By Zakaria Abi-Ayad | HAF Volunteer
When I first met Youssef, I didn’t know much about him, only that he worked in finance at the High Atlas Foundation. What I remember most from that first encounter, though, wasn’t an Excel sheet or a financial report. It was how he helped me solve a small but stressful issue: figuring out how to withdraw money from a Moroccan bank without paying high international fees.
Youssef didn’t just give advice, he actually took the time to go with me, talk to the bank staff, and make sure everything worked. It was a small thing, but it said a lot about the kind of person he is: calm, practical, and genuinely willing to help.
Later, during our interview, that same attitude came through again in how he approaches his work, his favorite mint tea, and the Foundation’s mission.
Numbers with Purpose
Youssef joined the High Atlas Foundation after the earthquake that struck the El Haouz region. “I joined right after the earthquake to support the recovery and development efforts,” he told me. “It felt meaningful to work for an organization that focuses on both people and the environment.”
Today, as a Financial Officer, he manages budgets, reporting, and financial analysis for various projects, from SAMS and Muslim Aid to Mastercard and Choose Love. His work involves coordinating with field teams, preparing donor reports, and keeping everything transparent and accurate.
“It can be challenging,” he said, “because every project has its own requirements. But it’s rewarding when you know that your work helps real initiatives, tree planting, health caravans, and community development. That’s when the numbers make sense.”
Growing with the Organization
Youssef began at HAF in the accounting department before moving into a broader, more strategic role. Now, he manages planning and financial coordination for several major projects, including MEPI Dakhla and NED Oujda.
He described some of his most memorable experiences as the moments when financial management connected directly with field impact, “Like during Tree Planting Day or the Dental Caravan,” he said. “You see the result of everyone’s effort.”
From his perspective, the Foundation has evolved a lot. “HAF has become stronger in its systems,” he noted. “Especially in financial management and donor coordination. We’ve grown, but the mission is still the same, supporting sustainable and community-driven development.”
Quiet Dedication
When I asked what keeps him motivated, Youssef’s answer was straightforward: “The mission.” He explained that working in a place where finance supports social and environmental progress gives his role real meaning.
He describes his team in one word: dedicated. “Everyone here believes in what we do,” he said. “That shared commitment makes a big difference.”
Outside work, Youssef enjoys being outdoors, a natural fit for someone who’s passionate about environmental conservation. “A walk in nature helps me recharge and reflect,” he told me.
A Practical Kind of Purpose
Talking to Youssef, you get the sense that he values clarity and consistency, both in spreadsheets and in life. His advice for young people starting a career in finance reflects that balance: “Be detail-oriented and disciplined, but also communicate and work well with others. Finance isn’t just numbers, it’s teamwork and trust.”ä
When I asked him to sum up his journey at HAF, he said:
“It’s been a path of growth, purpose, and collaboration, combining financial expertise with a mission that makes a difference.”
And after meeting him, that feels exactly right. Youssef’s story isn’t about big words or flashy titles, it’s about someone who quietly gets things done and helps others along the way, whether it’s a donor report or a confused colleague at a Moroccan bank.
By Kaitlyn Waring | Program Manager
By Maria Kyriacou | HAF Intern, University of Virginia Student
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