Together We Can
Train the next generation of activists, organizers and grassroots leaders
WHO WE ARE
Partnering to build a world where our youth can lead change
Founded by Mussab Ali – Americas youngest elected Muslim, 2017 Truman Scholar, 2020 Schwarzman Scholar, and Harvard Law Graduate – and Abeera Saeed – Yale graduate, youth activist, and current analyst at Goldman Sachs – Ali Leadership Institute aims to train the next generation of urban based youth leaders. By offering students an in and outside classroom space where they can explore new opportunities and learn about their worth and power at a young age, they will be able to flourish in leadership positions as they grow older instead of shying away from the challenges that come with leading an initiative.
This institute will work to both address a lack of leadership opportunities for urban youth but also get them involved in the civic engagement process. Our purpose here is to introduce students to the idea that their voices matter, regardless of their age, and that they should use their voice to engage in political campaigns and issues.
WHAT WE DO
We create leaders
Our goal is to train the group of individuals who have historically been responsible for change: young people.
It was students who sat-in at a “white’s only” lunch counters and started a movement that contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act. It was students who led the Sowetu Uprising that led to the end of the apartheid in South Africa. And we firmly believe that students and members of our generation will help to change our country for the better.
Unfortunately, public engagement is at an all-time low among youth in urban areas and civic knowledge is quickly declining.
According to a 2016 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and The Center of Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, public trust of the government is 18% and only 31% of 18-21 year olds voted in the 2018 midterm election.
We find that children are deprived of the knowledge on how to be a functioning leader in society which shows in their career and college aspirations.
Without education, students lack the confidence and leadership qualities that come with being civically engaged. This leads to students that are poor in terms of income and social status to shy away from taking on leadership opportunities as compared to those who have more resources available to help them succeed.
This cycle of the lower class stepping down from or avoiding leadership positions altogether helps the rich get richer and the poor get poorer which leads to a class divide and, ultimately, controversy.
01.
— We Find
We look for a select group of 16-22 year old urban, committed youth that show a passion for civic engagement and are interested in impacting their communities.
We believe there are too many students with leadership potential who shy away from opportunities because they either don’t have the skills or are unsure if they will be able to develop them.
02.
— We Build
Our unique team of diversely talented leaders, mentors students and teaches key leadership skills such as public speaking, time management, teamwork and personal development.
We connect students with experienced public speakers and politicians to help educate students about what’s happening in the world around them.
03.
— We Strengthen
We believe that to be a truly great leader, one has to be educated in thought, speech, and feeling and that is what all of our tasks will go towards teaching.
Post-graduation, we continue to provide resources in helping students fulfill their capstone project so they can see their visions come to life.
Our Team
Executive Director
Madjibe Kagne
Madjibe is an economics student at New York University. She is passionate about providing opportunities for the youth to flourish. As a 2020 ALI Fellow, she witnessed the positive social impact of the organization and was eager to join its leadership to grow that impact. She is excited to see more youth in her community learn about civic engagement and be a part of the change.
Director of Outreach
Allison Nguyen
Rutgers Honors College student at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. She was part of the inaugural cohort of the Ali Leadership Institute. Passionate about making healthcare more accessible to underserved populations. She strives to serve as a representative for her community’s youth.
Program Director
Mohammad Mansour
Junior at CUNY, majoring in Biology with a minor in Project Management. Passionate about leadership and helping youth develop leadership qualities. Working with national organizations on civic engagement within our communities through the ALI Leadership Platform.
Director of Social Media
Umar Farooq
Self-taught visual communication expert. Passionate about solving problems through the power of design. Always in pursuit of creating beautiful user experiences. Working on empowering the leaders of tomorrow with ALI Leadership through clear communication and social media.
Director of Curriculum
Adrian Ghainda
Current graduate student at New York University, studying International Relations. He was part of the ALI Institute’s first cohort. Aims to help mold a program that the next generation of civic leaders and activists can use to help accomplish positive political growth in their communities.
PARTNERS
