Tarik is a Rowan County  native who currently lives and works in the Research Triangle. In January 2024 he joined The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) as a Policy and Program Manager. IEI serves as a nonpartisan connector, bringing North Carolinians together across sectors, regions, and perspectives to collaborate on finding solutions to the state's emerging and most critical policy issues resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. He works to conduct research and convene multi-sector stakeholders often at the intersection of economic development, health, education and the built and natural environments. Currently, Tarik is focusing on the future of infrastructure policy and its relation to regional preparedness.

Prior to joining IEI, Tarik worked with the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership & Policy as an Associate Policy Analyst. In this role, he conducted research and analysis on relevant policy areas and provided information for dissemination to legislators, educators, business leaders, and other experts. He is a fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, serves on the Young Alumni Leadership Council at UNC-CH, the Durham Community Advisory Council, and the Triangle Community Foundation Advisory Board.  

Tarik attended UNC Chapel Hill where he studied Economics and Philosophy and in his free time he plays the cello in a local orchestra, volunteer fire fights, and roots for the Tar Heels in ALL athletics.