MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Greetings Friends and Supporters,
On behalf of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Board of Directors, we would like to welcome you to our annual Leadership and Legacy: Walk Your Achievement Gala. Unprecedented times deserve an unprecedented event. We gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements of some of our greatest community leaders. The ability to recognize and reward such an exemplary group of individuals is both an honor and a privilege for the Foundation, Host Committee, and Alumni.
Despite the challenges of today’s social, economic and health conditions, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado continues to prepare leaders to excel in our community. The board of directors could not be more pleased with our alumni and staff in their unwavering drive to propel our organization to greater heights and to continually be in the forefront of leadership activities in our state.
Tonight is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our award winners and reflect upon their contributions to our community. As the Urban Leadership Foundation continues its tremendous journey, we look forward to your continuing support, participation, and helping hand as our organization delivers “Excellence in Leadership.”
Thank you, Stay Safe and Healthy!!!
DAVID ALLEN BOARD CHAIR
Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado
MESSAGE FROM THE ULFC PRESIDENT
I can’t think you all enough for joining us for tonight’s gala. Seventeen years of service! You could be anywhere, but you are in the house with us! Thank you for continuing to make the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado a priority. Our work in leadership development for Black and African Americans, service in the community interest, youth empowerment, and equity and social justice is vital. We believe that for a community to thrive, each citizen in it must access their rights. Rights are rights, NOT A PRIVILEGE!
The bystander effect is no longer appropriate. For too long, from classrooms to boardrooms to executive suites, there has been a disproportionate representation, lack of leadership, diversity, and opportunity for Black and Indigenous and people of color. This exclusion has had a profound political, community, educational and economic impact. Every instance of inequity actively sets our country back. It robs our legislatures, companies, organizations, boards, and commissions of the ability, brainpower, commitment, brilliance, and presence of leaders equipped, capable, and ready to change the world.
This is the work of Colorado’s urban leadership foundation from the cradle to retirement, ensuring that these spaces have these leaders. This is the purpose of tonight, honoring and celebrating the brilliance and contributions of exceptional individuals despite the barriers and isms that often confront them. Tonight, is about truth. We have to embrace our authentic past to achieve a prosperous future. Most importantly, tonight is about an inclusive community. This intersection of race, creed, color, gender, culture, and acceptance matters. It is the answer to how we move forward. Thank you all for being a part of the formula.
Your belief in this work, the leaders of this community, and willingness to celebrate excellence is the fuel that feeds our growth. Thank you all for being here. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome!
DR. RYAN ROSS PRESIDENT/CEO
Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado
MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD TRI- CHAIRS
What a pleasure and an honor to have you all in our presence for another Leadership and Legacy Walk in your Achievement Gala.
We can’t thank our generous sponsors, our gracious supporters and beloved friends enough for the investment you all make in the Urban Leadership Development program.
Now is the time. We have built this Foundation over the years for this moment. Our value as black people is on the global stage. And there is no better time than now to celebrate walking in our achievement.
Because of you, we have created a pipeline of black talent that is ready for this unprecedented moment. Doors are opening with career opportunities and financial resources for black entrepreneurs. Companies are holding themselves accountable with a D&I Strategy. With your generous support, we will continue to build upon our readiness strategy and ensure this abundance of talent has access to the toolkit to foster a growth mindset.
We are thrilled for this evening and look forward too many more. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Alumni and Hosts, Welcome.
MICHELLE TRAIL
GALA BOARD TRI- CHAIR
Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado
JEFFREY KASS
GALA BOARD TRI- CHAIR
Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado
KELLY LITTRELL
GALA BOARD TRI- CHAIR
Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado
The Aurora Branch of the NAACP
Congratulations “Urban Leadership Foundation” and all of the Awardees
The Aurora Branch of the NAACP congratulates the awardees who are being honored at the Urban Leadership Foundation (ULF) Gala. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the Denver metro region. This year’s gala marks fifteen years of ULF developing a new generation of phenomenal leaders. These leaders are committed to being servant leaders, community advocates, and mentors to our youth. The Aurora Branch of the NACCP celebrates the accomplishments of the Urban Leadership Foundation, and we wish you continued success.
Sincerely,
Omar Montgomery, Omar Montgomery, President of the Aurora Branch of the NAACP
Chartashia Miller, Chartashia Miller, Secretary of the Aurora Branch of the NAACP
ABOUT THE ULFC
The Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado (ULF Colorado), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and one of Colorado’s most recognized and accomplished leadership organizations. ULF Colorado’s leadership training results in participants becoming more effective business, political and community leaders. Participants learn the tools necessary to effectively navigate corporate, non-profit and entrepreneurial leadership environments while promoting equity for all communities. Our civic engagement programming is designed to help engage and inform our fellows about the challenges and opportunities that affect African American communities. The ultimate outcome is that our leaders engage in meaningful work and strive to make our communities equitable for all.
ULF Colorado’s flagship program, ULF Connect Leadership & Development Program, was founded as “Chamber Connect” in 2007 by Colorado State Senator Angela Williams and businessman Richard Lewis in collaboration with Former Mayor Wellington E. Webb. The 10-month leadership and development program was created for the purpose of educating arriving, emerging, and mid-level leaders of color on the fundamentals of economic development, public affairs, leadership, small-business development, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility.
ULFC connects its fellows to local business leaders and influencers, in order to build a network and understand the value of building a career in Colorado. In 2007, the class contained twenty participants who experienced technical/skill based classes where participants learned how to effectively navigate leadership environments while interacting with some of Colorado’s most influential leaders. By 2009, the class size almost doubled, added a holistic approach to the leadership curriculum, and expanded its goal and mission to include: “train, equip and inspire” for further advancement and retention of leaders of color. By 2014 auxiliary programming such as The Black History Bus tour, custom community service projects, philanthropy and giving education, instruction in golf from a business lens; and a day at the capital to engage with legislators were added to increase the impact, access, and effectiveness of fellows as alumni after completion of the program. As of this year, we are excited at our continued growth having increased interaction with companies’ providing equity and inclusion support, as well as, identifying talent from the African American community.
2011-2012 ASSOCIATES
2011-2012 FELLOWS
2013 FELLOWS
2019 FELLOWS
2020 FELLOWS 2021 FELLOWS
2022 FELLOWS
2023 FELLOWS
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
EXCLUSIVE PRESENTING SPONSOR
CATALYST SPONSORS $10,000
VANGUARD SPONSORS $5,000
INCLUSION SPONSORS $2,500
Jeffrey Kass Global
Ryan Ross Speaks
Sims-Fayola Foundation
RTL Networks
Traillionaire Foundation
The Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities
Urban Leadership Foundation Alumni Action Committe
Janus Henderson Investors
Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA)
ULFC Board Chair David Allen
Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership
Mile High United Way
The AYA Foundation
Struggle of Love Foundation
2024 WELLINGTON AND WILMA WEBB LEADERSHIP & LEGACY AWARDEE
As a fourth-generation Coloradan, MiDian Holmes’ family has a long history of being a Black community presence in Denver. Her family played a significant role in shaping jazz music during the Harlem of the West era and used their voices to advocate for social justice.
Holmes recalls sitting at the knees of her elders and learning about beautiful stories of Black people in the community, lessons she feels conditioned her to become the person and professional she is today. She said her family created a space when she was younger to form her own perspective and stand convicted about the treatment of Black people and the injustices happening around the world.
Holmes grew up during the verdict of O.J. Simpson, the death of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed Black man who was shot and killed by the New York City Police Department, and others like Rodney King, another Black man who was shown on a video being brutally beaten by Los Angeles police officers following a high-speed car chase.
These experiences, along with personal occurrences of being perceived in a negative light because of the schools she attended, paved the way for Holmes to eventually launch 8PM Consulting for Humanity. The independent consulting firm offers programming that promotes social and cultural justice, equity, and combats racism.
The goal of 8PM Consulting for Humanity is to offer resources and information for the community on how to hold themselves, their workplaces, and their local governments accountable to remove disenfranchisement and instill equitable policies and practices.
“8PM was designed and grounded when I was raising my children,” explained Holmes. “I had established 8 p.m. was bedtime. When my children were very small, running around, I just knew that if we could get to 8 p.m., we survived the day.”
8PM Consulting for Humanity’s programming is centered around a threestep process: get uncomfortable, stay uncomfortable, and transform your comfort.
In order to get uncomfortable, one has to admit and own the ugliness of racism and the acts that have contributed to it. 8PM Consulting for Humanity prompts clients to do so by challenging community members to examine how race has shaped their thoughts, actions, and interactions. This includes questioning whether they are unintentionally or intentionally perpetuating racism, whether they are waiting for someone else to solve the problem of inhumanity, and whether they are willing to actively participate in creating change within their personal networks.
As clients come to terms with discomfort, the stay uncomfortable phase involves allowing people to find themselves and use their voices in ways
MIDIAN HOLMES
they haven’t explored before. This pillar focuses on fostering understanding and developing the ability to engage in open and honest, even challenging, conversations with friends, family, and loved ones. It also involves cultivating the confidence to recognize and confront microaggressions, as well as exploring personal biases and learning to address them in the moment.
Finally, the final pillar of 8PM Consulting for Humanity’s curriculum revolves around clients transforming their comfort. At this stage, clients have a responsibility to themselves and others to actively combat racism. 8PM Consulting for Humanity encourages clients to develop a concrete plan to address racism, hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions, and become familiar with community groups and resources dedicated to fighting racism, social injustice, and inequality.
“8PM Consulting was designed to create a platform to put what I have learned and the experiences I’ve had growing up as a daughter, as a sister, as a neighbor, and as a mother. It’s allowed me to create a platform that would offer the community at large access to some of the curriculum models I’ve created to ensure we can create these thought-provoking thoughts about race,” said Holmes. “We have to practically leverage what we have in our resources to ensure we are doing our part.”
Outside of 8PM Consulting for Humanity, Holmes had a successful 18year career in communications and business operations. She earned the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award and has been featured in the PBS documentary “Standing in the Gap” and in other publications. Holmes has also served as an advocate at state legislature and city council meetings, as well as at school board meetings. She has also led multiple action committees within the Denver school district and the community and was appointed by former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to serve on Denver’s Excellence in Education Committee.
Holmes graduated from the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado’s Connect Leadership Program in 2010. She credits her husband, children, grandchildren, and the legacy of those who have gone before her in her family for her success.
“I do believe each and every one of us, we internalize our own affirmations. But when we are honored by organizations like ULFC, we are reaffirmed that we are in fact living our calling,” said Holmes. “This for me is reaffirmation that I have stepped into a place, and I am making sure that I am offering out the gifts I have to our community. It’s humbling, and it’s really exciting to be among leaders that are truly making an impact.”
2024 WELLINGTON AND WILMA WEBB
LEADERSHIP & LEGACY AWARDEE
DR. JANIECE MACKEY
Dr. Janiece Mackey’s journey toward empowering Black and brown youth was sparked by her grandmother, who spoke of one of her elders who barely escaped alive during the Elaine Massacre.
The event was a deadly racial confrontation that occurred in Arkansas in 1919. It began as a meeting of Black sharecroppers who were organizing for better working conditions. White mobs attacked the meeting, leading to a series of violent events that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black people. The massacre is considered one of the deadliest racial incidents in American history.
Mackey’s elder owned a speakeasy at the time and learned about the impending Elaine Massacre the night before from white patrons. Sensing imminent danger, the elder left, making the difficult decision to abandon everything and ultimately joining the Great Migration.
“(The story) helped to invigorate me to start my business when I was 25, to be able to have enough faith,” said Mackey, founder of Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA).
“I’m very spiritually rooted, and God says, ‘Share the vision to make it plain.’ That’s what I endeavor to do with YAASPA, with a vision to reclaim academic, career, and more civic space,” she added.
“One of the mantras I always share with my young people and staff is, ‘Claim space.’ We have to stop asking for permission to take up space, and that includes civically,” said Mackey. “There are a lot of laws and policies against us, but we are able to exert our own agency to claim space civically in order to be the change we seek in the world.”
Outside of programming, community organizing, and advocacy, YAASPA works with the Community College of Aurora Foundation to provide a two-year scholarship for students as they pursue social science majors. This past summer, the organization also hosted an overnight activism experience for middle and high school BIPoC youth. Looking ahead, Mackey is preparing to repurpose the old Paris Elementary building, an Aurora school that closed in 2023 because of low enrollment. Mackey and the All Black
Mackey established YAASPA in 2010 with the mission of cultivating young adult leaders and expanding their horizons so they can become advocates for social change. The organization achieves its mission by offering programs that encourage civic engagement, racial identity development, and career self-efficacy. YAASPA also makes an impact on the community through community organizing and advocacy.
Collective, a group of nonprofits she assembled, plan to turn the building into a community center offering community-based services.
“We want to welcome folks to a sacred space and to co-create with us and be part of our vision,” said Mackey.
When asked about being honored by the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, Mackey expressed deep gratitude. She was particularly honored to be recognized alongside former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, whom she views as an example of the pinnacle of leadership.
“I aspire to be able to have that level of impact and legacy that I know they have on our community and continue to have,” said Mackey.
2024 WELLINGTON AND WILMA WEBB
LEADERSHIP & LEGACY AWARDEE
DUANE RUFF
Duan Ruff was destined to work in the education field.
The Colorado State University alumnus, who played football and ran track at the university, grew up in the Park Hill neighborhood. There, he played sports with the Prince Hall Youth Group, an organization that serves youth ages five through 14 for football and cheerleading in the east Denver area, and participated in church activities.
While he was young, Ruff’s foundation for becoming an educator was shaped by his mother, Darla Ruff, who taught medical assistance at the Community College of Denver; his great aunt, Dr. Evie Dennis, who served as superintendent for Denver Public Schools; and her daughter, his aunt, Dr. Pia Smith, who was a principal at East and West High Schools.
“I grew up with these dynamic educators in my family, and I wanted to be that. When I graduated college and didn’t get a chance to play (professional football), I switched my attention to education,” said Ruff. “It’s in my blood. It’s in my family history, and I enjoy it and feel I am here to be in education in some way, shape or form.”
“In addition to that, there are coaches, community members and church folks who have invested in my future, invested time in me, and patience,” he added. “So it is my responsibility to pay it forward.”
Today, Ruff has found his purpose at Colorado State where he has served in multiple roles in education leadership. Up until this past June, Ruff served as the director for the university’s Black/African American Cultural Center for three years before beginning his new role as the director of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement.
When Ruff attended Colorado State, he would utilize the Black/ African American Cultural Center. The center assists students who identify with or are exploring Black/African American culture in their transition to Colorado State and throughout their academic careers by providing support and encouragement for their academic, professional, cultural, and personal development.
While leading the center, Ruff was focused on connecting the Black Denver community with the university.
One of the ways he accomplished this was by introducing a program called Black Issues. This five-day program brought Black high school students to Fort Collins, offering them the opportunity to interact with university faculty, staff, and current Colorado State students while engaging in meaningful conversations, enhancing their leadership potential, and deepening their understanding of their cultural heritage. At the end of this program, high
school student participants become eligible for a scholarship to help them attend college at the university.
“Inequality and inequity are things we know exist. We are here and that (center) is here to make sure students can thrive despite those scenarios being in existence,” said Ruff. “If a Black student doesn’t experience those things, then at the very least they can experience that office and know they have bits and pieces of home on this campus.”
In his new role at the Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement office, Ruff hopes to have a similar impact as he did at the center.
The office works as a link between students and their surrounding communities, bringing together student organizations, student leaders, and student volunteers under one umbrella. It also assists recognized student organizations in obtaining official university recognition, program planning, public relations, financial/budgetary matters, and leadership development for organizational officers, members, and advisors.
“This is a great role and a great opportunity for me to utilize resources to help marginalized community members who attend CSU,” said Ruff.
“I fully believe in this space that I’m going to continue to do things and work and collaborate with people who do things to elevate the Black student experience and the student experience overall,” he continued.
When speaking on being honored by the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, Ruff said it motivates him to continue to do good work in the community. He recalled being a child watching former Denver Mayor and Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Board of Director Chairman Emeritus Wellington Webb in his role and listening to his aunt talk about the work he was doing to make Denver a better place.
“I work to be fully present with everyone that is doing this so that I can appreciate these opportunities to be in the community with other great leaders who have been doing the work. It’s thankless work, and sometimes it’s lonely, but organizations like the Urban Leadership foundation of Colorado continue to support and find connection and let us know the work we’re doing matters,” said Ruff.
2024 WELLINGTON AND WILMA WEBB LEADERSHIP & LEGACY AWARDEE
CHRISTIAN STEWARD
Growing up in the Five Points area, Christian Steward was never involved in community service. That all changed in his early 20s when he failed out of college and joined Americorps, an independent government agency that engages Americans in service through volunteer work programs.
Steward’s journey with Americorps took him to Orlando where he worked to help foster kids find their forever homes. Once the program ended, he moved back to Colorado, enrolled back in college, and continued his community advocacy work by joining the Martin Luther King Jr. Marade committee in 2009. The role was a perfect fit for Steward, who has always been inspired by Dr. King Jr. and even played his speeches while showering.
“That first year I volunteered, I felt like part of a team, and I have been doing it ever since then,” he said.
Steward’s volunteer work with the Marade eventually led him to a role with the City of Denver as a community connector for the East Colfax and Montbello neighborhoods. Denver’s Community Connectors program is the first of its kind for the city government where they hire residents from neighborhoods to serve the neighborhoods.
leave the world better than the way I found it.”
Outside of his purpose to provide opportunities and jobs, Steward is also focused on storytelling — a gift he says the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado helped him identify when he went through the organization’s Connect Leadership Program.
Throughout his life, Steward has written thousands of poems and plays and served on the Gifted Education State Advisory Committee and the board for the St. Clair Drake Enrichment Program. He was also honored with the 2020 DR MLK Jr Community Service Award.
Steward wants others to know that adversity can be a catalyst for empowerment. He acknowledges that he has faced failures, spent time in jail, and been involved in street life. However, he eventually realized that some of the most powerful advocates have also failed but recognized those moments as opportunities to do better. He believes that even when you’ve messed up, there is still purpose and a chance to turn things around.
Steward’s role requires him to connect residents from the East Colfax and Montbello neighborhoods with the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and Denver’s Community Active Living Coalition, which works with neighborhoods to make it easier and safer to access cycling, walking and transit in Denver. This helps bridge the gap between residents and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure by ensuring neighbors are informed about ongoing projects and that their voices are heard during outreach periods.
“I feel directly responsible for my community — especially since I’ve been blessed so much. One of my purposes in life is to provide opportunities and jobs,” said Steward. “That is fueling my inner purpose to be a service to people. I want to
“I hope that fuels other people who are young and don’t have direction. I hope to be that beacon of light and hope for people who have failed and view themselves as unworthy,” said Steward. “Just because you fail doesn’t mean you don’t have something to contribute.”
2024 TRAILBLAZER AWARDEE
GREGORY MOORE
Gregory Moore’s roots in journalism were planted in Cleveland, Ohio, where he would tag along with his mother as she conducted opinion surveys for her side job.
As a teenager, Moore closely observed his mother’s survey process before eventually conducting the surveys himself, gaining valuable skills that would serve him throughout his life.
“I learned how to keep people talking, how to find out about things from people that sometimes they may be reluctant to say, and how to ask good questions,” said Moore.
By the time he began college at Ohio Wesleyan University, Moore formed a bond with his academic advisor who also served as the chairman of the journalism department. As a sophomore, he got an internship at the Akron Beacon Journal in 1974 — right when former President Richard Nixon resigned in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
Moore watched as journalists from outlets like The Washington Post played a crucial role in conducting extensive investigations and published groundbreaking stories that exposed the Nixon administration’s involvement. Through the reporting on the Watergate scandal, Moore drew inspiration that ultimately led him to a more than 40-year long career in journalism.
“Being a journalist ain’t bad if you can bring down a president. You can change the world as a journalist,” said Moore. “That’s how it started for me. I had star dust in my eyes as they say, and the rest is history.”
Moore’s career as a journalist included stops in Dayton and Cleveland, Ohio, and 16 years at the Boston Globe where he eventually took a position as managing editor. In Colorado, Moore served as editor of the Denver Post from 2002 to 2016, leading the paper to four consecutive Pulitzer Prizes, including for coverage of the 2012 Aurora Theater shootings. A 2002 Westword article about his hiring at the Denver Post described Moore as the most prominent African American ever in Colorado journalism.
Once he left the Denver Post, Moore still wanted to put his journalism skills to use. He accepted a job for The Expert Press, a Canadian-based agency that helped CEOs to create news stories for targeted audiences and publications. After a while, Moore decided he wanted to do similar work on his own so he could work with minority and/or women owned businesses.
Eventually, he launched Klowtify, a strategic media consulting company that aims to help businesses showcase their knowledge to build credibility and authority with their targeted audiences. He said he loves his work because he gets to learn about different subjects while enjoying flexibility in his life that he didn’t have when he was a journalist.
“When you get a chance to talk to a CEO for an hour, and you do that with different CEOs three, four times a week, you get smarter,” he added.
Outside of his career, Moore has served on several boards, including:
· University of Denver, board of trustees
· The Pulitzer Prizes, former board member and co-chairman
· Ohio Wesleyan University, former board member
· Polaris (national anti-human trafficking organization), board member
· Center for the American West, board member
· America Succeeds, board member
· National Association of Black Journalists, former board member
· American Society of News Editors, former board member
“When you’re a journalist, you have a circumscribed life. You can’t be involved in community organizations, and you can’t sit on boards, because it could be a potential conflict of interest,” said Moore. “That was my life for 40 years. I couldn’t do any of the things normal citizens get a chance to do.”
“I wanted to reclaim my citizenship. I wanted to be an active participant in the public life where I live,” he mentioned. “I just cared about it.”
When speaking about being honored by the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, Moore said that being recognized by his own community and its leaders is personally and professionally reaffirming.
“I’ve spent a lifetime trying to mentor the next generation. (Being honored by ULFC) sends a signal to them that my contributions are valuable, and it’s personally gratifying for me and my family,” said Moore. “I’m still looking to do more. I’m in my seventh decade of life, and I don’t feel like I’m finished. I’m still looking for other things to do and contribute. Never stop growing — that’s my thing. I’m looking to see what’s next.”
2024 UNSUNG HERO & INSPIRATIONAL SERVICE AWARDEE
JOEL HODGE
When Joel Hodge was a teenager living in Chicago, he endured a brutal attack that changed his life forever. Struck with a baseball bat and left unconscious, he was then shot three times and abandoned for dead. At different points in his life, Hodge was involved in gang activity, sold drugs, and spent time in prison. Eventually, his journey led him to Colorado, where his road to becoming a positive, God-fearing man truly began.
It all started at a gas station, where Hodge met his wife, LaKeshia.
“We were both in search of that companionship for a partner to help in areas of need, which is emotionally and stuff like that. It was basically finding love, and it transformed me to being positive and affirming the good things about me instead of the negative things that were always affirmed as I was a child,” Hodge said.
The couple dreamed and planned of starting the Struggle of Love Foundation in 2000, an organization that now provides opportunities for underprivileged youth and families to access year-round services and programs while working to combat teenage violence. But ultimately, they put that dream on the back burner and worked to find a stable housing situation while getting their education to run a nonprofit.
Hodge spent countless hours at the library researching how to launch a nonprofit while LaKeshia used that knowledge to file the necessary paperwork for a 501(c)(3) foundation.
food basket giveaways; an annual toy drive; and a food pantry, among others.
Additionally, the Struggle of Love Foundation offers the Spreading Our Love Mentor and Leadership Program, which helps youth develop essential life skills, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of self-efficacy. The foundation also runs a Sports Wellness Program, designed for underprivileged youth facing financial barriers to competitive sports. This year-round service combines sports activities with mentorship sessions, empowering participants to develop athletically, physically, and mentally.
“I truly believe this is a calling for us,” Hodge said. “Sometimes it gets overwhelming, and you have thoughts like, ‘Forget this.’ But when it’s your calling, you can’t. It wakes you up in
the morning, and until the other positive spirits that be say we have to do something different, I will keep doing this. This is everything to me.”
“I love watching a kid be successful,” he added. “I love watching a family have something to eat. And I love watching our community get mental health (resources).”
The Struggle of Love Foundation has received several accolades over the years, including being awarded by the federal government for Program of the Year, first place in the first round of Shark Tank, and the Colorado Fatherhood Council’s Program of the Year.
“The history speaks for itself now,” said Hodge.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Struggle of Love Foundation has expanded to employ 14 full-time staff, around five part-time employees, and 20-30 youth. More importantly, the organization has touched thousands of lives through its various programs and events. These include free in-person therapy sessions; the Reach 4 Peace Picnic, which unites local businesses and organizations to educate the community; annual Backpack Giveaway events; Thanksgiving
Hodge said he is thankful for the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado honoring him.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work we’re doing and for someone to say ‘hey I see you bro’. I appreciate that,” said Hodge. “It leaves you at a loss for words because you hope people see you, but that’s not why we do the job. When people recognize us, it makes you feel good inside — like the work you’re doing is making a difference.”
2024 UNSUNG HERO & INSPIRATIONAL SERVICE AWARDEE
TOPAZZ MCBRIDE
Topazz McBride spent much of her youth in Germany, growing up in a military family. As the oldest of seven children, she quickly learned to be independent, often finding herself as the only Black child in her school and other settings. By the sixth grade, she encountered racism for the first time when other students refused to room with her on a ski trip because of her skin color.
“That was the first time my feelings were really hurt just because of being Black. I ended up in a room by myself, which on one hand is a luxury, but on the other hand, it made for a lonely time,” said McBride.
When her family returned to the United States, McBride faced another challenge — being the new kid at school. New students were often tested and had to prove themselves academically, she said. But she found motivation from her parents, who encouraged her to fend for herself and fight every day to prove her abilities.
“I figured out how to get my positioning and respect after that,” McBride added.
Her journey ultimately led her to become a therapist, success coach, and consultant through her business, Rediscover Through Wellness, which provides therapeutic services addressing issues related to unexpected life changes, such as the loss of a family member, divorce, job loss, blended families, and more.
McBride began her career with the Colorado Department of Corrections as a therapist for murderers and sex offenders. She later transitioned to private practice in Lakewood, where she and her colleagues developed the first community-based program for sex offenders. The program gained national attention, attracting professionals from other states and leading to McBride being sought after for speaking engagements in cities like London, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Over time, McBride began to feel burnt out and experienced a shift in perspective after becoming a mother. After giving birth, she said she started seeing some of the pedophiles and child molesters she worked with in a different light.
“I had to do self-reflection and ask if I really wanted to do this anymore. You can’t be an effective therapist if you’re judging your clients,” McBride said.
Gradually, she transitioned her career and took on a new role with Aurora Mental Health, working with community members struggling with
mental illnesses and psychiatric clients. However, she soon realized it was time to launch her own brand — Rediscover Through Wellness.
“Unexpected life changes can come on either side of the continuum, and Rediscover Through Wellness is committed to helping people succeed, regardless of where they are on that continuum,” McBride said.
Through Rediscover Through Wellness, McBride also offers counseling sessions focused on social justice and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the community. She believes it’s vital that mental health resources are culturally relevant and designed to meet people where they are, regardless of ethnicity or race.
“I believe we’ve been called to greater things than what we have done and accomplished —particularly Black families and individuals who have always been pushed to the back,” McBride said. She added that negative narratives associated with Black people have oppressed them and stifled their potential, fostering dysfunction in their communities.
“In order to be successful, I believe education alone is not enough,” McBride said. “We have lots of educated people out there who have failed their families, communities, and organizations because they lacked emotional intelligence, empathy, and the willingness and ability to take accountability for their own trauma and dysfunction and how it continues to contaminate innocent, vulnerable people. To stop that, we have to get healthy, and the healthier we are, the more successful we can be in other areas.”
Outside of Rediscover Through Wellness, McBride operates Pedals by Topazz, where she provides one-of-a-kind, custom floral designs. Each Mother’s Day, she asks community members to nominate mothers who have lost their children, and she provides those mothers with free flower arrangements.
McBride said being honored by the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado is a form of affirmation and validation. However, she ultimately looks to God for the rewards that matter most to her and her family.
“But to receive this award from a respected organization that I believe in and have supported for a long time is truly something dear to my heart. It gives me a different sense of pride and accomplishment, and I’m so appreciative and humbled that this organization selected me as one of the recipients,” McBride said. “I don’t take that lightly by any means.”
2024 LIVING LEGEND AWARDEE
DR. SYL MORGAN SMITH
Dr. Sylvia Morgan-Smith was born with a unique gift for organizing community leaders and fostering connections among neighbors. Her journey began in a Christian family, where she vividly recalls an encounter with God that set the stage for her extraordinary career. One night, God spoke to her, promising blessings for her and her future generations. This divine experience ignited a passion in Morgan-Smith that would lead her through an impressive career as a TV anchorwoman, journalist, gospel singer, and community advisor.
Morgan-Smith’s early career was marked by her work as a TV anchorwoman and journalist. She worked at multiple stations, including channels 2, 4, and 7, and later transitioned into radio. Her journalism career spanned several radio stations and TV networks, where she anchored news and managed editorial content. Morgan-Smith’s dedication to her craft was evident in her ability to navigate the complexities of media and overcome barriers in an industry that was often resistant to Black people.
“At first, (viewers) picked at everything — my hair, attire, lipstick. But we ignored the criticism and continued to do our job well,” said Morgan-Smith.
In addition to her media career, Morgan-Smith was actively involved in agencies as a communications specialist. She worked with government-owned facilities like Rocky Flats and the National Renewable Energy Lab, where she focused on non-partisan initiatives and community outreach. Her role often involved translating complex scientific information for the public and finding common ground with various stakeholders.
and honor contributions to gospel music. Her organization has become a cornerstone of Colorado’s gospel community, celebrating artists and community leaders through its annual awards ceremony.
“Gospel music is not just entertainment; it’s a cultural art form that carries a deep heritage. I want young people to understand and appreciate this legacy,” Morgan-Smith explained.
Morgan-Smith’s commitment to nurturing future leaders is evident in her work with various organizations and causes. She has served on boards for institutions like the Denver Zoo
and Children’s Hospital Colorado and has supported initiatives that benefit the broader community, like volunteering for the 9Health Fair.
“I believe in passing the torch from one generation to the next. We must ensure that future leaders have the resources and encouragement they need,” she says.
Drawing inspiration from her deep faith and early experiences in her Christian family, Morgan-Smith’s passion for gospel music began in Omaha, Nebraska, at Salem Baptist Church, where she was mentored by Dr. J.C. Wade Sr. This mentorship instilled in her a deep love for gospel music and a commitment to preserving its cultural significance.
“I always had a deep voice, and when people heard me sing, they were often surprised. Gospel music is in my DNA, and it opened doors for me that might not have otherwise been available,” said Morgan-Smith.
In 1971, Morgan-Smith founded the Colorado Gospel Music Academy and Hall of Fame, aiming to showcase local talent
Morgan-Smith’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements. She is a mentor, wife, mother of five, and a person of profound faith, known throughout Colorado as a symbol of grace and resilience. Her dedication to her community and her unwavering faith has made her a beloved figure in the gospel music scene and beyond.
Morgan-Smith shared that being honored by the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado means the world to her.
“It’s a reminder that my efforts have not been in vain and that I have made a difference in someone’s life. This award came at a time when I needed encouragement the most, as I continue to battle breast cancer,” said Morgan-Smith “It gives me strength to keep moving forward and to continue my work with renewed determination.”
Morgan-Smith remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, embodying the essence of dedication and service to her community. Her legacy is a testament to her lifelong commitment to faith, music, and empowering future generations.
PAST URBAN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
GALA AWARDEES
WELLINGTON & WILMA WEBB LEADERSHIP & LEGACY AWARDEES
Justin Adams
Jasper Armstrong
Hashira Soul Ashemu
Candice Bailey
Charmaine Billingsly
Brandon Bruce
Denise Burgess
Hanifa Chiku
Sade Cooper
Chris Christmas Fathima Dickerson
Haroun Cowans
April Denmon
Charles Gilford, III
Amanda Gordon
Kim Grayson
Joshalynn Green-Turner
Shalonda Haggerty
Norman Harris
Betty Hart
Roman Hollowell
Wanda James
Jice Johnson
Nicole Jones
Tasha Jones
Tinelle Louis
Jonathan Mcmillian
Omar Montgomery Brandis Meeks
TRAILBLAZER AWARDEES
Rich Lewis Brandon Marshall
Dianne Myles
Marsha Nelson
Lamumba Sayers
Nik Scott
Jason Shankle
Herman White, Jr.
Theo Wilson
Marsai Martin Nita Mosby-Tyler
UNSUNG HERO & INSPIRATIONAL SERVICE AWARDEES
LaKiesha Hodges Jerome Laneir
Rosalind “Bee” Harris James Mann
Hugh “Tony” Lindsay, Sr. Dedrick Sims
LIVING LEGEND AWARDEES
Trudi Morrison Charleszine “Terry” Nelson
Mikoyan Watson
Herman White, Sr.
Cleo Parker Robinson Terri Richardson
A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N L E A D E R S H I P
The University of Colorado System Administration is proud to be a Vanguard Sponsor of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, supporting the advancement of equity, community service, and the leadership development of emerging Black and African American leaders in Colorado.
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