In the heart of San Francisco, where diversity pulses through every neighbourhood and opportunity often feels out of reach for many, Aliya Chisti stands as a beacon of resilience, reform, and relentless hope. Born and raised in the city she now helps govern, Aliya’s journey from a low-income household to becoming the first Muslim elected to public office in San Francisco is more than a personal triumph—it’s a revolution in leadership, vision, and education advocacy.
Aliya Chisti: Roots in Resilience
Aliya Chisti’s story begins in the modest neighbourhoods of San Francisco. A daughter of immigrants, she was raised in a working-class household where every dollar counted and dreams had to be pursued with unwavering determination. Her mother, a tireless woman who sold goods at local flea markets, also took ESL classes at City College of San Francisco. From the kitchen window of their home, the campus was always in view—a powerful symbol of possibility and purpose.
Aliya attended Sunnyside Elementary, Aptos Middle School, and later the prestigious Lowell High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and pursued a Master’s in Education Policy from Columbia University, where she specialised in higher education policy. While at Columbia, she also conducted groundbreaking research on school segregation at NYU and later worked on transformative policies with U.S. Senator Patty Murray in Washington, D.C.
A Fierce Advocate for Public Education
Aliya Chisti has dedicated over a decade to advancing public education—not from afar, but from within classrooms, school boards, and legislative chambers. Her commitment isn’t theoretical; it’s lived, personal, and hands-on. In 2020, she ran a grassroots campaign to join the City College Board of Trustees. Against powerful odds, she won over 126,000 votes, placing in the top three and making history as the first Muslim person elected to public office in San Francisco.
Her connection to City College is profound. Like one in six residents of San Francisco, she and her family have walked its halls. For her, this institution is more than an academic centre—it is a promise. As Chair of Student Success and Policy, Aliya Chisti has kept that promise alive by fighting to remove barriers to access, financial hardship, and inequity.
Aliya Chisti: Results That Reshape Futures
Aliya’s leadership has brought tangible results:
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Eliminated over $2 million in student debt, restoring opportunities for 14,000 students.
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Secured $1 million in additional federal pandemic relief, extending support to undocumented students.
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Balanced budgets and achieved a clean financial audit—the first in 25 years.
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Expanded job training and technical education through strategic partnerships.
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Championed raises for faculty and staff and improved transparency in governance.
But Aliya Chisti hasn’t stopped at financial reform or policy improvements. She’s built bridges—literally and figuratively—by connecting underserved communities to CCSF’s facilities, hosting over 50 town halls, and launching partnerships to tackle food insecurity and housing instability.
A Global Perspective Rooted in Local Commitment
Aliya’s global outlook has only sharpened her local impact. As a Fulbright Scholar in North Macedonia, she taught English and advised on higher education policy. Her experience in Washington, D.C., and New York gave her a national lens on systemic challenges, which she now applies directly to local needs.
Aliya Chisti also runs an animal welfare and children’s education foundation in India—further proof that her compassion knows no borders. But her heart remains deeply tied to San Francisco’s future.
A Vision for What’s Next
Aliya Chisti is not content with past victories. She’s now focused on:
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Strengthening educational outcomes for equity populations via the Student Equity Achievement Plan.
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Eliminating remaining cost barriers around housing, books, transport, and food.
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Cancelling more student debt and expanding emergency grants.
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Ensuring the successful accreditation of City College and preserving the Free City program.
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Increasing support for workforce development, ensuring students can access career-ready training.
Aliya’s mission is clear: make education a tool for liberation, not limitation. With her guidance, City College is not just surviving—it’s thriving.
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