Concord Young Professionals Network
(CYPN) introduces you to the “Young Professional of the Month,” Fisto
Ndayishimiye. Each month, the CYPN Steering Committee recommends a young professional
in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better.
Fisto
Ndayishimiye
How old are you? I’m 25
years old.
Where do you live? I live in
Concord, NH.
Where do you work? I work for the American Friends Service
Committee (AFSC) as a Grassroots Organizer and am Lead Organizer for Change for
Concord (C4C). Change for Concord operates under AFSC; it is an organizing hub
for a diverse group of young adults, who work together to improve the quality
of life for young people in Concord. Our mission is to create and nurture an
inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment where people can share ideas, build
relationships, learn about issues, and make positive changes in the community
where we live, work, and play. Our goal is a strong community where all
residents, including youth and young adults, New Americans, and low-income
people, can thrive. We encourage and support young adults to step up as leaders
in Concord because we know that they have so much to offer that will strengthen
our whole community.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what
you do. I came to the
United States in December 2016. I was born and raised in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC), where it is not common for people to get an education.
My main focus has been educating young people about leadership, communication,
and opportunities to make positive changes. With Change for Concord, I host
youth leadership events that bring young people together to understand
differences, ask questions, address challenges in our community, help others,
and promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. We host discussions with
community leaders, community members, and young adults to help our local
leaders understand the issues, so that we can work together to solve problems
and to build a stronger and more welcoming community. A priority for us is to make sure that the
needs and perspectives of young adults, new Americans and BIPOC community
members are heard and considered by our elected leaders.
What is one of your life goals? One of my life goals is to be a good example
of a leader. I want to help people to dream big, and to help everyone succeed.
This is what motivates me to work day and night because it is essential for our
community to have equal opportunities to grow and to thrive. We need effective
leaders who understand the value of human beings, and who will work to make
life better for all people. I have hope that I am going to succeed because I am
working with the right people and organizations, like the American Friends
Service Committee, the Change for Concord leadership team, and wonderful
partners in the community including at the Concord School District, the Concord
Multicultural Festival, Sierra Club, and the Greater Concord Chamber of
Commerce.
You’re invited to CYPN’s Spring Fling at Colby Hill
Inn in Henniker on Wednesday, April 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. The Grazing Room will
be serving delicious food and spring-themed cocktails from their eco-friendly
farm-to-table restaurant. CYPN is also hosting an Earth Day hike and trail
cleanup with Five Rivers Conservation Trust on Saturday, April 22 from 1-3 p.m.
Explore the Armstrong Forest Preserve in Concord and collect trash and debris with
friends at this fun outdoor event. Sign up for all CYPN events at concordnhchamber.com.