
Ali Velshi Biography And Wiki
Ali Velshi is a prominent Canadian television journalist and a senior economic and business correspondent for NBC News. Born on October 29, 1968, or 1969, in Nairobi, Kenya, he moved with his family to Toronto, Canada, in 1971. His father, Murad Velshi, made history as the first Canadian of Indian descent elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Velshi attended Northern Secondary School in Toronto and graduated with a degree in religious studies from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1994. He began his reporting career as a General Assignment reporter for CFTO in Toronto. In 2001, Velshi joined CNN, where he became a well-known figure in business journalism, anchoring several shows like Your Money and World Business Today.
Age And Birthday
Ali Velshi was born on October 29, 1969, in Nairobi, Kenya, making him 55 years old in 2024.
Height
Ali Velshi is 5 feet 9 inches tall (1.77 meters).
Education Background
Ali Velshi went to Northern Secondary School in Toronto, where he was elected school president. He then attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and graduated with honors in 1994, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. While at Queen’s, he organized protests against Preston Manning and Canada’s Reform Party.
Nationality And Ethnicity
Ali Velshi is a Canadian citizen, born in Nairobi, Kenya, before his family relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, when he was young. He is of Gujarati Indian descent, with his family originally hailing from India, later moving to Kenya before settling in Canada.
Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works

Milestones
- 1996: Ali Velshi received a fellowship to the U.S. Congress from the American Political Science Association.
- 2010: He was honored with the Queen’s University Alumni Achievement Award.
- 2016: Velshi earned an honorary doctorate of laws from Queen’s University.
- 2019: He was appointed as a senior economic and business correspondent for NBC News.
Significant Contributions
- CNN: Velshi worked as CNN’s Chief Business Correspondent and hosted shows like “Your Money” and “American Morning.”
- Al Jazeera America: He hosted “Ali Velshi on Target” until the network shut down in 2016.
- MSNBC: Since 2016, Velshi has hosted shows such as “Velshi & Ruhle” and “Simply Velshi” on MSNBC.
Notable Works
- Books: Velshi authored “Gimme My Money Back: Your Guide to Restoring Financial Stability.”
- Columns: He writes for various magazines and online platforms.
- Documentaries: Velshi has produced documentaries covering economic and social topics.
Wife and Children
Ali Velshi is married to Lori Wachs, a hedge fund manager and president of Cross Ledge Investments in Philadelphia. The couple first met when Lori appeared as a guest on Ali’s show, and they tied the knot in 2009. They have a daughter named Anesa Velshi.
Family, Siblings, Parents
Ali Velshi comes from a supportive and close-knit family. His father, Murad Velshi, was the first Canadian of Indian origin elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, while his mother is Mila Velshi. He also has a sister, Ishrath Velshi. Ali has frequently shared how his family’s love and support have played a crucial role in his life and career.
Career
Ali Velshi started his professional career as a General Assignment reporter for CFTO in Toronto, gaining early experience in journalism. He soon moved on to bigger platforms, joining CNN in 2001, where he became a prominent business anchor. Velshi hosted several key programs, including Your Money, American Morning, and World Business Today.
During his time at CNN, Velshi gained recognition for his insightful reporting on major events. In 2005, he covered the economic impact of Hurricane Katrina, reporting from the scene and extensively covering the aftermath. His clear analysis also helped viewers understand the complexities of the 2008 financial crisis, solidifying his role as a trusted business journalist.
In 2013, Velshi transitioned to Al Jazeera America, where he hosted Ali Velshi on Target. There, he continued to focus on economic and business news until the network shut down in 2016. He then moved to MSNBC, where he became a key host, anchoring programs like Velshi & Ruhle and Velshi on weekends. Velshi also serves as NBC News’ senior economic and business correspondent, offering expert analysis on economic issues.
Velshi’s coverage has extended to major global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where he provided vital economic insights for viewers. Additionally, he has dedicated time to addressing social justice issues, using his platform to raise awareness of inequality and systemic racism.
Hobbies And Personal Challenges
Ali Velshi has several hobbies, including flying, as he is working towards obtaining his private pilot’s license and enjoys flying a Cirrus SR201. He is also an avid reader, particularly interested in history and politics. Spending quality time with his wife Lori and their daughter is an important part of his personal life.
In terms of personal challenges, Velshi experienced a health incident while covering the Minneapolis protests after George Floyd’s murder, where he was hit by a rubber bullet, which changed his perspective on journalism. He has also discussed the ethical dilemmas journalists face in today’s politically charged climate, stressing the importance of witnessing societal issues and exposing injustices.
Salary and Net Worth
Ali Velshi’s salary is estimated to range from $48,000 to $115,000 per year. His net worth is believed to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Major Achievements
- In 2010, Velshi received the Queen’s University Alumni Achievement Award for his journalism work.
- In 2016, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from Queen’s University.
- In 1996, he was granted a fellowship to the United States Congress by the American Political Science Association.
- He serves as a senior economic and business correspondent for NBC News and hosts shows on MSNBC.
- Velshi has hosted programs such as Your Money, Ali Velshi on Target, and Velshi & Ruhle.
- He has authored books and contributes columns to various magazines and online platforms.
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