Leadership Africa 2021︱ African Leadership Group

LEADERSHIP AFRICA ‘21

“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

African Leadership Group Our mission is to help the African diaspora integrate and prosper by connecting cultures, developing strong community leaders, and advocating for economic, social and educational impact.

MESSAGE FROM PAPA DIA Welcome to the inaugural class of Leadership Africa, a program we at African Leadership Group have been planning for five years and that we are excited to launch now, early in 2021.

Leadership Africa will empower you to use strengths in yourself and strengths in the community to create positive change. The program will support you to identify your authentic leadership style and equip you to take on greater civic and professional leadership roles.

What I ask of all of you who are participating in this program is that you take what you learn here to your communities, to your families, and to your workplaces. In doing this, you will foster new leaders, who, in turn will spread the word to even more future leaders. This Is what we mean when we talk about spreading the wealth.

We are proud that the inaugural Leadership Africa class is extremely diverse. We have participants who span the African continent, from Tunisia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, to Cameroon, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. We also have African Americans in the class. Our goal, now and into the future, is to be an inclusive program, open to anyone interested in participating.

One of our favorite sayings at ALG is “if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.�

Leadership Africa is our commitment to providing an opportunity for more people to claim their place at the table, on a wide variety of issues.

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OUR STORY Founded in 2006 by Papa Dia, the African Leadership Group (ALG) is based in the DenverMetro area. It has a statewide agenda for improving the quality of life for African immigrants in Colorado, facilitating integration and civic engagement. Since its inception, ALG has organized multiple community events, programs, and services focused on key issues, such as education, career and job opportunities, business development, immigration, political and community involvement, and many other activities—regularly reaching thousands of individuals in the local community. ALG advocates for the entire African immigrant community – across national origin, tribes, and language – to ensure continuous improvement to immigrants’ quality of life.

CORE VALUES Our commitment to core values is the foundation of all that we do. ALG upholds the following core values: Transformation We believe in urgent action, innovation, and the necessity of transformation—within the community we serve.

Integrity We are accountable to the people and partners we humbly serve, transparently sharing our results, stories and lessons.

Diversity We know that by embracing differences, actively including a variety of voices, and joining together we can solve the world’s most complex problems.

Excellence We challenge ourselves to the highest level of learning and performance, tapping the best of the human spirit to create impact.

Equality

ALG COMMIITTEES Afrik Impact Business & Economic Development Career Advancement Education & Youth Fundraising Health & Wellness Homeownership & Financial Leadership Africa Legal & Policy Public Speaking Women Empowerment

We believe in the equal value of every human being and the importance of respecting and honoring each individual; we know that change happens through people.

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Afrik Impact MISSION To celebrate the impact of the African Dispora in Colorado and to honor our accomplishments.

PURPOSE The purpose of this event is to celebrate our collective accomplishments, recognize our community champions, and cast the vision for our next year of policy and advocacy work. In addition, Afrik Impact is part of our public persuasion campaign to have the State of Colorado officially establish August as African Immigrant Month. In 2020, the theme was The Value in Our Common Voice—recognizing the challenging times, but also remembering the power we have when we come together as a community.

ALG BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Ansah - Board Chair Judith Donaldson Fesehaye G. Arbrhaley Macodou Diop Brian Solomon Muwanga Alphonse Nembot Abdul Pessima Tyler Sandberg

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WHEREAS, during African Immigrant Month, we celebrate our collective accomplishments, annually highlight our community champions, and underscore the importance of ongoing civic engagement; and WHEREAS, during African Immigrant Month, we showcase the positive contributions of African people in Colorado; and WHEREAS, we seek to honor the African community’s positive impact across Colorado and celebrate the diversity that they contribute across our state and within our local communities; and WHEREAS, during the month of August, we recognize the value African immigrants add to Colorado’s cultural and economic strength; Therefore, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim the month of August, 2020 as

AFRICAN IMMIGRANT MONTH in the State of Colorado.

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this first day of August, 2020

Jared Polis Governor

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Chief Executive Officer, Denver Botanic Gardens, Partner of ALG Brian Vogt Chief Executive Officer, Denver Botanic Gardens Brian Vogt has been CEO of Denver Botanic Gardens since April 2007. In that time, attendance has grown to well over one million per year, programs have been launched to address access to food in urban areas, a comprehensive diversity and inclusion project has been integrated into daily activity, the Center for Global Initiatives was launched focusing on plant research and crop genetics, and an exhibit program has curated works by legends such as Henry Moore, Dale Chihuly and Alexander Calder. Under his leadership, over $116 million was raised and more than 60 construction projects have been completed including the Mordecai Children’s Garden, a parking complex, the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center, the Greenhouse Complex, the Science Pyramid, Ellipse Garden, the Steppe Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Hive Garden Bistro, and the recently completed Freyer – Newman Center. Previous professional experience includes three Cabinet positions for the State of Colorado and President of the South Metro Chamber of Commerce. Vogt serves as President of the Board of the American Public Gardens Association and as Board Treasurer for Plant Select.

He is an active participant with many civic organizations in the Denver area and speaks frequently on intentional culture, adaptation and leadership. He holds a BA in Classical Antiquity from the University of Colorado.

MESSAGE TO THE COHORT FROM BRIAN The world needs leaders.

Civilization needs leaders who do not simply have a title or power, but who are able to support and inspire the best in our souls. When a community moves in a joyful manner to a better day for everyone, well, that’s something worth celebrating.

For many years now, all of us at Denver Botanic Gardens have celebrated the fact that our friends in the African Leadership Group serve and motivate the potential of others. We are honored to have a longstanding partnership with all of you and welcome you to the Gardens for this groundbreaking leadership development program. In an environment of plants, from all over the world, we learn perspective and balance. Please use the Gardens as a place for both enlightenment and delight.

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African Leadership Group (ALG) is excited to announce a new professional and civic leadership program designed for members of the African Diaspora living and working in the greater Denver/ Aurora area. Leadership Africa will empower you to use strengths in yourself and strengths in the community to create positive change. The program will support you to identify your authentic leadership style and equip you to take on greater civic and professional leadership roles. You will learn about local government systems, gain critical leadership skills, build new self-awareness, and gain a strong network of peers. The program philosophy draws on best-practices in leadership development, and strengths inherent in traditional cultures and the resilience of African immigrant communities.

Leadership Africa is ideal for professionals with a track record of giving back to the community and who can commit to engage in this rigorous program for the full 9 months .

Leadership Africa includes the following program components: • Two-day leadership retreat.

• Full-day workshops once/month for 8 subsequent months.

• Personal assessment model and one-onone coaching session.

• Guest speakers and field trips to learn about local institutions and issues.

Facilitators: Effley N. Brooks III MBA, & Emilie A. Gettliffe, MSc, MA, ACC

LEADERSHIP AFRICA

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Leadership Africa 2021 CURRICULUM SUMMARY Introduction Leadership Africa is a new professional and civic leadership development program designed for members of the African Diaspora living and working in the greater Denver/Aurora area. The program encourages participants to take on greater community and professional leadership roles by creating a valuable opportunity for gaining leadership skills, building self-awareness, personal development and professional growth, and learning about local systems and institutions. The program philosophy and curriculum draw on recognized best practices in leadership development, as well as strengths inherent in traditional cultures and the adaptability and resilience of African immigrant communities.

Program Components Structure: Leadership Africa is a 9-month professional leadership development program. The core content is delivered via day long in-person workshops, which are hosted once per month. These are complemented by a 2-day opening retreat, individual pre-work for each session, and a team leadership project. In addition, participants will complete a personal assessment model that guides their personal development objectives.

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Training in leadership topics and skills

Following best practices in leadership development, and a community-driven approach to choosing key leadership and skill-building themes, the following have been selected:

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Opening Retreat: Team-building, group norms, and setting personal objectives

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Workshop 1: Values, ethics, and communication

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Workshop 2: Leadership theory and styles

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Workshop 3: Defining and understanding community

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Workshop 4: Group decision-making

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Workshop 5: Power and conflict management

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Workshop 6: Facilitating change and building influence

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Workshop 7: Overcoming breakdowns and challenges

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Workshop 8: Reflection and assessment

The curriculum is designed so that skills learned in one workshop are reviewed and applied as a part of future workshops and activities. Skills related to each of these topics are expected to lead to greater self-efficacy and confidence in one’s own leadership abilities, while also bringing recognition of important interpersonal and group dynamics.

Additionally, the curriculum is designed to lay a foundation for a respectful and inclusive environment during the opening retreat. This is reinforced in future workshops, with ongoing opportunities for critical reflection and analysis, experiential learning, teambuilding and teamwork. Participants will also be engaged in on-going program design, implementation and assessment, as the program unfolds to make sure that it meets their needs and expectations.

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Personal Assessment Tool

Each participant will take the Enneagram personality assessment, which provides powerful insights into the behaviors and patterns that give each of us unique leadership strengths and opportunities for growth. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a 45 minute debrief call with the facilitators to understand the results of their assessment, and how this can inform their leadership objectives over the course of the program.

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Experiential Learning through a Leadership Project

The objectives of the experiential learning component of the program is to provide an opportunity for participants to step outside their comfort zones in practicing new leadership skills, and to have a real positive impact on an issue important to the community.

Participants will form teams of 5-6 people, and will be given time to agree on and begin implementing their leadership project during the program. This experience will allow participants to practice working within a diverse team setting, and engaging directly in community and civic issues.

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Guest Speakers and Field Trips

To build stronger understanding of local systems, and how community-level change takes place, field trips and guest speakers are integrated into the curriculum design starting in week 5. This will give participants time to identify the local government and/or civic systems that are of greatest interest to them, and for those experiences to be arranged in a way that ties into other program components.

Field trips and guest speaking events also provide opportunities for participants to network.

Key facilitation principles Value and validate participant experiences, ideas and opinions. Leadership Africa provides an opportunity 9 A LG | L E A D E R S H I P A F R I C A 2 0 2 1

for participants to share their ideas and experiences, and to practice leadership capacities in a safe and respectful space. As such, soliciting opinions and sharing from all participants (and designing the right context for this to happen) needs to be a priority of all facilitators involved. The most impactful learning occurs when participants arrive at their own answers to difficult questions. This does not mean that facilitators don’t have relevant information and insight to share. However, it is best imparted by guiding the conversation, asking good probing questions that incite critical thinking, and encouraging participants to draw on their own unique strengths to come up with answers and solutions.

Include participants as partners in the program design, implementation and evaluation. This may take many forms, but it is essential that Leadership Africa participants are not passive consumers of the program.

They have an active leadership role within the program itself. This includes identifying and helping to contact guest speakers to invite to the program, coordinating field trips, co-leading workshop activities/discussions as possible, and helping to design and conduct program assessments. There will be time for feedback at the end of every workshop where people can vocalize what they've found most valuable, and things they would like to be different.

Create ongoing opportunities for relationship and network development. Recognizing that supportive relationships and social networks are essential to human resilience and success, Leadership Africa will deliberately cultivate this aspect of the program, both among participants, and with other stakeholders in the Denver/Aurora area. Fun and meaningful group activities, opportunities for personal and in-depth discussion, and new experiences will support the development of strong bonds.

Provide opportunities and props for different learning styles and make it fun! Use a variety of facilitation tools and “mix it up” so that visual learners, auditory learners and action-oriented learners are all effectively engaged.

Integrating physical movement around the room, visual cues, music and other props can prevent participants from “checking out.”

Ask good questions and be okay with silence. Sometimes the greatest introspection and personal learning comes in moments of silent reflection. As facilitators, it can sometimes be hard if no participant is eagerly ready to respond to a difficult question. However, asking meaningful questions with adequate time for reflection can be a powerful tool, and lead to deeper responses and conversation. It also gives time for more introverted participants to have an opportunity to speak up.

Harvest what participants are sharing. For participants who may not fully believe they are leaders, or who have not yet been treated as such, documenting what they share about different topics is a powerful way to demonstrate the value of their ideas and to build a collective vision of the ideas, experiences and perspectives in the room. This may be as simple as having a participant write notes of a conversation on a white board or flip chart for everyone to see. If time and resources allow, this can then be shared back in different forms, such as sending photos of the notes.

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The African Leadership Group’s programming offers opportunities for children and adult immigrants to address the diverse issues within the community, adjusting to the cultural differences in their new environment while accessing resources to help strengthen the rich entrepreneurial efforts of men and women who come to the country in search of a better life.

The group operates with several initiatives, and features activities that help empower African immigrant communities to achieve long-term goals. A health and wellness initiative facilitates reduced-price health services while hosting community discussions that address key health concerns and improve community wellness.

The career and economic advancement initiatives provides public speaking training classes every Tuesday in addition to a 9-month leadership program to prepare African immigrants for meaningful engagement in education, civic, and community processes.

Women and youth empowerment initiatives provide support for women and children who face a unique set of challenges after immigrating to the United States.

The process of leaving home and immigrating to a new country is not without challenges; but for young people trying to become acclimated in American society, immigration is especially difficult.

The specialized youth programming gives African immigrant children a sense of belonging and helps them realize that they are not alone, while programming for parents helps the entire family navigate life in the United States with a safe space to share stories and find solutions for common intergenerational problems.

The African Leadership Group values our strong partnerships with city officials, government entities, donors and sponsors. Your continued support helps us reach our goal! To learn more and stay engaged, please visit www.usalg.org.

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Facilitators

Effley N. Brooks III, MBA Teaching Assistant Professor

Effley Brooks is President and owner of Tiger Bee Consulting, LLC a company that he established in order to expand his opportunities in working toward positive social change. Effley specializes in leadership development workshops and seminars. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Effley is a Buckeye- born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. However, he decided to move to Colorado after just one visit to this beautiful state. Effley is an avid snowboarder, skier, and fisherman. He has a daughter in middle school and two dogs from Rocky Mountain Puppy Rescue. Effley serves on the Board of Directors for REACH Charter School and is a member of Denver African American Philanthropists (DAAP).

Emilie A. Gettliffe, MSc, MA, ACC As an Executive & Leadership Coach with Align Leadership, Emilie has dedicated her life to helping leaders and teams find their wings. She channels innovative facilitation, training and coaching methods to help individuals and groups address critical challenges, broaden awareness, and stimulate positive change. With over a decade of experience working with cross-cultural teams and leaders around the world, including in the United States, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Emilie brings unique experience working in complex and diverse environments. She has designed and facilitated programs in leadership development, systems thinking and organizational learning for clients including the Centre for Disaster Protection/UN-OCHA, World University Service Canada, DPR Construction, Duquesne Light, International Rescue Committee, and the International Youth Foundation. Emilie is a certified Integral CoachÂŽ through New Ventures West, an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation, and a Certified Enneagram CoachÂŽ through the Enneagram in Business program. Emilie holds an MSc from the London School of Economics, an MA from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris (Sciences Po), and a BA from the University of Colorado.

Committee Members and Mentors Fesehaye Ghezae Abrhaley Leadership Africa Committee Chair Fesehaye is a Senior Systems Engineer/Quality Engineer at Lockheed Martin.

NASA Orion Project in the Orion Test labs. Born raised in Eritrea and came to the US in 1997. Graduated from The University of Colorado at Boulder with a Degree in Electrical Engineering. Started working for Lockheed Martin as a Software Engineer for the Department of Defense for two years as RF Distribution systems. In 2006 Fesehaye transferred to the Lockheed Martin Space Systems working for NASA project called Orion which is going to take humans to Mars by 2030. Working for that project in so many levels starting as an Embedded Software Engineer, as a communication and Tracking Systems lead (for a Pad Abort Test flight launched in 2010), as a Lab Manager in the Integrated Test labs here in Colorado. Fesehaye worked as a Launch Team (As Certified Test conductor) 12

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for the Exploration Flight Test one (EFT-1) that was launched on December 5th, 2014 from Launch site in Florida NASA Kennedy Space Center. Fesehaye is a proud husband, father and serves on the Boards of African Leadership Group (ALG); Elders in Bethel Eritrean Church Colorado; Co-Founder and Executive Director of American & African Consulting Group LLC; Co-Founder and Executive Director of American & African Investment LLC Link to NASA Journey to Mars:https://www.nasa.gov/topics/journeytomars/index.html

Evans Kwesi Mensah Leadership Africa Committee Member Cofounder and executive director for ValueCycle, a supply chain,leadership/ organizational development and training institution, Evans serves as the leadconsultant with over 20 years’ experience. Evans is also a cofounder of Diversifying OurCommunities – a nonprofit that is focused on educating and empowering the minoritycommunity by creating opportunities with huge focus on the African woman. Evans is atrio continental individual, works and lived in Africa, Europe and currently in theAmericas. Evans is a bestselling author of: ‘Synergy and Commonality – The Key toSuccess’ and recently, ‘Beyond the Credentials’. As a McKinsey & Company Fellow and a certified lean 6 sigma blackbelt, he has made a lot of strides positively in turning the bottom-line for many institutions. Evans serves on a number of boards locally and internationally as well as engaged inmany social activities including but not limited to: Howard University ExecutiveEducation where he doubles as chair for career excellence, as well as instructor for theirglobal executive leadership program in Washington D.C.; Charter Education Partners forOmar D. Blair (K-12) Charter School, and chair for their Finance Committee in Denver;mentor for Watson Institute in Boulder, Colorado. He was the immediate past NationalCouncil Member for the United Nations Association, USA and their first chair for the Collaboration and Partnerships Committee (SDG 17). He guests’ lecturers atMetropolitan State University in the school of journalism, Denver, and a visiting guestlecturer/trainer at University of Ghana Business School, Legon. He currently serves as the country chair for the Dwight Eisenhower Fellowship in Ghana.

More on: www.evansmensah.com.

Luke Ragland Leadership Africa Committee Member Luke Ragland is the President of Ready Colorado. Ready Colorado advocates for a more student-centered education system. Prior to joining Ready, Luke served as Vice President of Policy at Colorado Succeeds, a coalition of business leaders focused on improving the state’s education system. He’s also a recovering attorney who practiced complex commercial litigation. During a brief stint at the White House, Luke had the honor of writing political briefs for former President George W. Bush. Luke serves on the board of Colorado’s statewide charter school authorizer. He lives in Denver with his wife and two daughters.

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Omar Montgomery Leadership Africa Committee Member Omar serves as Director of Black Student Services at CU Denver, where he founded a youth leadership program dedicated to nurturing high school and college students’ individual civic engagement skills. Omar has also continued his family’s tradition of strengthening community. As a key stakeholder in Colorado’s Transforming Safety Initiative which created new economic opportunities for Northwest Aurora. He continues to work directly with the Aurora Police Department’s Citizens’ Advisory Board and Key Community Response Team to improve law enforcement’s relationships with underprivileged communities. He is also board chairperson at the Village Exchange Center—a “one stop shop” supporting integration, engagement and empowerment of Aurora’s immigrants and refugee communities. Omar has his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and Dual Master’s in Education Administration and Public Administration. He currently serves as president of the Aurora branch of the NAACP, and is a member of Aurora’s Budget and Golf Commissions. He is a proud family man, father, and companion to his dog, Marley.

Reilly Pharo Carter Leadership Africa Committee Member Reilly brings over a decade of experience as a leader in Colorado’s education policy landscape and has been involved in landmark legislation efforts at the state level. From 2009 to 2014 Reilly served as the Vice President of Education Initiatives and prior to that the Government Affairs Director for the Colorado Children’s Campaign where she led the organization’s education policy work, as well as served on the Children’s Campaign’s leadership team. Over the last five years Reilly led Climb Higher Colorado as their President and CEO. In that role she helped establish the organization, build partnerships across a wide range of organizations, elevate the importance of family-school partnerships and launched their signature fellowship, the Systems Impact Institute. Reilly now supports a mix of education related initiatives as Principal with RPC Consulting. Reilly was born and raised in Colorado. She loves spending time with her husband, Brett and daughter Gwen. She is a mentor through the Challenge , loves hiking, biking and spending time with loved ones. Reilly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy from Brown University.

Vincent Omegba Leadership Africa Committee Member A minister, missionary, lawyer, leadership teacher and serial social Entrepreneur, Vincent Omegba is a Nigerian resident in Aurora Colorado. He leads a multi-cultural church that actively participates in community development through Hope Hall Inc. He is the VP International collaboration Consensys Group LLC and manages her Nigerian affiliate ConsensysGrowth Ltd. He is also senior consultant with ConsensysGrowth LLC, a Colorado corporation. A proponent of collaborative engagement and consensus participatory systems in leadership and governance, he sits on the city of Aurora Key Community Response Team (KCRT) that advices the government on 14

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cultural, security, safety and social issues. Vincent is married to Priscilla Omegba and they are blessed with four adult children and four grandchildren.

Solomon Muwanga Vice President, Commercial Banker, MidWestOne Bank Solomon is Vice President, Commercial Banker for MidWestOne Bank and has over 20 years of banking experience in Colorado. His primary responsibility is working alongside customers to ensure the growth and overall success of their business’ financial health. He takes great pride in proactively partnering with customers to gain a full understand their business and finds that this type of approach allows him to provide advice and expertise to lead them to success.

Solomon has been married for 20 years and has two children. He previously served for two years on the Denver Work Force Board where he was appointed by Mayor Hancock in August 2014. He currently serves on the board of the African Leadership Group.

Philosophy – “Professionally my passion is to leverage skills acquired overtime as an experienced commercial Banker and the skills of equally strong team of very experienced bankers in our Denver office that also share a common banking background and dedication to personalized service. My unique skill set is a strong belief and ability to advocate, advise and provide consultative service to our business customers.”

2021 Inaugural Cohort John K Abum John K. Abum has a passion for developing youth soccer leagues for refugees and immigrant children as a community volunteer. Originally from Gambia, John has lived in the U.S. for 16 years -- in New York and Wyoming prior to moving to Colorado five years ago. He is married and has four children -- three boys and one girl. He has a degree in public health from the Gambia College School of Public Health, and is currently working on a business administration degree with an emphasis on sports management at Columbia College.

He currently works as a courier for FedEx, giving him “more time to do my community service organizing soccer leagues.”

Fesehaye Abrhaley Fesehaye Abrhaley is a Senior Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin, where he manages the NASA Orion Integrated Test Lab. Having graduated from The University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 2004, he started his career with Lockheed Martin as a Software Engineer for the Department of Defense. He then transferred to working in Space Systems for a NASA project called Orion which will take humans to Mars by 2030. Fesehaye worked as a Certified Test Conductor for Exploration Flight Test 1, launched in December 2014 from the Kennedy Space Center. Fesehaye is actively involved in the community, including contributing his time to ALG, and serving as chairman to the board of elders for the Bethel Eritrean Church of Denver.

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Blessing Abraham Blessing Abraham is a Nigerian immigrant who describes himself as “a smart worker, a people builder, mental health enthusiast and advocate, and a lifelong learner”.

Blessing runs the ‘WearetheKind’ movement and is also the project coordinator for Be Loved Wellness & Therapy. He says his life philosophy is that a person has to be of a sound mind to function optimally and lead a great quality of life.

Kennedy Achiri Known as Kenny Great is a professional Graphic Designer with extended knowledge in Unix systems administrator. Kenny grew up with the desire to develop the leadership skills and ability so to be fully equipped with all it takes to IMPACT his generation and community positively. He likes to think out of the box, break new grounds, and stretch the edge of the map to create new opportunities.

Ugo Akiri It is a fundamental fact for Ugo Akiri that she is a person of faith. Ugo migrated to the United States from Nigeria in August 2016. She holds a Master’s of Science in information systems from the University of Colorado, Denver and a Master’s of Science in political science and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Ugo writes Christian poetry, and has authored several articles, many of which were published in a monthly Christian devotional guide that she edited for nearly eight years. As an editor, she has worked with authors in rewriting and editing their books. Ugo has helped build several startup organizations, including local churches and affiliated organizations. Ugo founded Caring Sisters Initiative, and The Rahab Project – aimed at rehabilitating former sex workers.Ugo currently works at Zozo Group LLC, as an IT intern. She lives in Aurora, Colorado.

Ousman Ba Ousman Ba is originally from Senegal. He is a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in political science and international studies. Upon graduation, Ousman committed to a year of service with Americorps City Year, where he worked at Miami Central High School preparing students with the social, emotional and academic skills and mindsets to succeed in school and in life.

After City Year, he moved back to Denver and worked in the banking industry treasury management representative with Firstbank. During his time at FirstBank, he volunteered with ALG as the Youth Empowerment Program facilitator. After two years as a volunteer, he joined the ALG team as a Program Coordinator.

Ousman wants to be part of Leadership Africa to become a better leader and build connections with community leaders so together they can change their communities.

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LaTerrell Bradford LaTerrell Bradford has a deep passion to serve people who are hurting; to support lifting them up and healing any unresolved trauma they may carry. Her desire to serve comes for her own life experience. Growing up in a community that lacked quality education and healthy guidance, LaTerrell knows firsthand how it feels to be disenfranchised. LaTerrell attended Metropolitan State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in mental health and counseling. She is also a yoga instructor with 400 hours of yoga teacher training. LaTerrell serves the community in many different ways, from facilitating groups to mentoring teens. Her willingness to give back and pay it forward are the tools that make this lady a gift to the communities that she serves.

Aissatou Dia A native of Senegal, Astu came to the United States in 2006 to join her husband .

Astu is a mother of three wonderful girls and is fully devoted to her family that come first before anything else .

She has a big passion to travel and discover the world and everything it has to offer.

Astu, has been in banking since 2009 where she started as a teller and later climb the ladder to become a mortgage banker a Bank of the West helping her customers achieve their dream of buying a home.

She also served as committee member at the African Leadership Group home ownership committee where she help African immigrants achieve their American Dream.

Papa Dia Papa Dia is Founder and President of the African Leadership Group, an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for African immigrants and members of the diaspora. Through social, economic, and educational empowerment programs, ALG helps families successfully integrate into their local community. A native of Senegal, Papa immigrated to Denver in 1998. He used his first job, stocking books, to teach himself how to read, write, and speak English. Beginning with an entry-level position in a local bank, over the next 17 years, Papa ultimately climbed the ranks to become a regional vice president. In 2017, Papa left his banking career to focus his full attention on running and growing ALG.

Amadou Dieng A native of Senegal, Amadou Dieng migrated to the United States in 2015. He quickly learned english, graduated High School and he is presently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies at the University of Colorado, Denver. Amadou works at the African Leadership Group as a Media Strategist and Program Assistant. Passionate about geopolitics and media, Dieng is a digital creator and a social justice activist; outside of work 1 7 A LG | L E A D E R S H I P A F R I C A 2 0 2 1

you can find Amadou in the community building relations or creating content for his Youtube Channel.

Bamba Diop Bamba Diop is the founder and president of the TAKKU JOGG Foundation. He was born and did his primary studies in Senegal. He had started a rap career before moving to the United States. Bamba has been living in the U.S. for 20 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business music, an MBA in finance, and a credit analyst certification. Bamba is an expert banker, who has occupied several positions of responsibility as a lead teller, personal banker, notary public, business advocate, and business banker. Sensitive to the financial situation experienced by the community, Bamba plays a role in the socioeconomic sector, through the TAKKU JOGG Foundation.

Macodou Diop Born in Senegal, Macodou moved to the United States in 2000 with a machinist degree. He quickly learned how to speak English and started several transportation companies, with a passion for finding ways of making a difference in people’s lives.

Macodou has been involved in the African Leadership Group since its inception and has been serving in a leadership role in a variety of initiatives, fulfilling his desire to give back to the community. Macodou’s hobbies are soccer, swimming, basketball, and fishing.

Teguo Djoyum Teguo Daniel Djoyum MPH, is an experienced nonprofit leader with a healthcare and project manager background. He holds a master’s degree in public health. Teguo is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the Global Organization of Health and Education (GOHE). He oversees fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

Jan Ford Jan J. Ford is a real estate broker who survived through the peaks and valleys of the e markets since 1995. Jan was born and lived in the greater Denver metropolitan area for most of his life which enabled him to understand areas better as well as how they evolved. Jan is also the Founder and CEO of Ford Financial, which emphasizes real estate investment and equity building. Jan works collectively with clients, staying positive and to believe and grow together to reach the ultimate goals.

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Mel Hooks Mel Hooks is a professional branch manager for KeyBank. She shares a passion for her clients and the community she serves. Mel has more than 15 years of banking experience and is dedicated to improving and educating clients to increase their knowledge of the banking environment. She plays a pivotal role in helping clients avoid common mistakes that often lead to mistrust in banking institutions. Mel takes on leadership opportunities in the community by serving on nonprofit boards and was named 2014 Aurora Business Woman of the Year for outstanding community leadership. Mel enjoys reading a variety of books, gardening, interior design, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Adolphe Kajangwe Adolphe Kajangwe is originally from Rwanda, and has lived and worked in the Greater Denver area since 1998. He is married and has a 4-year old son. Since graduating from university in 2003, Adolphe has worked in the accounting and finance field. He has expertise in accounting, audit, treasury, corporate finance. In 2019, Adolphe took on a more involved role as a member of the Rwandan community in Colorado and joined its executive committee. He hopes his participation in the Leadership Africa program will enhance his skills, experience and confidence as a community leader so he can meaningfully contribute to the betterment of not only the Rwandan community but also, the African people living and working in Colorado.

Anne Keke Dr. Anne Keke is an African immigrant from Ivory Coast, West Africa. She is a Career Technical Education instructor with Colorado Early Colleges. She is also a Restorative Justice Coordinator. Her belief in education as one of the paths to change one’s destiny is what led her to become an educator. Prior to her role with Colorado Early Colleges, Dr. Anne was a business data analyst with UnitedHealth Group. There she was responsible for analyzing employees’ personal data and ensuring that clients received clear information to make informed decisions about their benefits.

Girmay Kidanemariam Girmay was born in Ethiopia and came to the U.S. in 1989, the oldest of four children. He settled with his family in California, and moved to the Denver area 10 years ago.

He and his fiancee have a one-year-old daughter. Girmay currently works as a supervisor in a food distribution warehouse. Before the pandemic hit, he owned a stretch limousine service, and worked in the transportation business for 15 years. He plans to go back to that line of work when the pandemic ends. He also plans to attend Metropolitan State University to work toward a bachelor’s degree in computer systems. He looks forward to participating in Leadership Africa “because it has always been in my nature to help and advocate for the community at large.”

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James Macford Macauley James was born in Sierra Leone and came to the U.S. and Denver in the fall of 2015.

He has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, and a certificate in computer security plus. He is married and has a 1-½-year-old daughter. James works for a local shipping logistics company. He was deeply involved in community leadership efforts in Sierra Leone, and is excited about Leadership Africa because “I want to rekindle my passion to lead.”

Anne Attouah Nda-Koffi Born in Ivory Coast, West Africa, Anne Attouah Nda-Koffi has lived in Aurora since 2010. After graduating from high school in the Ivory Coast, Anne moved to Ghana to study English at the Institute of Languages and earned a degree in marketing and public relations at the Accra Institute of Management studies. While studying in Ghana, Anne met her now-husband and moved to the U.S. in 2002. They have four children. Her educational background includes a Master’s of Science in public health from Southern New Hampshire University, a Bachelor’s of Science in nutrition from the Metropolitan University of Denver, and an Associate’s of Science degree in business information technology. Anne is a community of care supervisor at Stride Community Health Center. She is currently the assistant secretary of the African Catholiques Society in Colorado. Her goal in life is to empower women of all colors and nationalities regardless of social-economical and cultural background to take care of their well-being and be part of leadership.

Moses Nsubuga Moses is a certified airframe & powerplant technician. He started his career with United Airlines as an aircraft technician and later moved into his current role at United’s flight operations division as a flight Simulator Technician. He received his technical certification from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), where he was also a member of the university’s Society of Aviation Technicians, African Student Association, and the ERAU Auto club. Moses has dedicated his life to become a lifelong learner of the relevant technological skills required in this ever-evolving tech-savvy society, and at the same time networking and uplifting those in the same pursuit.

Abdul Pessima Abdul is originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa. He received his bachelor’s degree in theology from the Evangelical College of Theology in 1995, and subsequently served in senior positions for churches in Sierra Leone for over 20 years. Abdul obtained a master’s degree from the Gordon Cornwell Theological Seminary, and a diploma in Clinical Pastoral Education from the University of Colorado Hospital. He served as Chaplain for the University Hospital, the Center for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation, and Denver Hospice.

Abdul currently serves people with disabilities through Community Support Services and is an on-call Chaplain for 20

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Suntree Hospice. Abdul serves on the ALG board, while also completing his doctorate in care and counseling. Abdul is married and has two beautiful daughters, the oldest serving in the U.S. military.

Ibrahim Suliman Ibrahim Suliman is originally from Eritrea. He has lived in the U.S. for the past 24 years. He has a degree in business administration from Cairo University, and an associate’s of arts degree from the University of Phoenix. Ibrahim is married with no children. He is the founder and manager of the Adal House for Studies, Culture & Publishing. He is excited to participate in Leadership Africa to “learn from the experience offered in this program and add value to what I have in the field of leadership.�

Alphonse Nembot A graduate of University of Colorado Denver, Alphonse holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics-Statistics and a M.A degree in Economics. He is also a holder of Doctorate from the University of Douala, Cameroon in applied quantitative economics and econometrics. Alphonse has taught in Douala and Denver, subjects ranging from applied mathematics to economics and econometrics. He currently teaches Mathematics in the CEC charter schools network, in Aurora. He also serves as a Data scientist consultant for a variety of companies. Diplomatic and tactful with professionals and non-professionals at all levels, Alphonse is a motivated-leader, problem-solver, creative-thinker, and excellent instructor. As Executive Director of NNAM Translation, LLC, he facilitates the integration of international students and immigrants and provides translation for immigration purposes. Alphonse makes himself available to build community resilience, and it is to fulfil this passion that he serves on the ALG Board.

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OUR SPONSORS

The African Leadership Group would like to thank you for your generous contribution.

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THANK YOU FROM ALG “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

—African proverb Dear 2021 Cohort, Committee Members, Mentors, Facilitators and Sponsors: I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits.

On behalf of the African Leadership Group (ALG) we would like to thank each and every one of you for your participation in making our first Leadership Africa dream come true.

To the inaugural cohort: The late photographer Diane Arbus once said that her favorite thing to do was to go where she had never been. As with most explorations, the ALG Leadership program will, at times, feel disorienting and challenging. It will require the flexibility, openness and willingness to take risks. The program will guide you, but it is your commitment, engagement, and trust in the process that will allow for transformational learning. Thank you for participating.

To the Chairman, Committee Members, Mentors and Facilitators: Thank you for the time, talent and expertise you have given to the Leadership Africa program at the African Leadership Group. You have made a difference through your dedication and continued support. Committee Members, your ideas, input, and skill in handing the interviews were especially appreciated. You are the Dream Team! Thank you again for your time and expertise.

To our amazing Sponsors and partner, Brian Vogt, Chief Executive Office at the Denver Botanic Gardens, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support you give to the African Leadership Group. The programs and events would not have been possible without your generous contributions. We hope you know how much we value you. We look forward to a prosperous future together.

Again, thank you all for participating in our inaugural class of leaders and for helping to make our 5-year dream a reality.

You all are incredible and terrific!

Sincerely,

Papa Dia Founder & Executive Director

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W W W. U S A LG . O R G AFRICAN LEADERSHIP GROUP’S FIRST LEADERSHIP AFRICA COHORT