By Éloge Willy Kaneza
Over the past decade, more African immigrant leaders have been elected to office in the U.S. than ever before – primarily at the state and local levels – and these trailblazers face unique challenges. Recognizing this, Maine’s Pious Ali launched the African Immigrant Elected Leaders of America (AELA) in spring of 2025. The new nonprofit seeks to equip, connect, and elevate African immigrant elected officials across the U.S., and provides mentorship, resources, and a collaborative platform to help leaders support one another and accomplish their goals.
African Immigrant Elected Leaders of America emerged from a combination of Ali’s personal journey and his participation in Senior Executives in State and Local Government, a three-week, on-campus professional leadership program at Harvard Kennedy School. The program encouraged him to think about how his experience as a politician in Maine could be scaled nationally to benefit other African immigrant leaders. Ali realized that mentorship, guidance, and community support were missing for many newcomers in elected office, and he sought to fill that gap.
“Even though our numbers are growing, African immigrant leaders often feel isolated in elected offices,” Ali explained. “AELA creates a space for them to connect, learn, and replicate successful strategies for governance. It’s about empowering leaders to succeed individually while lifting their communities collectively.”
In Maine, Ali has been a transformative figure in local politics. As the first African immigrant and the first Muslim elected to office in the state, Ali broke barriers and helped inspire a generation of African immigrants to engage in public service. Nationwide, he is the first Ghanaian to hold elected office.
Ali’s political journey began unexpectedly in 2013, when a colleague encouraged him to run for a seat on the Portland Public Schools Board of Education. Accepting the challenge, he won the election, and this marked the beginning of his journey in elected office. After the school board, he served on Portland’s City Council for nearly nine years, and made a run for mayor.
Mission Rooted in Experience
Ali’s vision for AELA is informed by his own experience of navigating politics as an immigrant. When he first ran for the school board, there was no roadmap for people like him. He faced a steep learning curve: understanding electoral processes, fundraising, voter engagement, and governance, all without a mentor or established network of peers.
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“AELA is a replication of what I wished had existed when I started,” Ali said. “I want the pathway to leadership to be smoother for others, so they don’t have to struggle as I did. It’s about creating continuity, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing across the country.”
Ali emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, noting the unique strengths African immigrants bring to U.S. democracy. “Most of us are coming from a system that is very oppressive, that has oppressed our people, and we are afraid that it will be the same here. Yes, the system here has its challenges, right, but it is more open,” he explained. By fostering participation, he believes African immigrant communities can help shape a more inclusive, multi-idea, and multiracial democracy.
AELA’s approach is comprehensive, combining mentorship, networking, and professional development. Experienced elected officials guide newcomers, offering advice on campaigning, governance, community engagement, and policy-making. The organization also emphasizes leadership skills that extend beyond electoral politics, preparing leaders to effectively engage with all members of their communities, not just immigrant populations.
Mentorship and leadership development
Mentorship is at the heart of AELA’s mission, and Ali has already provided mentorship to leaders in other states, connecting newcomers to experienced officials who can provide guidance. For example, in neighboring Vermont, young Burundian-born leaders have been paired with more seasoned African immigrant leaders who are helping them navigate the complexities of local school boards and municipal governance.
AELA plans to formalize these mentorship networks, and lead annual gatherings, as well as workshops and retreats that will provide spaces for leaders to share best practices, discuss challenges, and build coalitions.
Ali emphasized that mentorship must reach beyond technical guidance. “We must also address the mental and emotional challenges of leadership, particularly for immigrant leaders who may face discrimination or isolation. Our retreats will include anti-racism training and mental health support, preparing leaders to serve effectively while maintaining personal resilience.”
Collaboration with other communities
While AELA is focused on African immigrant leaders, Ali stressed the importance of collaboration with other marginalized communities, including African Americans, Caribbean Americans, Indigenous people, and other underrepresented populations.
“By working together, we amplify our voices and influence policy more effectively,” Ali said. “AELA will serve as a bridge, connecting African immigrant leaders with broader networks of elected officials and advocacy organizations across the country. This isn’t symbolic; it’s about building meaningful partnerships that lead to tangible change.”
Ali has engaged national networks, including the National League of Cities and New American Leaders, so that leaders can engage with peers from other communities and create coalitions that can advocate for shared priorities and participate more effectively in governance.
Broader impact on U.S. democracy
Ali believes that African immigrant leaders can play a unique role in engaging communities and thereby strengthening U.S. democracy, since their community networks, cultural fluency, and trust among constituents enables them to mobilize communities that might otherwise be underrepresented in civic life.
“Isolation is not an option,” Ali said. “We must participate, influence decisions, and create pathways for future leaders. African immigrant communities, even in small numbers, can shape public policy, foster civic engagement, and strengthen democracy when they organize effectively.”
AELA seeks to ensure that African immigrant voices are integrated into local, state, and national governance, promoting a multiracial, multi-idea, and inclusive democracy. By equipping leaders with the skills, networks, and resources they need, AELA hopes to transform the landscape of political participation for immigrant communities across the United States.
Looking ahead
Ali’s vision is ambitious and in its first year, AELA will focus on developing its organizational infrastructure, establishing mentorship programs, hosting leadership retreats, and forging national partnerships. These initiatives will integrate anti-racism and mental health frameworks, ensuring that leaders are prepared to navigate both the practical and emotional challenges of public service.
