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 in uence, impact, and equity across Central Texas.
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 re ects the depth and breadth of our leadership thriving across business, government, education, and beyond.
Inside these pages, you'll nd a vibrant cross-section of individuals and entities committed to elevating the culture in their respective elds. 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 A liation: Class of 2023
Position: Executive Director
Website: www.allgo.org
ANGEL IN ME INCORPORATED
Angel In Me Incorporated (AIM) is a faith-based nonpro t 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 A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.taimincorporated.org
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 nd 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 A liation: Class of 2021
Position: Board Member
Website: www.blackmamasvillage-atx.org
ELECT HOUSING SOLUTIONS
Elect Housing Solutions is a Texas-based alternative community housing development and real estate rm dedicated to creating stable, digni ed 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 A liation: Class of 2024
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.electhousingsolution.org
DC DESIGN
DC Design is a social impact design rm, led by Founder Durell Coleman, partnering with nonpro ts, foundations, and government agencies to eliminate generational poverty in Black, Brown, and low-income communities. Using community engagement and systems thinking, the rm 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 e ective. The rm's interdisciplinary approach allows it to tackle complex, systemic challenges with creativity and precision, driving meaningful, lasting change for the populations most a ected by inequity.
Representative: Durell Coleman
Cohort A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.dcdesignltd.com
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, ne arts, and athletics, o ering 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 A liation: Class of 2023
Position: Executive Director
Website: www.dvisd.net
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, o ering 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 con dence and clarity. Whether buying a rst home or expanding an investment portfolio, clients can count on a dedicated partner invested in their long-term success.
Representative: Dustyn Sapp
Cohort A liation: Class of 2024
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.linkedin.com/in/dustyn-sapp-7a91 b0154
DUSTYN SAPP HOMES
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 con dence.
Erica provides personalized, heart-led guidance throughout every transaction, ensuring a seamless experience from start to nish. Her ability to blend strategic planning with genuine care allows clients to feel supported at every step, whether they're purchasing their rst home, selling a property, or building their investment portfolio.
Representative: Erica Kizzie
Cohort A liation: Class of 2024
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.soldbyekizzie.com
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 rst 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- rst approach, Homes With Hall Realty helps individuals and families navigate one of life's biggest transactions with con dence. The company remains dedicated to building lasting relationships rooted in trust, integrity, and exceptional results.
Representative:
Christie Hall
Cohort A liation: Class of 2023
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.homeswithhallrealty.com
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 A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Board Member
Website: www.htaustinalumni.com
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 A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.impactbarberacademy.com
NEXTACT THERAPY AND WELLNESS
NextACT Therapy and Wellness provides mental health education and transition navigation for individuals and organizations facing periods of signi cant 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 con dence.
At the core of NextACT's methodology is a "Regulate, Clarify, Act" process, guiding clients to rst regulate their emotional state, then clarify their next steps, and nally act with intention.
Representative: Latosha Leonard
Cohort A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.nextact-middle-of-change-landin g.netlify.app/
PEEPLES IMPACT
Peeples Impact o ers group tness 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 tness 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, re ection, 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 A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.peepimpact.org
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 a rming spaces for youth and families to explore identity and emotional wellness.
By blending creative expression with intentional wellness practices, Reggie Rap's Room helps young people build con dence, process emotions, and celebrate their identities in spaces designed speci cally for them. Its programming continues to expand the ways art and music can serve as tools for healing and connection.
Representative:
Jeremy Rashad Brown
Cohort A liation: Class of 2026
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.reggierapsroom.org
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 A liation: Class of 2025
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.reinandrestore.org
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 at-rate "Friday Finish" program, the company provides seamless Thursday doorstep pickup and fresh Friday evening delivery, taking laundry o the to-do list entirely.
By prioritizing convenience, reliability, and a at, 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 sacri cing quality or care.
Representative: Christian Onyemali
Cohort A liation: Class of 2023
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.rinseandrepeatservice.com
TEAM 5TWELVE
Team 5Twelve, founded by Robert McCray, is a Central Texas re ghter-founded leadership and lifestyle organization uniting rst 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, nance, 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 A liation: Class of 2024
Position: Owner/Founder
Website: www.team5twelve-5tecxqea.manus.space
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 A liation: Class of 2022
Position: Owner/Founder
Website:
