About
Fisto
I did not come to Concord seeking a title. I came seeking refuge, dignity, and a chance to rebuild a life. Eight years ago, I arrived in this city as a refugee, a young man who had lost much but carried within him the determination to create a better future through resilience, hard work, and the support of the community.
A Concord of Belonging
Roots of Resilience in Concord
My first days in Concord were not easy. Like many new Americans, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, finding stable work, and learning unfamiliar systems, all while trying to build a path forward for myself and my community. Those years were marked by long hours, sacrifice, and doubt. Yet within that struggle, I discovered something profound about Concord: its heart. Neighbors, teachers, mentors, and friends extended compassion, showing me that this city is more than a place; it is a community. Their kindness reminded me that no matter where one begins, when a community comes together, rebuilding is possible.
It was in Concord that I learned the meaning of true leadership. Leadership is not about titles or power; it is about responsibility. It is about carrying the burdens of others as if they are your own, ensuring that no one is left behind, and leaving a community stronger than you found it.
Education and Lifelong Learning
I am a graduate of Concord High School (2019), where I first began engaging with the Concord community. I attended NHTI, where I studied Robotics and Programming in my first year and Communications in my second year. I have continued my studies in Communications and Public Relations, with the goal of later pursuing a career in law. My academic path has never been about collecting diplomas; it has always been about acquiring tools to serve people better, to solve problems through clarity, and to give voice to those who are too often unheard.
Today, I am continuing my education at Southern New Hampshire University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. This field is not just a career choice, but a calling, because communication is how leaders provide direction, empower communities, and foster understanding. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in law school because I believe that the law, when guided by integrity, is one of the greatest instruments of justice. In the right hands, it can protect families, expand opportunity, and secure fairness for those who are often forgotten.
My participation in Leadership Greater Concord deepened my knowledge of this city’s government, history, and unique character. It showed me the strength of civic engagement and how local leadership shapes the daily lives of residents.
Professional and Civic Leadership
Over the years, I have served in both professional and civic roles that grounded me in the realities of Concord’s families and businesses. From working in local jobs that connected me to the dignity of hard work, to engaging with nonprofits and advocacy organizations, I gained firsthand insight into people’s struggles, their hopes, and their determination to thrive.
I am the Founder and Executive Director of the Young Adults Development Network (YDN), a youth-led nonprofit focused on leadership, empowerment, and advocacy. In this role, I have built programs that train young people in leadership development, advocacy skills, and nonprofit organizational structure. Under my leadership, YDN has evolved into a space where young people can be mentored, empowered, and equipped with the tools to create their own pathways to success.
Beyond YDN, I have worked with organizations such as Change for Concord, the American Friends Service Committee, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation, where I have led trainings on public service systems, civic engagement, and advocacy. I have lobbied alongside community leaders in Washington, D.C., pressing for policies that reflect justice, equity, and compassion.
My service also extends to youth leadership networks across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, where I currently serve as the Youth President, guiding refugee and immigrant youth communities, including my own Banyamulenge people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, toward empowerment and resilience. Through workshops and community programs, I have helped organize trainings on mental health, leadership, and advocacy, ensuring that young people do not face the silence and isolation like I have.
Additionally, I studied media and production at Concord TV, using that platform to foster community dialogue and education. Through storytelling, I witnessed the power of media to break down walls and to unite people around shared values and visions.
Recognition and Commitment to Service
In 2024, I was honored as a Union Leader “40 Under Forty” recipient, a recognition that affirmed not personal achievement, but the power of community-driven leadership rooted in service. Each honor and role I hold is not a celebration of individual success, but a call to deepen my responsibility to those I serve.
Purpose and Vision for Leadership
My story is not just one of survival; it is one of rebuilding, of service, and of leading with purpose. It reflects a truth greater than myself: that leadership must rise from the lived experiences of the people, not from privilege or position.
This is why I step forward to serve. I know what it means to face challenges and what it takes to overcome them. I see the strength of a city that opens its doors to newcomers, and I understand the impact of building a community where every voice is heard and every person feels a sense of belonging.
My promise is not to seek recognition but to live out the conviction that leadership is service. I am committed to listening, working for fairness, and building a Concord where no one is left behind, where every child can dream with confidence, every worker can succeed with dignity, and every senior can live in security and peace.