Halimatou Diallo
Manager of Community Programming, Downstate
Halimatou Diallo, a child of immigrants from Guinea, West Africa, is a passionate community organizer with deep roots in effecting positive change. She received her BA in Political Science from SUNY Albany, which continued the foundation for her commitment to social and political causes. Her journey into activism began at an early age, with her first-ever protest at just 15 years old, a testament to her unwavering dedication to advocating for what she believes in. This early experience set the stage for her future work as an advocate for social justice and community empowerment. Halimatou's remarkable achievements include organizing impactful protests that drew over 400 people as part of Youth United 4 Black Lives Matter. These protests helped raise awareness and bring much-needed attention to crucial issues surrounding racial justice. Recognizing the need for safe spaces for black creative entrepreneurs, she founded Partners in Progress in Harlem, NYC, an organization dedicated to fostering connections and networking opportunities, empowering local black entrepreneurs to thrive in their endeavors. In the realm of education, Halimatou served as a Program Coordinator at Harlem Children's Zone, where she provided crucial resources and support to underserved students. Her work continued as a College and Career Consultant at Comprehensive Youth Development, where she connected students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to essential services and resources. In her current role as the Manager of Community Programming, Downstate, Halimatou is building on her community-building expertise. She collaborates closely with various teams, including Policy & Programs and Advocacy, along with external consultants. Her primary responsibilities involve planning and executing events that cater to immigrant community members, in collaboration with NYIC member organizations. Halimatou is deeply committed to addressing community needs, including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, housing, and health, through new initiatives. Her work also involves organizing community resource events in public schools and strategic locations, bringing essential services to underserved populations. As a child of immigrants, Halimatou's background uniquely informs her dedication to supporting immigrant communities. Her role involves facilitating consulates' provision of identification services to their communities, further solidifying her commitment to improving the lives of immigrant populations. Halimatou's work extends to building outreach models that ensure a diverse range of immigrant communities benefit from these services. She manages project implementation, maintains vital relationships with consulates, service providers, funders, elected officials, and partners. Her leadership is instrumental in integrating NYIC policy and advocacy initiatives with community-facing events, furthering the impact of these programs. In essence, Halimatou is a true community champion, dedicated to creating a better future for underserved populations and immigrant communities, drawing inspiration from her own immigrant roots and early experiences as a young activist.