Ali Sekou
Ali Sekou is the Manager of Community Engagement & Inclusion at New Hampshire Housing. In addition to his full-time role at New Hampshire Housing, Sekou is a Concord City Councilor and the Mayor Pro Temp. Ali also serves on various community boards, including as president of the Islamic Society of Greater Concord, Treasurer of Organization for Refugees and Immigrants Success (ORIS), a member of NHTI Advisory Board, NH Community Loan Fund, The Public Library Foundation, and Rain for the Sahel and Sahara board. Ali is also a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award and a graduate of Leadership New Hampshire.
Before immigrating to the United States in 2012, Ali worked with the U.S. embassy in its security office and managed the Bitinkodji tourist site. Ali is fluent in four languages and arrived in the U.S. with minimal English proficiency. He went on to earn his associate degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from NHTI, his bachelor's degree in Tourism Management and Political Science from Plymouth State University and holds a master's degree in community development from the Carsey School of Public Policy (UNH).
Where did you grow up and how did that experience shape you or influence the path you followed in life?
I grew up in Niger-West Africa. Growing up in Africa helped me understand early on the importance of community because everything people do is a community effort. Social life, family and a community are important and a factor of success.
Why do you think affordable housing is important now?
Affordable housing is important for many factors. It is a social determinant for health, help grow our economy, attract talent and diversify our communities.