Younes is a national of Morocco where he grew up in a family of five in the capital, Rabat. Younes received most of his education in Morocco. In college, he majored in English and the Art of Translation. His interest in foreign languages and cultures led him to the American Language Center and to the American School in Rabat where he made contact with American Diplomats and where he engaged in many artistic and theatrical activities. Not only did such activities allow him the opportunity to perfect his linguistic and cultural skills, but also gave him the motivation to write, produce and direct his own play “The Paradox of Life.”

In1994, Younes was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship by the Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural exchange and traveled to Southern Illinois University to read for a double Master degree in Applied Linguistics and Speech Communication. Thereafter, in the fall of 1996, Younes was recruited to the University of Southern California to study for a Doctoral degree in International & Intercultural Education. During his academic journey at USC, Younes served the American Language Institute as an Assistant Lecturer for 5 years and the Writing Center as a coordinator and a consultant for four years. In the fall of 2000, Younes was nominated and selected by USC’ Institute of Leadership to represent the Rossier School of Education as a Presidential Fellow: a transformational leadership program as a process of being and becoming. Participation in the Presidential Fellow Program is considered by President Steve Sample to be the highest honor bestowed on a USC graduate student.

Younes graduated his PH.D program this past spring semester, 2002. He currently serves on the Board Directors of “USC-LEAD;” a non-profit organization, the alumni Presidential Fellows created to continue the leadership ideals of the program in Los Angeles area. Currently, Younes continues to serve the Los Angeles Community College District as an Adjunct Faculty. Younes also continues to serve as a consultant to several national and international institutions in the areas of curriculum, staff, and leadership development. In his free times, Younes enjoys swimming and competing in triathlons. He also enjoys writing, reading, travelling and the company of open-minded and soul-searching individuals.