Salimatou Doumbouya is a first-generation college student. She was born and raised in Guinea. She first graduated with an associate in Liberal Arts from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), and then started her bachelor's degree in Architecture at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech).
Salimatou started her leadership journey at BMCC as a student volunteer in the student government. Then she became an inducted member and executive board member of the National Society of leadership and success. At the same time, Salimatou was a mentor, which taught her how to interact with people and serve them on a one on one level. She later decided to become more involved in Student government and became a senator and chair of Activities, house of clubs and public relations. Students being involved on campus means more control over the decisions that affect their lives. At City tech, she became a senator for the school of Technology and Design and then Vice President of external affairs (VPEA). As VPEA she was able to connect City Tech with other CUNY campuses through the University Student Senate - opening the door for current and future collaborations. She has advocated for free public higher education with other student leaders; making sure that the fight for a more decent college environment continues.
Salimatou is now running for the Presidency at City Tech to revive the campus spirit from the inside. She believes that college belongs to the students and wants them to reclaim ownership by increasing student engagement. City Tech has hosted some of the most impressive student leaders in CUNY and my goal is to increase that list by creating opportunities for every student to get involved and discover their own extracurricular passion.