
AALI providesapointofconnectionforAfrican Americanprofessionals–bothtothecommunityandto otherprofessionalnetworksandleadershipopportunities.

AALI providesapointofconnectionforAfrican Americanprofessionals–bothtothecommunityandto otherprofessionalnetworksandleadershipopportunities.
LaunchedinJanuary2021by212Catalysts,a501(c)(3)nonprofit,the AfricanAmericanLeadershipInstituteisdesignedtoincreasecivic awarenessandleadershipopportunitiesspecificallytargetinggreater Austin’sBlackpopulation. AALIparticipantshaveopportunitiestomakeconnectionstoaffect long-termactionrequiredtocreateequity,opportunityandahigher qualityoflifeforallofAustin’scitizens.
Compared to other large metropolitan cities in the United States, Austin, Texas is unique in terms of the Black Population declining as the overall population grows rapidly. This trend has been sustained for several decades. Additionally, employers are having a difficult time retaining Black hires.
What prohibits Black Austinites from connecting with their community and remaining in the Austin metropolitan area?
SOURCE
MEASURE - COMMUNITY LED | DATA DRIVEN
Drivers Contributing to the Decline of the Black Population in Austin, Texas
AALI’s annual Leadership Cohort targets leaders (Fellows) who engage in intensive communitybuildingand“deepdives”intomultipleissueareaswithalenstowardtheBlack community in Central Texas. Objectives for every cohort session and event are to inform, connectandactivate.
Expose Fellows to the history and culture of Austin's Black community. Generate data tobetterunderstandissuesofBlackflightandemployeeretentioninCentralTexas
CONNECT
Identify emerging Black leaders and expose them to other community leaders and professional,civic,andsocialengagementopportunities
ACTIVATE
Engage Fellows in class projects focusing on policy/systems change, hands-on communityengagement,andAALIprogramsustainabilityandexpansion
Influence retention rates of Black professionals recruited by Central Texas corporations
Expand network of prestigious leadership contacts
Create a more informed workforce that can speak to issues in the community
Foster a deeper understanding of race and social justice issues
Develop strong corporate citizens
Cultivate leaders for boards and commissions
ofparticipantssaidAALIincreasedtheirsenseofconnectionto theblackcommunityincentraltexas ofparticipantssaidAALIincreasedtheirsenseofconnectionto theoverallcommunityincentraltexas ofparticipantssaidAALIincreasedtheirsenseofconnectionsto theirworkplaceorbusinessindustrycommunity joinedboards,advisorycouncils,orothertypesofdecisionmakinggroups becamemorecivicallyengaged
"As one in the program's class of first fellows, my AALI experience has come to an end. Only now am I able to fully register how I've grown. Now, I know HOW to know what Austin --- and specifically the layered subcategories of Austin's Black community --- needs. My hours of conversation with AALI staff, fellows, and mind-blowing presenters have provided a North Star and a do-better plan. Boards and volunteer efforts, I'm coming for you...”
saidtheywereconsideringmovingawayfromgreateraustin, andaalihasincreasedtheirresolvetostayinthearea advancedtoanewpositionoranewemployer
AALI’s inaugural cohort end of course survey was completed by 38 of Austin’s highly talented African American professionals
"I'm so grateful for the programing that provided an overview of this city and the ways I can engage in the community. I'm also grateful for the amazing #leaders I met along this journey that were fellows in this inaugural class. This experience was unparalleled, I’ve not had this level of understanding about any place that I’ve lived in the past! I've learned that the power of #community cannot be underestimated! Here's to a new adventure!"
"As a member of the first cohort of AALI, I have been exposed to intellectual resources that have opened doors for me. During our July panel discussion, I made a comment concerning the lack of workforce development opportunities for the formerly incarcerated population. Within two hours of making that comment, I was scheduled to meet with a Texas Workforce Commissioner for the following week to discuss expanding training and workforce development opportunities for the formerly incarcerated population in Travis County!
As a rising leader in the community, AALI has expanded my ability to serve."
ofparticipantssaidAALIincreasedtheirsenseofconnectionto theblackcommunityincentraltexas
ofparticipantssaidAALIincreasedtheirsenseofconnectionto theoverallcommunityincentraltexas
ofparticipantssaidAALIincreasedtheirsenseofconnectionsto theirworkplaceorbusinessindustrycommunity joinedboards,advisorycouncils,orothertypesofdecisionmakinggroups becamemorecivicallyengaged
saidtheywereconsideringmovingawayfromgreateraustin, andaalihasincreasedtheirresolvetostayinthearea advancedtoanewpositionoranewemployer
AALI’s inaugural cohort end of course survey was completed by 17 of Austin’s highly talented African American professionals
" What an incredible honor and experience. I now belong to one of the most life changing initiatives known to Austin. It was an incredible honor and experience as we were introduced and surrounded by highly respected community leaders and officials. Anyone currently living in Austin/moving to Austin wondering where Black people are, looking for a community of highly intellectual black leaders or slight interested in being a part of a much bigger cause, I highly recommend applying for AALI 2023. Expect Bigger Next Year! "
"I had the privilege of joining an amazing group of black leaders, as part of the 2022 Cohort. One of the first questions i asked myself when moving to Austin was 'where are all the black people'. I was introduced to a fellow from 2021 cohort who encouraged me to apply as a way to connect with the community. My experience surpassed any and all expectations! We have convened to gain deeper, critical insight on the issues affecting our communities. I feel so blessed to share this experience with other fellows! I can confidently say that Austin is feeling more like home now"
"As a participant in cohort 2022, this experience has been nothing short of amazing! 8 months of learning, connecting, and growing has positioned me to move boldly and stand firm in my purpose to leave this world better than i found it" #WeRise
The program was a game-changer-building valuable relationships, expanding my personal network, and creating opportunities to talk about the change we want to see in Austin, especially as it relates to black Austin. I’m grateful for the chance to fill my leadership cup!
To summarize my experience in the African American Leadership Institute over the past year in a few paragraphs would not do this cohort justice. I have nothing but gratitude in my heart and drive in my soul to continue pushing forward. The work is not finished by any means and I know between these great leaders that I shared my life with, and the previous successful cohorts before us, we will continue to rise and bring the needed change in Austin.
End of Course Survey Data collection for 2023 currently underway!
As I look back on my journey as a graduate of AALI, my heart overflows with gratitude and a warm sense of nostalgia. The sessions we had were like stepping stones that led me on a path of personal and professional transformation i will cherish forever. AALI has been a compass that guided me towards new opportunities and aspirations I never knew I had.
Austinoffersnumerouseconomic,educational,andsocialopportunitiesjustwaitingtobediscovered. AALIgathersBlackleaders,wealthbuilders,entrepreneurs,andprofessionalsfromallacrossthestateandbeyondduringJuneteeth weekendforaninspiringdayofuniquelycuratedprofessionalandpersonaldevelopment,networkingandemploymentopportunities designedtorefresh,restore,educate,andmaximizeconnections.
12 SESSIONS Breakouts & Panels
300+ ATTENDEES
30+ SPEAKERS
Renowned Experts & Influencers
15 EXHIBITORS
Corporations & Organizations VENUE PARTNER
Long Center for Performing Arts
AALI is dedicated to nurturing leadership skills in our community's brightest minds. It is our duty to lift up this community.
MARK MCCLAIN CEO, SailPoint
Bob Campbell | CEO, Campbell Global Services LLC
Chas Moore | Founder, Austin Justice Coalition
Christopher Kennedy | CEO, Leadership Austin
Daryl Kunik | CEO, Central Austin Management Group
Dennis Cavner | President, Cavner Social Enterprises, LLC
Dr. Edward Burger | CEO, St. David's Foundation
Dr. Larry Wallace Jr. | Mayor, Manor, Texas
It is so rewarding to see that the original idea of what AALI could be has all come through. We’ve proven that AALI has results.
KAREN LASHELLE
Executive Director, Austin Together
The work that AALI is doing is critically important to society, not just locally nationwide.but
Dr. Melva K. Williams | President & CEO | Huston Tillotson University
Eugene Sepulveda | CEO, Entrepreneurs Foundation
Greg Smith | CEO, Austin Revitalization Authority
Mike Geeslin | President & CEO, Central Health
Jeffrey Travillion | Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 1
Jennifer Stevens | CEO, JHL Company
Joel Baker | Chief, Austin Fire Dept
Laura Huffman | CEO, Austin Chamber
Lisa Hooker | Managing Director, ZRG Partners
Marissa Vogel | Executive Director, Social Venture Partners
JOSEPH KOPSER
CEO, Grayline Group
Michael Brown | Senior Director, Global Sales Dev., Reltio
Mike Nellis | CEO, Austin Community Foundation
Natasha Harper-Madison | District 1 Council Member, Austin
Virginia Potter | Portfolio Director, Pathways to Prosperity at
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Susan Dawson | President, E3 Alliance
Shuronda Robinson | CEO, Austin Women's Magazine
Tam Hawkins | President/CEO, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
Terry P. Mitchell | Black Leaders Collective
AALI's robust network brings together Fellows, Alumni, Allies and Austin's most notable Organization Partners and Corporate Partners aligned in a unified mission to create equity, opportunity and a higher quality of life for all of Austin’s citizens.
Full-daycohortsessionsoccurevery3to4weeks.
AALI’s annual Leadership Cohort targets established leaders (Fellows) who engage in intensive community building and “deep dives” into multiple issue areas with a lens toward the Black community in Central Texas.
Opening Event
Session 1: History and Access [Housing and Transportation]
Session 2: Health, Wellness and Environment
Session 3: Education
Session 4: Employment & Workforce DEIB
Session 5: Business and Technology [Black X Conference]
Session 6: Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Session 7: Community Building and Public Safety
Session 8: Government, Law, and Policy
Closing Ceremony
January 26, 2024
February 24, 2024
March 29, 2024
April 26, 2024
May 24, 2024
June 14, 2024
July 26, 2024
August 23, 2024
September 27, 2024
October 11, 2024
AALINETWORKINGRECEPTIONSOFFERANOPPORTUNITYFOR AALINETWORKINGRECEPTIONSOFFERANOPPORTUNITYFOR ORGANIZATIONSTOEXPANDTHEIRNETWORKOFPRESTIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONSTOEXPANDTHEIRNETWORKOFPRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIPCONTACTS LEADERSHIPCONTACTS
AALI is being supported with the generous contributions of some of Austin’s largest corporations.
Once per quarter, AALI meets with our corporate sponsor leads to provide AALI updates, make connections, and share best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts that can improve their ability to attract, equip, retain, and promote more Black professionals.
We look forward to connecting with you to create a customized activation or answer any further questions about our sponsorship opportunities. HEATH CREECH Founder // hdcreech@griotmedia.com