Ali Dieng
Independent, Pragmatic and Inclusive Leader
Ali Dieng is a distinguished leader in international development and civic engagement, dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable communities. Currently, he serves as the Regional Manager for Building Bright Futures, overseeing the Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle regions in Vermont.
Born in Mauritania and raised in Senegal, Ali’s educational foundation is in international public law, which he studied at the University of Nouakchott, Mauritania. His global perspective informs his approach to community development, emphasizing the importance of cultural competency and cross-cultural dialogue.
In 2015, he founded the Burlington School District Parent University, Ali is also a co-founder of the Vermont New American Advisory Council (VNAAC), an organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and fostering a sense of belonging among Vermont’s immigrant communities. This commitment is reflected in his tenure as the first African elected in the city of Burlington as a City Councilor for three consecutive terms.
As an elected official, Ali enabled the legislations that created the Office of Racial Equity Inclusion and Belonging REIB and chaired the REIB Committee and Ali spearheaded the sister city relation between the city of Burlington and the the city of Thies-East Senegal.Through his work, Ali strives to bridge divides, amplify marginalized voices, and create systems that are not only inclusive but also transformative.