ABOUT AALI
AALI provides a point of connection for African American professionals – both to the community and to other professional networks and leadership opportunities.
Launched in January 2021 by 212 Catalysts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the African American Leadership Institute is designed to increase civic awareness and leadership opportunities specifically targeting greater Austin’s Black population.
AALI participants have opportunities to make connections to affect long-term action required to create equity, opportunity and a higher quality of life for all of Austin’s citizens.
BACKGROUND
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?
POLICY AFFORDABILITY BELONGING
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
AALI’s annual Leadership Cohort targets 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. Objectives for every Cohort session and event are toinform,connectandactivate.
INFORM
Expose Fellows to the history and culture of Austin's Black community. Generate data to better understand issues of Black flight and employee retention in Central Texas.
CONNECT
Identify emerging Black leaders and expose them to other community leaders and professional, civic, and social engagement opportunities.
ACTIVATE
Engage Fellows in class projects focusing on policy/systems change, hands-on community engagement, and AALI program sustainability and expansion.
AALI’s inaugural Cohort End of Course Survey was completed by 38 of Austin’s highly talented African American professionals
2021 FELLOW TESTIMONIALS
"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!”
Dewi Smith
"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!"
KahlilahGuyah
"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."
CarlHunter
AALI’s 2nd Cohort End of Course Survey was completed by 17 of Austin’s highly talented African American professionals
2022 FELLOW TESTIMONIALS
"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 or 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
Andrew Ward
"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."
JodyAnn Mclntosh
"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
Jenell Moffett
2023 FELLOW TESTIMONIALS
“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!”
Shannon Creekmur
“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.”
JayHarwell
“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.”
Dr.NicoleCummings
2024 FELLOW TESTIMONIALS
To the AALI community, thank you for this wonderful opportunity and for surrounding me with leaders who not only uplift, but also challenge me to reach my highest potential.
RemyJules
“For the last 10 months, the 2024 AALI Cohort has moved mountains spiritually and collectively. Words can’t describe how I feel about my AALI leaders and cohort family. Thank you for allowing me to exist and lead just as I am, for pouring into me and for pushing me out of my comfort zone.”
LakeishaHarding
“From passionate policy discussions to hands-on community engagement, we’ve learned to amplify our voices and drive meaningful change. We’ve built friendships that will last a lifetime. As I reflect on this incredible journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the connections made, the lessons learned, and the vision for change we’ve cultivated together.”
Dr.ChelaWhite
Austin offers numerous economic, educational, and social opportunities just waiting to be discovered.
AALI gathers Black leaders, wealth builders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from all across the state and beyond for an inspiring day of uniquely curated leadership development, networking and employment opportunities designed to refresh, restore, educate, and maximize connections.
12 SESSIONS
Breakouts & Panels
350+ ATTENDEES
30+ SPEAKERS
Renowned Experts & Influencers
15 EXHIBITORS
Corporations &Organizations
VENUE PARTNER
Long Center for Performing Arts
BLACK X CONFERENCE TESTIMONIALS
BLACK X CONFERENCE TESTIMONIALS
ALLYSHIP
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
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
irector, Austin Together
The work that AALI is doing is critically important to society, not just locally but nationwide.
CEO Grayline Group
AALI IS SUPPORTED BY A DIVERSE ARRAY OF CENTRAL TEXAS LEADERS
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
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
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
JOSEPH KOPSER
AALI's Alumni network is made up of 100+ graduates from the Cohort program who share a unified mission: fostering equity, creating opportunities, and improving the quality of life for all Austin residents. This strong and connected community is committed to driving meaningful changeandadvancingtheorganization'svisionforamoreinclusiveandthrivingcity.
ALUMNI NETWORK
EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS
2025 COHORT CALENDAR
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.
Our thoughtfully crafted curriculum brings together distinguished community leaders, industry experts, and subject matter specialists to lead immersive learning sessions and collaborative experiences. These engagements not only enrich our Fellows’ leadership journeys, but also create space for strategic thinking, collective action —while offering partners a powerful opportunity to be in conversation and community with changemakers shaping the future of 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
Session 6: Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Session 7: Community Building and Public Safety
Session 8:Government, Law, and Policy
Closing Ceremony
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
AALI is being supported with the generous contributions of some of Austin’s largest corporations and purpose driven organizations.
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.
PARTNER BENEFITS
ELEVATE YOUR BRAND AS A CHAMPION OF EQUITY
Show your commitment to racial equity and inclusive leadership by aligning with a premier institute dedicated to cultivating Black leaders who are shaping the future of Central Texas.
STRENGTHEN YOUR ORGANIZATIONS REPUTATION
Partner with an established leadership institute to co-create meaningful experiences that serve the Black community, while elevating your brand visibility at high-impact events, panels & more.
ACCESS A PIPELINE OF PURPOSE-DRIVEN, HIGH-IMPACT TALENT
Engage with a powerful network of emerging and established African American changemakers— leaders who are ready to innovate, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to your organization and community.
EXPAND YOUR REACH AND RELATIONSHIPS
Connect with a broad and influential coalition of business, civic, nonprofit, and government leaders—all committed to building a more equitable Austin.
IMPACT REPORTING & STORYTELLING ASSETS
Receive an impact report highlighting how your investment contributed to community outcomes.
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
Your sponsorship fuels a legacy of leadership, resilience, and community impact—changing not just careers, but entire ecosystems.
