AALI_Cohort_Directory

COHORT DIRECTORY AALIAUSTIN

AALIAUSTIN.ORG

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY RISING TOGETHER At the African American Leadership Institute, we believe that real change happens when leaders rise together. This directory is a celebration of our growing network — the cohort members, alumni, and fellows who make up the heart of AALI's mission to build influence, impact, and equity across Central Texas.

#WE RISE

Each name in this directory represents a journey of growth, leadership, and intentional community-building. From those just beginning their AALI experience to alumni who continue to shape industries and communities long after their cohort year, this network reflects the depth and breadth of our leadership thriving across business, government, education, and beyond.

Inside these pages, you'll find a vibrant cross-section of individuals and entities committed to elevating the culture in their respective fields. Whether you're a fellow member of this network looking to connect, collaborate, mentor, or refer business, or a community partner seeking to engage with and support this remarkable group of leaders, we invite you to explore the talent, vision, and leadership represented here.

This is more than a directory, it's a testament to what's possible when leaders invest in one another. Together, we rise. Together, we lead. #WeRise | aaliaustin.org

ALLGO

allgo nurtures and celebrates queer people of color by building, educating, and mobilizing communities toward a just and equitable society.

This work is carried out through cultural arts, wellness, and social justice programming, including: supporting artists and artistic expression within diverse communities; promoting health through a wellness model; and mobilizing and building coalitions among groups marginalized by race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, and sexual orientation/sexual identity in order to enact change.

Representative: Kelle’ Martin Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2023 Position: Executive Director Website: www.allgo.org

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ANGEL IN ME INCORPORATED

Angel In Me Incorporated (AIM) is a faith-based nonprofit founded by Marie Ezell, supporting individuals impacted by foster care, with a special focus on aged-out youth. Through advocacy, the Unfostered Podcast, and Texture Talks hair care events, AIM builds community awareness and equips families, professionals, and communities to better support children and families impacted by foster care.

By amplifying the voices of children and adults with lived foster care experience, AIM empowers foster alumni to feel seen and valued. Its initiatives combine education, caregiver training, and youth and family support to strengthen the broader foster care ecosystem and build lasting community connection.

Representative: Marie Ezell Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.taimincorporated.org

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BLACK MAMAS VILLAGE

Black Mamas Village – ATX, founded by Nakeenya Wilson, is an Austin-based community organization supporting over 3,000 Black mothers across all generations to combat isolation. Grounded in a collective, intergenerational "village" philosophy, the organization empowers members through three core pillars: economic empowerment, connection and belonging, and health and wellness.

With Danielle Arnold serving on its board, Black Mamas Village continues to build a network where Black mothers can find genuine support and community at every stage of motherhood. By centering connection and shared experience, the organization helps members thrive both individually and collectively.

Representative: Danielle Arnold Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2021 Position: Board Member Website: www.blackmamasvillage-atx.org

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ELECT HOUSING SOLUTIONS

Elect Housing Solutions is a Texas-based alternative community housing development and real estate firm dedicated to creating stable, dignified living environments. The company acquires, rehabilitates, and maintains housing across the state, transforming overlooked properties into safe, well-maintained homes for individuals and families. Its work is grounded in the belief that quality housing is foundational to long-term community stability and growth.

To deepen its impact, Elect Housing Solutions partners with mission-aligned, community-focused organizations to deliver service-enriched homes that go beyond shelter alone. These partnerships connect residents to resources and support systems that strengthen neighborhoods and expand long-term opportunity.

Representative: Remy Jules Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2024 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.electhousingsolution.org

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DC DESIGN

DC Design is a social impact design firm, led by Founder Durell Coleman, partnering with nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies to eliminate generational poverty in Black, Brown, and low-income communities. Using community engagement and systems thinking, the firm designs and implements strategic solutions across housing, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

By centering the voices and lived experiences of the communities it serves, DC Design ensures its solutions are both equitable and effective. The firm's interdisciplinary approach allows it to tackle complex, systemic challenges with creativity and precision, driving meaningful, lasting change for the populations most affected by inequity.

Representative: Durell Coleman Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.dcdesignltd.com

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DEL VALLE ISD

Del Valle ISD is a public school district located in Southeast Travis County, Texas, providing Pre-K through 12th-grade education to students across the community. The district's core programs include college, career, and military readiness (CCMR), career and technical education (CTE), special education, multilingual learning, fine arts, and athletics, offering students a well-rounded path to academic and personal growth. Each program is designed to meet students where they are and equip them with the skills needed for life beyond the classroom.

Del Valle ISD collaborates closely with families, local businesses, and higher education institutions to ensure students graduate future-ready.

Representative: Dr. Katrina Bailey Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2023 Position: Executive Director Website: www.dvisd.net

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DUSTYN SAPP HOMES

Dustyn Sapp Homes is a Texas-based real estate company, founded by Dustyn Sapp, dedicated to helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals. The company specializes in luxury homes, new construction, relocation, and investment properties, offering a tailored approach to each client's unique needs and circumstances.

Through expert market knowledge, strategic guidance, and personalized service, Dustyn Sapp Homes helps clients navigate the real estate process with confidence and clarity. Whether buying a first home or expanding an investment portfolio, clients can count on a dedicated partner invested in their long-term success.

DUSTYN SAPP H O M E S

Representative: Dustyn Sapp Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2024 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.linkedin.com/in/dustyn-sapp-7a91 b0154

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ERICA KIZZIE W/RUSTIC OAK REAL ESTATE Erica Kizzie, known as SoldByMZKizzie, is a Texas realtor with Rustic Oak Real Estate serving the Austin and Houston areas. Combining a background in project management and public administration, she brings a uniquely organized and people-centered approach to real estate, helping clients navigate residential buying, selling, and investing with confidence.

Erica provides personalized, heart-led guidance throughout every transaction, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Her ability to blend strategic planning with genuine care allows clients to feel supported at every step, whether they're purchasing their first home, selling a property, or building their investment portfolio.

Representative: Erica Kizzie Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2024 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.soldbyekizzie.com

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HOMES WITH HALL REALTY Homes With Hall Realty is committed to delivering exceptional service that goes above and beyond standard real estate expectations. The team understands that buying or selling a home can be a stressful and emotional experience, and works diligently to make the process as smooth and seamless as possible for every client. From the first consultation to closing day, the focus remains on clear communication, attentive guidance, and personalized support tailored to each client's unique needs.

By combining market expertise with a client-first approach, Homes With Hall Realty helps individuals and families navigate one of life's biggest transactions with confidence. The company remains dedicated to building lasting relationships rooted in trust, integrity, and exceptional results.

Representative: Christie Hall Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2023 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.homeswithhallrealty.com

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HUSTON-TILLOTSON INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - AUSTIN The Huston-Tillotson University Alumni Chapter unites alumni, former students, and friends of the university in a shared commitment to promoting the school's growth, advancement, and welfare. As one of the cornerstones of Austin's Black educational legacy, Huston-Tillotson continues to shape generations of leaders, and this chapter exists to keep that community connected and engaged long after graduation.

Membership is open to all graduates, former students, and friends of the university who want to stay involved in its mission. The chapter serves as a hub for connection, mentorship, and advocacy, ensuring that the Huston-Tillotson legacy continues to thrive through the active participation of those who know it best.

Representative: April Davis Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Board Member Website: www.htaustinalumni.com

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IMPACT BARBER ACADEMY

IMPACT Barber Academy is a Texas-licensed barber school with campuses in Austin and South Texas, dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled barbers and entrepreneurs. Through its signature "Barber to Boss" philosophy, the academy combines hands-on technical training with entrepreneurship education, equipping students with both the craft and the business acumen needed to succeed in the industry.

Led by Owner and Founder Coach Leonard, IMPACT Barber Academy is committed to turning passion into a lasting business legacy for its students. By blending technical mastery with entrepreneurial mindset, the academy helps barbers transform their skills into thriving, independent businesses that serve their communities for years to come.

Representative: Coach Leonard Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.impactbarberacademy.com

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NEXTACT THERAPY AND WELLNESS

NextACT Therapy and Wellness provides mental health education and transition navigation for individuals and organizations facing periods of significant change.

Founded by Latosha Leonard, the practice uses its signature "Middle of Change" framework to help clients move through career shifts, identity transitions, and organizational change with greater clarity and confidence.

At the core of NextACT's methodology is a "Regulate, Clarify, Act" process, guiding clients to first regulate their emotional state, then clarify their next steps, and finally act with intention.

Representative: Latosha Leonard Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.nextact-middle-of-change-landin g.netlify.app/

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PEEPLES IMPACT

Peeples Impact offers group fitness and life coaching for people ready to move, connect, and grow. The organization provides high-energy cardio classes designed to build physical strength and stamina, while also creating an inclusive space where members can support one another through shared movement and accountability. Every session is built around the belief that fitness is not just a personal journey, but a communal one.

Beyond the gym, Peeples Impact extends its mission through wellness retreats that encourage deeper personal growth, reflection, and connection. These experiences allow members to step away from daily routines and invest in their overall well-being alongside a supportive community.

Representative: Jarvier Peeples Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.peepimpact.org

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REGGIE RAP'S ROOM

Reggie Rap's Room (RRR), created by Jeremy Rashad Brown, is a multimedia arts and wellness platform rooted in Black joy and social-emotional learning.

Through music, live performances, and school programming, RRR creates affirming spaces for youth and families to explore identity and emotional wellness.

Representative: Jeremy Rashad Brown

By blending creative expression with intentional wellness practices, Reggie Rap's Room helps young people build confidence, process emotions, and celebrate their identities in spaces designed specifically for them. Its programming continues to expand the ways art and music can serve as tools for healing and connection.

Position: Owner/Founder

Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2026

Website: www.reggierapsroom.org

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REIN & RESTORE FOUNDATION

Rein & Restore Foundation, founded by Dre Wheeler, nurtures healing and connection for children and families through nature-based experiences, mentoring, and wellness education. Guided by its Four Pathways — Connect, Grow, Restore, and Serve — the foundation helps families move from survival to restoration.

By weaving together equine connection, nature, mentorship, and wellness, Rein & Restore creates safe spaces for healing and growth. The foundation remains rooted in the belief that every child and family deserves the opportunity to rebuild trust, resilience, and a renewed sense of hope.

Representative: Dre Wheeler Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2025 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.reinandrestore.org

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RINSE & REPEAT LAUNDRY SERVICES

Rinse & Repeat, founded by Christian Onyemali, is a laundry pickup and delivery service in Hutto, Texas, designed to save busy families time. Through its flat-rate "Friday Finish" program, the company provides seamless Thursday doorstep pickup and fresh Friday evening delivery, taking laundry off the to-do list entirely.

By prioritizing convenience, reliability, and a flat, predictable rate, Rinse & Repeat helps families reclaim valuable time each week. The service continues to grow as a trusted solution for households looking to simplify everyday routines without sacrificing quality or care.

Representative: Christian Onyemali Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2023 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.rinseandrepeatservice.com

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TEAM 5TWELVE

Team 5Twelve, founded by Robert McCray, is a Central Texas firefighter-founded leadership and lifestyle organization uniting first responders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Through leadership development, wellness initiatives, and service projects, it creates opportunities for personal growth, meaningful connection, and collective community impact across the region.

Grounded in pillars of wellness, finance, culture, and leadership, Team 5Twelve brings people together to build stronger lives, stronger networks, and stronger communities, one connection at a time.

Represntative: Robert McCray Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2024 Position: Owner/Founder Website: www.team5twelve-5tecxqea.manus.space

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WILLPOWER PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING WillPower Professional Life Coaching provides professional life coaching services centered on success attainment, self-empowerment, joy discovery, social awareness, and life change adjustment. Founded and led by Onnesha Williams, the organization specializes in guiding clients, with a particular focus on Black women, through meaningful personal transformation and goal achievement.

Through a holistic approach to coaching, WillPower Professional Life Coaching helps clients navigate major life transitions while building greater self-awareness and resilience. The organization is dedicated to helping individuals discover their power and step fully into their potential.

Representative: Onnesha Williams Cohort Affiliation: Class of 2022 Position: Owner/Founder Website: --------

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