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"The Concord community has played a huge role in making me who I am today. Community members have trusted me, invested in me, guided, mentored and inspired me. They gave me the opportunity to learn and grow. Now, it is my turn to give back. I am a big believer that giving is very fulfilling and rewarding. My philosophy is that we all have something to give and some responsibility to make our communities a better place to live and work, to be welcoming, tolerant and cultivating love and acceptance. It is my humble honor to serve as City Councilor for Ward 8 and as Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Concord.
I am committed to bringing effective leadership to City Council, ensuring fiscal responsibility and a diverse and welcoming environment for all residents while driving policy to address the housing crisis, public safety and homelessness."
- Councilor Ali Sekou
ABOUT ALI SEKOU
Councilor Ali Sekou, born and raised in a small, rural village in Niger, West Africa, immigrated to the United States in 2012 with almost zero English. He began learning English at Laconia’s Adult Education to prepare himself for higher education. Soon after that, Ali went on to earn his Associate degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI), his Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management and Political Science from Plymouth State University and his Master’s degree from Carsey School of Public Policy (UNH) in Community Development. This is all due to Sekou’s hard work, dedication and emerging in the culture by being involved and give back to the community. Sekou is fluent in 5 languages and started a French club at the concord library where all levels of French come together to practice.
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He started his professional career as manager of a major tourist site and later worked for the United States Embassy in Niger as a security guard. Now, Ali is an assistant store manager at Hannaford where he oversees the daily operations. Ali serves on numerous community boards: NH Housing Advisory Council, Islamic Society of Greater Concord, NH Community Loan Fund, Concord Library Board of Trustees, Concord Public Library Foundation, Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS). Ali is a 40 under forty award recipient and a graduate of Leadership New Hampshire.
Councilor Sekou is committed to bringing effective leadership to City Council, ensuring fiscal responsibility and a diverse and welcoming environment for ALL residents while collaborating on policy to address the housing crisis, public safety, homelessness, mental health, and education.
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Professional Experience
Over 15 years of management experience and a proven track record in leadership, strategic implementation, and community development.
Awards & Recognitions
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Leadership New Hampshire Graduate
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New Hampshire Union Leader “40 Under Forty” Award 2021
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Deans & Presidents Lists - Plymouth State University
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Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
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Honors Scholar, Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society
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Outstanding English as a Second Language (ESL) Student Award
Languages
English (Fluent); French (Fluent); Zarma (Fluent); Hausa (Fluent); Fulani (Native)
Community Development & Leadership
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Member of New Hampshire Housing Advisory Council
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Trustee of Concord Public Library
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Board of the NH Community Loan Fund
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President of the Islamic Society of Greater Concord
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Treasurer of the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS)
Education
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Master of Arts: Community Development Policy and Practice - UNH Durham
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Bachelor of Arts: Tourism Management & Policy and Political Science - Plymouth State University
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Associate in Science: Hospitality and Tourism Management - NHTI
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Member of the Community College Student Leadership Association (CCSLA)