Biography Of Dr. Souheil Ghannouchi
Dr. Souheil Ghannouchi was born in Tunisia in 1963 to a family with strong religious and political roots that produced some of the pioneers of the movement for independence and the Islamic movement. In late 70s, Tunisia witnessed a political upheaval that was led by labor and student movements, and permeated even high schools, where Dr. Ghannouchi got his first taste of activism. In college, he was at the forefront of the student movement and took part in the founding of the Tunisian Student Union.
After graduating with a masters in chemical engineering, Dr. Ghannouchi came to the U.S. in 1989, and got his Ph. D in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he served as the president of MSA and the Islamic Center. He was also involved in founding and leading the campaign for human rights and political reform in Tunisia.
Starting mid-90s, Dr. Ghannouchi served for 12 years in the top leadership of the Muslim American Society (MAS) first as chairman of the Board, then president, and finally Executive Director. He also initiated, and for six years served, as the editor-in-chief of the American Muslim magazine.
During the last fifteen years, Dr. Ghannouchi traveled extensively and interacted heavily with communities across America in pursuit of his vision of transforming American Muslims into a genuine and relevant American Islamic movement that is rooted in society and inclusive to everyone who aspires to realize his/her potential and/or contribute to the greater good -- a better America.
Dr. Ghannouchi is married and has three daughters. He is based in the Washington DC metro area.
