Pious Ali made history in 2013 when he was elected to the Portland school board, becoming the first African-born Muslim to hold public office in Portland. As a member of the Portland City Council and a youth and community engagement specialist for the Muskie School of Public Service he believes in the importance of providing opportunity and support to the youth in our community. “When we collectively put together the social capitol that we have, and support the young people in our community, we will all rise together.”