Meet Arif Wali
Arif Wali came to the United States in 2020, just one week before the COVID-19 shutdown changed the world forever.
He arrived in a country that was completely unfamiliar, leaving behind more than 50 family members, friends, and the only life he had ever known. With only his parents and siblings beside him, Arif faced isolation, uncertainty, and the overwhelming challenge of starting over during one of the darkest moments in recent history.
But instead of giving up, Arif chose to serve others.
As he adjusted to life in America, he began to notice something deeply troubling: too many young people were struggling alone. Immigrant families felt disconnected. Students lacked mentorship. Mental health challenges were rising. Safe spaces for youth were disappearing. Families were working harder than ever, yet falling further behind.
So Arif took action.
He founded the International Sports Organization (ISO) with one simple mission: make sure no young person feels forgotten.
What started as free community sports programs quickly grew into something much bigger. ISO began providing:
- Free sports programs and transportation
- Free equipment for families who could not afford it
- Mentorship and counseling
- Language and homework support
- College application assistance
- Job readiness workshops
- School enrollment guidance
- Support for immigrant and low-income families
In just its first week, ISO welcomed 64 students from diverse backgrounds. Today, the organization has served more than 300 youth across the DMV region and helps mentor over 100 students every year through the college application process completely free of charge.
Even more inspiring, 80–96% of participating students achieve Honor Roll status while involved in the program.
For many families, ISO became more than a program. It became a second home.
Because of his leadership and impact, Arif was recognized as a Birdland Community Hero by Baltimore Orioles and received Montgomery County’s Unsung Hero Award.
But Arif knows the work is far from over.
He has seen families pushed out by rising rents. He has seen students lose opportunities simply because they had to move away from the support systems that helped them succeed. He has seen immigrant families struggle to navigate systems without language access, legal guidance, or community support.
That is why Arif is running, to build a county where every family feels seen, supported, and valued.
A Vision Rooted in Community
Protecting Immigrant Families
- Expand multilingual services in schools and public offices
- Ensure immigrant families have access to trusted legal and community resources
- Support mental health services and “Know Your Rights” programs
- Create stronger partnerships with local immigrant-led organizations
- Protect dignity, opportunity, and safety for all residents
Investing in Public Education & Youth
- Expand educational and mentorship opportunities for young people
- Increase support for workforce development and skill-based training
- Help young entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses succeed
- Promote civic engagement and youth participation in local government
- Celebrate youth achievement through community programs and events
Building Stronger Communities
Arif believes real leadership means listening to people, investing in families, and creating opportunities that reach every neighborhood, not just the wealthy or well-connected.
He believes every child deserves:
- Safe spaces
- Strong mentorship
- Quality education
- Mental health support
- A real chance to succeed
And he believes Montgomery County’s future depends on whether we invest in our youth today.
Your Future Is In Your Hands
For too long, politicians have talked about change while families continue to struggle with rising costs, isolation, and unequal opportunities.
Arif Wali represents a new generation of leadership grounded in compassion, service, and real community impact, not empty promises.
This campaign is about bringing people together.
About protecting families.
About investing in young people.
About making sure no one is left behind.
If you believe in real solutions, real action, and a stronger future for every community, stand with Wali Arif 4 ALL.
Together, we can build a Montgomery County where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.