Muhammad Ayub Ayubi Rafique is a social activist and the founder of Renaissance by Social Innovation (RESIP) in Pakistan. Established in 2011, RESIP addresses violent extremism and radicalization by engaging youth. His work with RESIP focuses on research on behavioral aspects of violent extremism and on engaging youth and vulnerable populations. Born and raised in a strict orthodox family, Ayub himself was once influenced by extremist religious ideologies. However, a combination of experiences, including education and dialogue with the right individuals, enabled him to challenge dogmas and overcome radical influences. Recently, he launched the Mashal-e-Rah Campaign to counter ideological extremism on campuses across Pakistan - an initiative that currently engages over 1,500 students. In 2016, Ayub was selected for the Atlantic Council's Fellowship for Emerging Leaders of Pakistan, which strengthened his work in countering violent extremism. Ayub has completed several certifications for countering violent extremism and regularly writes on issues related to violent extremism and civic education. He is a Fellow of Salzburg Global Seminar.