Wali Abdel Raoof

Wali Abdel-Ra’oof is from New Orleans. He received a Bachelor of Secondary Education from Southern University at New Orleans and later completed a Master’sdegree in Social Work, qualifying as a licensed Clinical Social Worker. Mr. Ra’oof has multiple roles in his daily life. He is the Imam of New Orleans Masjid ofIslam, the oldest and most established masjid in the city; and is the Director of the SisterClara Mohammed School.

Mr. Ra’oof serves as President of Central City E.E.O.C. a community-based initiative. He is a partner in the Central City Comprehensive Initiative; an organization focused on human and community development. This organization has been instrumental in providing housing to returning victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Central City area.
Abdel-Ra’oof serves on the Audubon Community Board and is Vice President of New Orleans Faith Based, Inc. Mr.-Ra’oof has served the New Orleans community in many capacities for more than 30 years. He previously served as Executive Director of the Jazz and Heritage Foundation for 14 years, managing a $6 million budget and creating a first-time homeowner program for musicians called Raisin the Roof. Mr. Ra’oof, who is married to Maryam and has three sons, works on initiatives involving youth in New Orleans. His career has been focused on creating a positive impact on the community …so that the next generation will appreciate their city and heritage.