Meet Mohammed Ali

Meet Mohammed Ali, one of our Young Tech Leaders workshop leaders.

Starting as a Kurdish refugee in the U.S., Mo is passionate about bridging the gaps in education, financial literacy, and professional development. He is a Senior Principal Consultant at ACA Group, where he focuses on data analytics and works with over 50 investment managers from across the globe. He launched ACA’s first company-wide mentorship program and is also a mentor with Year Up, America Needs You, UTC - Business Mentorship Program, and First-Generation Mentorship.

Get to know Mo below!

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Why did you want to participate in Young Tech Leaders of the Middle East?

This program has a meaningful purpose in breaking down barriers and helping our future leaders. I hope to support the people who hold our future in their hands.

What do you currently do? 

As a Financial Consultant, I focus on performance data analytics and the distribution process from a marketing perspective. I apply risk mitigating techniques to enhance investment firms and allow them to better position themselves in the market.

How did you find yourself in your current field? 

While attending graduate school, I saw a role posted that genuinely interested me in financial markets, and I began to explore the firm and networked with individuals that worked there. Fast forward to now, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with individuals that have heightened both my professional and personal trajectory. I’ve had many developmental experiences throughout my career and have met some incredibly smart people who have an interest in making the world a better place.

What was your first job? 

My first job ever was working in the mall, selling shoes at an athletic retailer, FinishLine. I ended up working there throughout college and while I pursued my career track in finance. My first job helped me develop communication skills, confidence, and the skills to talk with strangers while becoming a connector.

Tell us about the best manager or mentor you had. What made them so great? 

The best mentor I’ve had always reminded me to cancel out the noise of others and focus on myself; she advised to always speak humbly and confidently, while simplifying communication.

What was the best advice you've ever received?

Let your passion and curiosity be your internal guiding compass to your fulfillment.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? 

Don’t plan so far ahead into the future that you forget to live in the present. Sometimes we have a vision and target we’re always chasing; however, it’s not always the destination, but the journey within it, that matters.

What's on your bucket list? 

Leaving this world a better place than I found it and establishing financial freedom.

Who's your favorite superhero (or villain) and why? 

Superman. When I was a kid, I’d make sure everyone sat at the lunch table and not be alone, because the idea of shunning people just because they were different than others made absolutely no sense. I gravitate towards others that need help, with the hopes that if I do the right thing, other people will follow.

What do you like to do for fun? 

If not traveling, I genuinely value quality time spent with family/friends, providing mentorship to Year Up mentees, and taking on “do it yourself” home improvement projects on the side. I also love to eat, so I enjoy trying new foods.