Fisto Ndayishimiye, Concord City Council At-Large Candidate

CONCORD, NH — Fisto Ndayishimiye

Position Sought

Concord City Council (At-Large)

Family

I come from a close and faith-driven family that values service, education, and hard work. My family’s story as refugees has taught me that true leadership begins with compassion, and that every person deserves to feel they belong.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No. But I have worked closely with civic and community leaders through nonprofit leadership, youth development programs, and advocacy efforts that connect local families with city and state resources.

Education and-or work experience

My journey started right here in Concord. I graduated from Concord High School in 2019, went on to NHTI Concord’s Community College, where I studied Robotics and Communications for two years, and I’m now continuing my education at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), studying Communications. But my education didn’t stop in the classroom. I’ve learned through leadership, service, and experience, building programs, leading teams, and listening to people who often feel unheard. Today, I serve as the Founder and Executive Director of the Young Adults Development Network (YDN), a youth-led nonprofit that empowers immigrants, refugees, and low-income youth to step into leadership and create change in their own communities. Through that work, I’ve learned how to bring people together, manage projects, handle budgets, and build partnerships with schools, city leaders, and organizations. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to lead with empathy, integrity, and vision, not just for myself, but for the people I represent. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring to City Council, leadership that listens, unites, and delivers.

Previous or current elected or appointed positions

While I have not yet held an elected office, my work as a nonprofit director has required the same level of accountability, responsibility, and collaboration that defines public service. I have led major youth initiatives, organized leadership summits, and represented Concord in national and state-level advocacy discussions.

Campaign website

Fisto 4 Concord

The single most important pressing issue facing the community is _______ and this is what I intend to do about it

The most pressing issue facing our community is building trust and connection among residents from all backgrounds. Concord’s strength lies in its diversity, yet too many of our neighbors still feel left out of the conversation.

I intend to help make Concord a city where every resident, new or lifelong, feels seen, heard, and valued. I will work to strengthen neighborhood engagement, support youth and working families, and create spaces where community voices guide city decisions. A united Concord is a strong Concord.

List three other things you would like to work on if elected or re-elected

1. Affordable Housing & Economic Opportunity: Ensuring that all working families and young professionals can live and thrive in Concord without being pushed out by rising costs.
2. Youth Empowerment & Education: Expanding programs that help young people develop skills, leadership, and pathways to success in our local economy.
3. Public Safety & Community Partnership: Building stronger trust between residents and public safety departments through transparency, training, and mutual respect.

Name a couple of accomplishments in the past that show you can handle this position

I have successfully led leadership and advocacy programs that brought together youth, families, and government officials to discuss real solutions for our communities.

I organized a national leadership and advocacy conference in Washington, D.C., bringing dozens of young leaders from New Hampshire and across the country to meet with members of Congress and learn about civic engagement.

I have also managed multi-partner community projects, coordinating budgets, volunteers, and organizations, and seen them through with measurable success and accountability.
These experiences have taught me how to build partnerships, balance priorities, and lead with both vision and humility.

Share any other thoughts or ideas you would like voters to know about yourself

I believe leadership is not about titles, it’s about service. My journey from a refugee background to becoming a community leader has given me a deep understanding of what it means to work hard, to listen, and to lead with purpose.

I’m running for City Council because I believe Concord’s future depends on unity, on bringing people together across generations, neighborhoods, and cultures.

I want to be a voice that represents all residents, those who have lived here for decades and those who are building their new beginnings here. Together, we can make Concord a city where every person belongs and every dream has a chance to grow.