from the field. The organization also provided free sports equipment, removing financial barriers for families. As participation grew, Arif expanded ISO’s mission to include language clubs that support students with assignments in multiple languages, as well as mentoring, counseling, college application assistance, school enrollment support, and job readiness workshops.
ISO began by offering free sports programs, along with transportation to ensure kids could safely get to and from the field. The organization also provided free sports equipment, removing financial barriers for families. As participation grew, Arif expanded ISO’s mission to include language clubs that support students with assignments in multiple languages, as well as mentoring, counseling, college application assistance, school enrollment support, and job readiness workshops.
In its very first week, ISO welcomed 64 students from diverse backgrounds. Since then, the organization has served over 300 youth across the DMV area through sports, educational, and cultural programs. Each year, ISO supports and mentors more than 100 students through the college application process—completely free of cost. Today, over 80–96% of ISO participants achieve Honor Roll status while actively involved in the program. Beyond students, ISO also assists families by helping them apply for jobs and access critical benefits, guiding them toward long-term stability.
Because of the impact of the ISO program, Arif has been recognized as a Birdland Community Hero by the Baltimore Orioles and received the Unsung Hero Award from Montgomery County.
Driven by these experiences, Arif chose to pursue Public Health Science in college, a field he continues to study, so he can better address systemic gaps and disparities across communities. He has seen firsthand how rising rents force families to relocate, often stripping youth of the programs and mentors that keep them on a positive path. Too often, talented students lose opportunities simply because support systems are not available where they move.
Arif’s vision is to change that. Through his leadership, advocacy, and community work, he is committed to ensuring that every young person has access to opportunity, safe spaces, and strong support networks. By encouraging youth involvement in local government, community development, and positive engagement, Arif believes we can mentor the next generation and build a stronger, brighter future—together.
