Welcome! On behalf of the African Leadership Group (ALG) planning and organizing committee, Board of Directors, and all our community members, we want to extend a heart-felt thank you for coming to Afrik Impact 2021. This year’s theme is Standing Taller and Prouder Than Ever. We are celebrating accomplishments and success stories in our community. As always, you will see shining examples of African immigrants at their very best, contributing greatly to this nation, our state, and our local communities. This is what the world needs to see. This is what the world needs to know…. This is what ALG is all about!
Papa Dia’s Story | The formation of African Leadership Group (ALG) When I had an opportunity to come to the United States in 1998, I had one goal in mind; work and send money back to support the rest of my family in Senegal, West Africa. As 1 of 13 children, my family struggled to make ends meet; I was determined to do everything I could, to change the narrative. Like many immigrants, I was faced with some challenges. Back in Senegal, I studied law; however, I couldn’t continue on this path due to my limited English-speaking skills. I got a job at the Tattered Cover Bookstore and found myself studying all over again. My exposure to books and immersion in the world of literacy helped with my reading, writing, and speaking skills. After leaving the Tattered Cover Bookstore, I got a job as a bank teller, where I worked for the next 18 years. During my time at the bank, I learned about financial resources that were not readily accessible to the immigrant community, though they were necessary for successful integration. Information about government assistance was readily available, but nothing existed to help us achieve the American dream. During my time at the bank, I was approached by a lot of African Immigrants who had questions not only about banking but also about other challenges (education, legal, etc.) they faced in trying to integrate into the American culture. I would help them out the best I could, but this attracted dozens of to the bank each week. When the bank started to express concern, I knew it was time for me to create an outlet that will continue to help people outside of my workplace because as I looked around, there were no other entities/organizations that focused on helping skilled immigrants integrate. In 2006, the African Leadership Group was formed to facilitate the professional integration of African immigrants.
Founded in 2006 by Papa Dia, the African Leadership Group (ALG) is based in the Denver-Metro area. It has a statewide agenda for improving the quality of life for African immigrants in Colorado by facilitating integration and civic engagement. Since its inception, ALG has delivered programs, services, and community events focused on key issues such as education, career and job opportunities, business development, immigration, and civic participation – 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. ABOUT US - African Leadership Group is a multi-faceted organization confronting and resolving a broad spectrum of issues facing our community. We focus on 3 primary impact areas: SOCIAL IMPACT - Helping families acculturate to America, in general and their local Colorado communities, specifically. This includes providing the knowledge, skills and relationships to effectively navigate systems to meet each family’s needs. EDUCATIONAL IMPACT - Ensuring every child has access to high quality educational options, and that families are able to choose the schools and programs that work best for their children. ECONOMIC IMPACT - Creating the conditions for families to prosper through employment and entrepreneurship, contribute to the local economy and invest substantially in Africa’s economic renewal. 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 - 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. To learn more and stay engaged please visit us at: www.usalg.org
MISSION To celebrate the impact of the African Diaspora in Colorado and to honor our accomplishments.
PURPOSE With a focus on social, educational and economic impact, the African Leadership Group hosts a major community event. The purpose of this yearly 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, it is part of our public persuasion campaign to have the State of Colorado issue a proclamation to officially establish August as African Immigrant Month. In all of this, we celebrate loud and proud, the positive impact of African people in Colorado and honor our contributions. This year’s theme is Standing Taller and Prouder Than Ever—showcasing the role African immigrants play in the economy and highlighting the business opportunities that are available in the United States and internationally.
LIST OF PAST AFRIK IMPACT SPEAKERS Honorable Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado Honorable Wilmot Collins, Mayor of Helena, Montana Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of Denver, Colorado Bob LeGare, Mayor of Aurora, Colorado Brian Vogt, Chief Executive Officer of the Denver Botanic Gardens Doug Jackson, President and C.E.O of Project Cure Mike Coffman, former U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 6th Ccongressional District Morgan Carroll, Chairwoman of the Colorado Democratic Party Alioune Ndiaye, Professor at Université de Sherbrooke Graduate Institute of International & Development Studies
ALG BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Ansah, Board Chair Fesehaye G. Arbrhaley Macadou Diop Brian Solomon Muwanga
Alphonse Nembot Abdul Pessima, Instructor Tyler Sandberg Judith Donaldson
ALG prides itself on its agility and its responsiveness to community needs. This organizational strength was put to a severe test during 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged the world, the country, and our community. In response, ALG created several key programs on short notice, and implemented them to alleviate some of the biggest burdens our community faced. First, we partnered with organizations to distribute food to families. Over the course of spring, summer, and fall, ALG delivered more than 5000 meals Second, we created two educational programs. One was a ‘pandemic pod’ at our offices, where every school day from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. a dozen children could be dropped off to participate in their virtual classrooms under constant adult supervision. This achieved two important aims: It allowed parents to go to work, and it helped ensure that students remained on task throughout the day. ALG also provided snacks and meals. The other program offered after-school tutoring to 16 students every weekday during the pandemic. This allowed students of all ages to work with knowledgeable adults to help keep them from falling behind in their school work during tow interrupted academic years. Finally, ALG partnered with The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to run vaccine clinics in the spring and summer of 2021. More than 300 adults and three dozen children ages 12 and up received the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines.
The African Leadership Group’s programing 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 initiatives facilitate reduced-price health services while hosting community discussions that address key health concerns and improve community wellness. The career and economic advancement initiatives provide opportunities for communities to learn about important industries, engage in professional networking, and receive financial literacy and home ownership training. The leadership initiative 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 entire families navigate life in the United States with a safe space to share stories and find solutions for common intergenerational problems. The African Leadership Group value our strong partnerships with city officials, governmental entities, donors and sponsors. Your continued support helps us reach our goal! To learn more and stay engaged please visit us at: www.usalg.org PROGRAMS & SERVICES
EDUCATION POLICY & ADVOCACY
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
F Town Hall Meetings & Forums
F Annual Afrik Impact Event
F Community Surveys
F Leadership Development
F Research and Analysis
F Health & Wellness
F Organizing Parents to Advocate
F Financial Literacy & Business Networking
F Policy Trainings & Briefings
F Job Skills Training
F Educating Policymakers
F Women’s Empowerment
F Legal & Advocacy
F Resource Referrals
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
F Public Speaking Class
F After School Program F Youth Debate & Public Speaking F Youth Mentorship Program F College & Career Exploration
PROGRAM COMMUNITY CULTURAL CELEBRATION AND CONCERT Saturday, August 7, 2021 MASTER OF CEREMONY Darryl Collier WELCOME Papa Dia | Founder and Executive Director, ALG WELCOME TO THE LEVITT PAVILION DENVER Andy Thomas ELECTED OFFICIALS | BRIEF REMARKS Naquetta Ricks | Leslie Herod COMMUNITY LEADERS Omar Montgomery | NAACP Aurora Branch Wafa Saeed | N. Sudan Pastor Tracy | Mountain View United Church Dana Cobaf | CO Black Arts Festival | Norman Ebenezer | Liberian Community Samuel Gebremichael | Ethiopian Community | Zerezghi Abrehe | Eriteria Zerasgue CULTURAL DANCE Rose Mary | Rosma Design AWARD CEREMONY ALG Scholarship Recipients Tutor/Volunteer Recognition FASHION SHOW prsented by Sankofic Gem LOCAL ARTISTS PERFORMANCE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PLAY Directed by Clay Walker & Myles Juniel REMARKS AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS MUSICAL ENTERTAINERS Zanib CARLOU D
STANDING WITH OUR CHILDREN & PARENTS FOR BETTER EDUCATION
ALG strives to achieve educational impact for children of the African diaspora by advocating for improved public-school systems and accountability, greater pathways to higher education, and leadership development. The Virtual Educational Forum will provide opportunities for parents, friends, and others to engage in a dialogue about how they can help their kids stay engaged in
their education; speak to educators on how to navigate this new educational reality; and receive information about available resources. With a focus on social, educational and economic impact, the African Leadership Group hosts a major community event every year, Afrik Impact, to celebrate our collective accomplishments, recognize our community
champions, and cast the vision for our next year of policy and advocacy work. In all of this, we celebrate loud and proud the positive impact of African people in Colorado and honor our contributions. During our 2019 and 2020 Gala Celebration, we were both proud and honored to have the Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, issue an official proclamation establishing the month of August as African Immigrant Month in the state of Colorado.
PROGRAM Educational Forum
Monday, August 9, 2021 | 6PM – 8PM MASTER OF CEREMONY Tatenda Muchiriri WELCOME Moro Folami ROUND TABLES School Choice, Transportation; access to transportation, Curriculum, Career Advancement/Workforce Readiness, Learning Loss/ Covid, Mental Health, School Funding; Board Election, Administrative; Grade level Placement, Before/After School Program, English Language Acquisition ELD/ELL/ELA ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION 5-MINUTE BREAK PANEL DISCUSSION Lisa Escárcega | Colorado State Board of Education Andre Wright | Chief Academic Officer, APS Alex Marrro | New DPS Superintendent Omar Montgomery | President of NAACP, Aurora Branch Dr. Carrie Olson | President of DPS Board Parent | Juliet Anosike BRIEF Q&A KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Professor Foulo Basse | Founder, Foulo Basse Conseil in Paris CLOSING REMARKS AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Papa Dia | Founder and Executive Director, ALG
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION PROGRAM AGENDA | 4-6PM MASTERS OF CEREMONY Mamadou Watt & Binta Diop WELCOME Papa Dia, Founder and Executive Director, ALG YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Ousman Ba, Education Program Coordinator, ALG SHARK TANK KEYNOTE SPEAKER Darius Ricks, Founder of Library for Africa AWARD CEREMONY Leadership Community Service Outstanding Student REGION POSTER VIEWING SHARK TANK WINNER FASHION SHOW WRAP-UP | CLOSING REMARKS
FOULO BASSE Educational Forum - Keynote Speaker Founder, Foulo Basse Conseil in Paris Born in Kolda, Senegal, Foulo Bassestudied in multiple institutions in France from the age of 17. He is a former General Manager of the University of Evry-Val d’Essonne (Paris) for 8 years (2011-2019). Before that, he held positions of high responsibility with the European Commission, then for the National Agency for Food Safety, Environmental and Labor, in Paris. Foulo served as an expert at the International Organization of La Francophonie. He is a Reference Expert at the Sustainable Development Goals’ International Multidisciplinary Organization, founded in Paris in 2018. Foulo founded the Foulo Basse Conseil in Paris and in Dakar, Senegal; a firm that provides training, advice and support for private companies or public institutions Foulo also founded the University of Academy of New African Managers (ANAM) in Saint-Louis (Senegal) and in Kigali (Rwanda). Going forward, the ANAM will be dedicated to vocational training and entrepreneurship. DARIUS RICKS - Kids Event - Keynote Speaker Co-Founder, Library for Africa Darius Ricks was born in Liberia, Africa. He graduated from high school in Liberia. In 2016, he moved to the United States. He enrolled at Dayton Job Corps (in Ohio), and earned a certificate in general construction (a trade that he had a passion for while growing up as a kid). Darius admired kids in the United States, as they were able to visit libraries and showcase their reading skills. After seeing this, he was inspired and motivated to want to build a library in his country. Darius is a humanitarian and believes that education is the key to success. Darius resides in Columbus, Ohio with his family.
TATENDA MUCHIRIRI - Moderator Tatenda Muchiriri a Montessori Education specialist. He discovered his love of Montessori when he moved to China where he had the opportunity to work with children for seven years before moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2015. Tatenda is passionate about Montessori philosophy and received his American Montessori Society- Infant/ Toddler and Early Childhood credential through Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, Colorado. Tatenda was privileged to be part of the American Montessori Society Emerging Leader’s Fellowship 2nd cohort 2018 and currently a cohort member for Moonshoot EdVentures Fellowship-Denver metro. He also serves as a board member for Colorado Montessori Association and Moon and Stars Foundation in Boulder, Colorado
DR. ALEX MARRERO - Panelist Superintendent, Denver Public Schools
As the child of a Cuban refugee and an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Dr. Marrero prides himself on representing many of the Latinx students in the communities he has served as a school leader and in district leadership positions. He attended New York City public schools, and began his education career there as well, serving as a guidance counselor, assistant principal and principal. Dr. Marrero joined the City School District of New Rochelle in January 2020 as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. He became the first Latinx head of the city’s school system in September, serving as acting and then interim superintendent. Prior to that, as Assistant Superintendent at the East Ramapo Central School District in New York, Dr. Marrero supported schools into Good Standing — a designation that represents dramatic growth — and increased graduation rates. He has earned numerous awards, including being honored as an outstanding administrator by the Latino Caucus of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators and inducted into the New York Academy of Public Education. Dr. Marrero has earned degrees from Fordham University, Manhattan College and Sage Colleges, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award. ANDRE WRIGHT - Panelist Chief Academic Officer, Aurora Public Schools Andre Wright is a professional educator and champion for educational equity. Andre serves as the Chief Academic officer of Aurora Public Schools (APS), where over the past four years he has produced consistent academic achievement increases for APS scholars. Local and national colleagues describe Andre as a coach. He is a thoughtful and compassionate leader with a great sense of community, and insurmountable integrity. His leadership style has increased and improved communication between teams, families, students, stakeholders and the Board of Education. A proud husband and father, Andre can relate to the hopes and fears families have for their children, the challenges and celebrations of classroom teachers and the demands and rewards of building administrators. Like the teachers in his family that molded and shaped him into the leader he is today, he has used his expertise to support the scholars of today in becoming the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
DR. LISA A. ESCÁRCEGa- Panelist 1st Congressional District, Colorado State of Board of Education Dr. Lisa A. Escárcega was elected to the Colorado State Board of Education in November 2020 representing the 1st Congressional District. She recently served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), an organization that represents more than 2,400 Colorado education leaders. Prior to CASE, Lisa was the Chief Accountability and Research Officer for the Aurora Public School District, serving for a decade as a senior member on the district leadership team and on the superintendent’s cabinet. She had been with Aurora Public Schools since 2002, previously serving as the Director of Assessment/Research. Lisa began her 36-year career in education as a school psychologist working in both Michigan and Colorado. Serving in public schools with students age 3-21, her educational and clinical experiences focused on mental health, behavior and learning. Lisa was awarded a doctorate in quantitative research methods from the University of Denver and possesses both a master’s and specialist degree in educational psychology from Ball State University.
DR. CARRIE OLSON - Panelist President, Denver Public School Board
Dr. Carrie A. Olson is president of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, the curriculum director for the Educators’ Institute for Human Rights, and an independent contractor for the USHMM’s CHEC program. Dr. Olson taught elementary, middle, and high school in DPS from 1985 – 2018. She taught social studies (in English and Spanish), English Language Development, language arts, and elective classes. She earned her BA in elementary education and Spanish from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa; an MA in curriculum and instruction (Language, Literacy, and Culture Program) from the University of Colorado-Denver; and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in Holocaust and genocide education from the University of Denver. Dr. Olson became a National Board Certified Teacher in 1999.
OMAR MONTGOMERY - Panelist President, NAACP Aurora Branch Omar Montgomery is President of the Aurora branch of the NAACP. He also serves as Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement for Cherry Creek School District. He continues to follow in his family’s footsteps by teaching as an adjunct instructor for the University of Colorado Denver. Omar has also continued his family’s tradition of strengthening the community. As a key stakeholder, Omar helped create 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 is currently in partnership with “Visit Aurora” to open the “Aurora Economic Development Center” which will have a workforce center, co-working space, and a small business incubator. Omar has a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, and dual Master’s Degrees in education administration and public administration. In addition to serving 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. JULIET ANOSIKE - Panelist Parent Juliet Anosike is a native of Nigeria. She relocated to the United States in 2012. She is married and has four beautiful children. Juliet completed most of her education in Nigeria and continued in Colorado, starting at Pikes Peak Community College, Concorde Career College, Colorado Christian University (ongoing) and acquired some diploma courses and certificate courses as well. Juliet is also a minister of the gospel: after graduating from the Word of Faith Bible Institute she was ordained by Bishop David O. Oyedepo of Living Faith Church in Nigeria. She has a license in Surgical Tech, Clinical Assistant and works with Children’s Hospital Aurora. She performs community service in conjunction with Kingdom Citizens Assembly and is active in feeding the homeless in Aurora and Denver. Juliet also runs a nonprofit organization called the Juliet Patrick Outreach Foundation.
PROGRAM
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC SUMMIT AUGUST 11, 2021 MASTER OF CEREMONY Tayo Okunade WELCOME Papa Dia | Founder and Executive Director, ALG Brian Vogt | CEO of Denver Botanic Gardens Omar Montgomery | President, NAACP Aurora Branch Brittany Morris Saunders | Head of External Affairs (Amazon-Denver) COMMITTEE CHAIR Solomon Muwanga PANEL 1 DISCUSSION; BUSINESS PLANNING & CURRENT EVENTS IN COLORADO William Tucker | CPA at Hanson & Co Wendy Lea | CEO of Energize Colorado Q&A FOR PANELISTS 10-MINUTE BREAK KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTATION Professor Eric Osei-Assibey | Associate Professor of Economics PANEL 2 DISCUSSION; INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND INVESTMENTS Alioune Ndiaye | Essayist and Lecturer on African Political Economy and International Relations Megan Peiffer | Director, Global Trade Activator Immigrant Program BRIEF Q&A CLOSING REMARKS AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Solomon Muwanga LUNCH & NETWORKING
PROFESSOR ERIC OSEI-ASSIBEY Keynote Speaker Associate Professor of Economics, Dean of International Programmes, University of Ghana Professor Eric Osei-Assibey is an Associate Professor of economics, and Dean of International Programmes of the University of Ghana. He is also a former Head of the Department of Distance Education of the same University, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Accra and a Non-resident Research Fellow at the CEQ Institute, Tulane University, USA. Prof. OseiAssibey holds PhD in Development Economics from, Nagoya University. He is a Post-Graduate Scholar at the Brown International Advanced Research Institutes (BIARI) at the Brown University, USA, where he studied ‘Development and Inequality in the Global South’. Professor Osei-Assibey’s research interests are in monetary policy, banking regulations and financial inclusion issues. He is also an expert in development macroeconomic and fiscal policy issues, international finance issues, poverty and social protection issues. He has published extensively in leading international journals such as the Saving and Development Journal, Journal of Financial Economic Policy, International Journal of Finance and Economics, International Journal of Financial Services Management, Journal of International Development, Journal of Economic Studies, Review of Development Economics, The Development Journal, International Journal of Social Economics, etc. Professor Osei-Assibey has consulted for many government agencies and international organizations, including government agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Development Planning Agency, Ghana Statistical Service etc., and for development partners including UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, the World Bank, ECOWAS Commission, GIZ, IFPRI, Oxfam, GOGIG (DFID), ActionAid, Compassion Inc. etc., as well as corporate firms such as the Pricewatercoopers (PwC) and commercial banks. He is a member of the International Banking, Economics and Finance Association (IBEFA), USA and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) network, Kenya, as well as, an eminent member and lead Subject Matter Expert of Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM). He is also a Visiting Professor in many universities outside Ghana and serves on a number of boards within and outside the University, including a board member of Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) and Callens Solutions Plc. Professor Osei-Assibey also chairs the National Technical Committee on Good Financial Grant Practice and a member of the University of Ghana Superannuation Board as well as Legon Hall Council. He is currently an International Ambassador for Graduate School of International Development, Nagoya University, Japan.
SOLOMON MUWANGA - ALG Business Chair 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 understanding of 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 WorkForce 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 an 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.”
WILLIAM TUCKER - Panelist CPA, Hanson & Co., CPAs William provides tax planning and compliance, accounting solutions, and consulting services to Denver area companies. William blends his years of experience and technical knowledge to translate numbers into understandable activities. He works diligently to connect the numbers to business actions and overall strategy. Prior to Hanson & Co., William focused on tax planning and compliance for individuals, trusts and businesses at a local accounting firm. He also worked as a Controller of a specialty medical practice which included full oversight of financial and management accounting, asset acquisition and liabilities. William started his career working in the tax department of PricewaterhouseCoopers. William earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder and then attended the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Colorado Society of CPAs, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
BRIAN VOGT Chief Executive Officer, Denver Botanic Garden 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. MEGAN K. PEIFFER, J.D - Panelist Director, Global Trade Activator Immigrant Program Megan is the Director of our Global Trade Activator - Immigrant Program supporting immigrant entrepreneurs and start-ups, providing customized and trusted guidance to take their business internationally, as well as assisting immigrants interested in trade careers at international companies. Megan comes with over 15 years of public policy experience in government affairs and public affairs, business development, as well as program development and implementation. Prior to joining the WTC, Megan was the Director of Workforce & Immigration Policy at the Colorado Business Roundtable. Before coming to Colorado, Megan lobbied in the State of Iowa and managed complex client accounts in the development and execution of national multifaceted issue advocacy campaigns on behalf of Fortune 50 corporations, and national trade associations and organizations. In addition, Megan is an experienced attorney.
WENDY LEA - Panelist Chief Executive Officer, Energize Colorado Wendy Lea is a leading expert in digital innovation strategy and ecosystem development. As an experienced CEO, board director, and strategist, she advises government, public/private partnerships, and global enterprises on growth through innovation. Recognized for work across industries and regions, Wendy is a maximalist who is equally well-versed in helping large enterprises systematize innovation as she is in creating vibrant startup innovation ecosystems that grow city, regional, and state economies. As CEO of Energize Colorado, Wendy mobilizes resources and relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19. She leads a team of inspired innovators from Colorado’s private, public, nonprofit, and academic communities to revive and invigorate Colorado’s economy. Wendy also serves on the Danaher Water Innovation and Technology Board, the P&G Ventures Advisory Board, and select venture-backed startup boards. In the State of Kentucky, she advises the Department of Community Economic Development, the public-private partnership LEAP (an initiative aligned with LHHC), and serves on the board of regional innovation hub Amplify, based in Louisville. She also serves university innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including the University of Colorado Boulder’s Engineering and Applied Science Advisory Board. Wendy was recently honored with the Signal Excellence Award in 2018 by Procter & Gamble and the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business Distinguished Service Award. Wendy is a graduate of the University of Mississippi in Business Administration and has lived and worked around the world. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.
ALIOUNE NDIAYE - Panelist Essayist and Lecturer on African Political Economy and International Relations Alioune Ndiaye is a lecturer in Political Science and internation relations at the School of Applied Politics at the University of Sherbrooke, Canada. His research covers Africa’s politics and economy, as well as its economic relations with emerging powers. He has published “Africa in India’s Foreign Policy” in 2013, and “Nigeria under Buhari, Between Economic Diersification and Social Federalism” in 2018. In 2019 he moved to Rabat, Morocco to join an international organization that regroups 54 states where he heads the Peace, Governance and Citizenship Division. Additionally, he serves as a trainer in Geopolitics at the Canadian Foreign Politics Institute and as a trainer in Political Leadership for Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Senegal.
TAYO OKUNADE - Business Moderator Tayo Okunade is an experienced attorney who handles litigation and business matters for clients across a number of industries. In his multidisciplinary practice he has litigated cases involving business and contract disputes, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, probate disputes and franchise disputes before state, federal, and administrative courts. Tayo also counsels clients on business contract matters, including without limitation, employment contracts, employee handbook, severance and separation agreements, operating agreements and other business-related agreements. Tayo graduated from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law and started his legal career as a hearing officer at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment where he presided over unemployment benefits appeals hearings. After working as an attorney in the Denver office of a national law firm, Tayo started Okunade, LLP in 2011. Tayo takes a clear and creative approach to every case while providing practical representation specific to client’s legal need.
BRITTANY MORRIS SAUNDERS - Guest Head of External Affairs (Amazon-Denver) As Head of External Affairs for Amazon, Brittany Morris Saunders serves as a key member of Amazon’s public policy team driving engagement with local stakeholders, business organizations, and community leaders. Prior to Amazon, Brittany was the President of Local Affairs at Sewald Hanfling where she led several high-profile public affairs projects including the 16th Street Mall redevelopment and Colorado’s bid for the Winter Olympic Games. P reviously, Brittany served as Economic Development Director for Commerce City and Senior Vice President of the Downtown Denver Partnership. Brittany gives back as a Denver Public Library Trustee and served two terms as a Denver Planning Board Member.
6TH ANNUAL GALA Friday, August 13, 2021 MASTER OF CEREMONY Darryl Collier WELCOME Papa Dia, African Leadership Group Brian Vogt, Denver Botanic Gardens DINNER GOVERNOR OF COLORADO Jared Polis PROCLAMATION ALG Scholarship Award Presentations Youth Empowerment Testimonial Lilyan Hakim COLORADO’S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Congressman Jason Crow Congressman Joe Neguse CONSUL GENERAL, REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL Elhadji Amadou Ndao ABOUT AFRICAN LEADERSHIP GROUP Papa Dia PADDLE RAISE KEYNOTE SPEAKER Dr. Moussa Seydi REMARKS AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ENTERTAINMENT CARLOU D
JARED POLIS Governor of Colorado Governor Polis is an entrepreneur, education leader, and public servant. He started his first business, American Information Systems, while in college out of his dorm room. By the time he was 30, he’d launched three successful companies, including ProFlowers, one of the world’s leading online flower retailers. Jared’s pioneering role in the internet economy earned him an “Entrepreneur of the Year” distinction from Ernst and Young. Following these business success, Governor Polis committed himself to making sure other Coloradans had the opportunity to pursue their dreams. He co-founded Techstars, a startup accelerator that mentors’ entrepreneurs from all walks of life, and Patriot Boot Camp, which helps veterans start their own small businesses after coming home from their service. In addition to his career as an entrepreneur, much of Governor Polis’ adult life has been focused on improving public education. He served six years on the State Board of Education, where he worked to raise pay for teachers and reduce class size for students. He also founded several public charter schools for at-risk youth, and served as superintendent of one of them, the New America School, which helps immigrants earn their high school diploma. Most recently, Governor Polis served as the U.S. representative for Colorado’s Second Congressional District, which stretches from Larimer County and the Wyoming border, to the Central Mountains at the heart of Colorado’s tourism economy, to Boulder and the U.S. 36 high-tech corridor. During his time in Congress, the Center for Effective Law Making ranked Governor Polis the most effective member of Colorado’s House delegation due to his success working across the aisle to improve Colorado’s schools, protect public lands, and support startups and small businesses. CONGRESSMAN JASON CROW Colorado’s Sixth Congressional District A former Army Ranger and lawyer, Congressman Jason Crow represents Colorado’s Sixth Congressional District, encompassing Aurora and parts of Adams and Douglas Counties. The son of small business owners, Jason worked his way through college before enlisting in the Army and serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon returning home, Jason struggled to get his veterans benefits, so he went to work helping veterans across Colorado. As an attorney, Jason was named Denver’s Pro-bono Lawyer of the Year for work helping service members transition from military to civilian life. A proven reformer, Jason is working to strengthen our democracy and fight the influence of money in politics through ethics and campaign finance reform. The House passed his first bill, the End Dark Money Act, which would close a loophole that allows mega-donors to hide their political contributions, in HR 1: For the People Act. Beyond increasing government transparency, Jason is focused on preventing gun violence, protecting DREAMers and passing comprehensive immigration reform, and combating the effects of climate change.
DR. MOUSSA SEYDI – Keynote Speaker Doctor Moussa Seydi is an exceptional professor and teacher-researcher at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology of Dakar, Senegal. Doctor Moussa Seydi is an exceptional professor and teacher-researcher at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology of Dakar, Senegal. He heads the infectious and tropical diseases department; serves as president of the antibiotic committee of Senegal. As an expert with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dynamics, Economics & Policy he is part of the group responsible for developing an African guide on the proper use of antimicrobials in human medicine and developing protocols and procedures for regularly updating data on antimicrobial Resistance and disease. Dr. Seydi is also an associate professor at the University of Washington and a member of the External Committee Advisory Board at the Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University in Chicago. Dr. Seydi is former president of the African Society of Infectious Pathology, former coordinator of the Regional Center for Clinical Research and Training, former member of the research group on viral hepatitis of the National Agency for Research on AIDS and hepatitis. As a researcher, Dr. Seydi has been the principal investigator of more than thirty research projects, primarily with University of Washington, the International Database to Evaluate AIDS, Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Bernes in Switzerland, and the Pasteur Institute in Dakar. He is author and co-author of more than 350 scientific publications and more than 350 scientific communications related to infectious and tropical diseases. Dr. Seydi has also been the recipient of numerous international awards and distinctions.
ELHADJI AMADOU NDAO Consul General of the Republic of Senegal Guest Speaker His Excellency Mr. Elhadji Amadou Ndao was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, where he attended primary and secondary school. After graduating high school, he went to the University of Dakar where he, along with other thirty two elite students in the literary track, had the privilege to be of the class that would be the first promotion of the Sociology Department newly opened at the renowned “Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines” at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar. A year into it, he had the opportunity to travel to the United States of America in the pursuit of a higher learning. A higher leaning indeed, for beyond obtaining his B.A. in International Relations at the City College of the City University of New York, he had the pleasure to experience the American culture in its fullest sense: The New York City experience. After graduating from City College Mr. Ndao served for various NGO’s, Action Against Hunger –USA and The Humanist Center for Cultures, in their communications department before joining the United Nations Secretariat in 2011. At the UN, Mr. Ndao worked in the Department of Management for two years and then joined the Executive Office of the Secretary General, Every Woman Every Child team in the Strategic Planning Unit. His Excellency Mr. Elhadji Amadou was appointed Consul General of the Republic of Senegal by Executive Order of His Excellency President Macky Sall since January 7, 2015 and took office on January 30, 2015.
Saturday, August 21, 2021 WELCOME Papa Dia | Founder & Executive Director, ALG MODERATOR Beatriz Gonzalez | Committee Chair KEYNOTE SPEAKER Milford D. Adams | Managing Broker/Partner Co-Founder, Adams Family Houses ROUND TABLES Pre-approval/ Lending “Creative Lending”, Credit, Renter/Mortgage Assistance, Affordable Housing, Checking and Savings, First Time Home Buying Process, Down Payment Assistance, New Builds, Home Location ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION 10-MINUTE BREAK PANEL DISCUSSION Tammy Orr | Senior VP, Bank of the West David Babineaux | Former President, NAREB Denver Realtist Noreen Lavallis | Regional Vice President, Program Operations Andrew Paredes | Director of Housing Finance and Sustainability, Division of Housing Veronica Ware | Director, Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) Q&A CLOSING REMARKS AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Papa Dia
MILFORD D. ADAMS - KEYNOTE SPEAKER Managing Real Estate Broker/Partner Co-Founder, Adams Family Houses Milford Adams has more than 24 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate and finance. He is a co-founder of a community based credit union. He also has worked more than 20 years in senior level management. Milford has served on the board of directors for the Area Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Council. He functions as a board of director and vice chair of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) representing over 7000 realtors. He also serves with the Denver Housing Authority as a board of director and certified teacher for the CHFA program. He has worked as a volunteer for over 11 years for the Denver Rescue Mission as a facilitator and teacher to help with transitional housing and life skills. He is also part of the executive board for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Moreover, he founded The Community Alliance dealing with diversity in housing. Milford is a dynamic national speaker and provides consulting on a variety of topics including leadership, small business development and personal growth.
TAMMY ORR - Panelist Senior VP, Community Lending and Diverse Markets Bank of the West Tammy Orr is Senior Vice President of Community Lending and Diverse Markets for Bank of the West. She joined the bank in July 2016 to build a team within Consumer Real Estate Services focused on increasing homeownership to low- and moderate-income and diverse consumers. Prior to this role, she was Head of Strategic Markets and Correspondent Lending for CitiMortgage. Tammy has over 35 years of experience and in depth knowledge of the mortgage and housing services industry with organizations such as Citi and Chase. She has served in various leadership roles in sales, operations, marketing, product development and project management. Her primary focus the past 20 years has been strategy, business development and program management. Tammy received her MBA from Lindenwood University and her BS from Missouri State University.
DAVID BABINEAUX - Panelist Former President of NAREB Denver Realtist David Babineaux has been working in the Real Estate Community for the last 17 years in Metro Denver. He was the past President/Vice President of NAREB Denver Realtist and Past Director of DMAR(Denver Metro Association of Realtors). He has worked with the Military, Relocation teams, Bank foreclosures, Investors ,Sellers and Buyers. “Making Dreams Come True” is his passion for our Community.
NOREEN LAVALLIS - Panelist Regional Vice President, Program Operations Noreen is the Regional Vice President for Operation HOPE – the largest Financial Literacy company within the US. Noreen has over 20+ years of financial experience having held positions in Banking from Assistant Vice President, Risk Management, Business Analysis, Trainer, Auditor, Credit Analyst, Underwriter, Marketing Analyst and Lending Manager while also having extensive overall financial expertise. Noreen has managed high-performing business teams and also has a strong marketing background - Having attended the University of Phoenix - BA Organizational Management, Noreen also holds certifications in the following: Financial Coach, Advocacy Coach, Professional Trainer, Credit Counseling, Six Sigma and Life Coach. Noreen currently is a board member for several organizations and also works to stay community focused. Her joy is her many, many grandchildren, her children along with her love for reading. BEATRIZ GONZALEZ Vice President, Diverse Markets and Business Development Officer Beatriz Gonzalez is Vice President of Community Lending & Diverse Markets at Bank of the West where she is responsible for diverse and affordable lending strategies for the Rocky Mountain Region. Mrs. Gonzalez serves as a trusted business partner to leaders by developing market specific program plans and solutions to achieve short-term needs and long-term business in CRA & Fair Lending growth. to Bank of The West, Mrs. Gonzalez was a Mortgage Loan Officer for UMB Bank, where she generated loan applications through active sales calls, worked with diverse business groups, non-profits, and retail/commercial line of business. Mrs. Gonzalez has been working in the Mortgage industry for over 20years and brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding to the diverse clients she has served.
ANDREW PAREDES - Panelist Director of Housing Finance and Sustainability Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing A native to Colorado Springs and a graduate of Colorado College where he studied Economics, Andrew then spent more than 30 years in the banking and mortgage industry. Andrew spent 10 years running his own residential mortgage brokerage out of Castle Rock called Redwood Financial Services. Andrew then spent a decade working at Colorado Business Bank as a lender specializing in mortgages, construction loans and commercial real estate. In January of 2020 Andrew joined the Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing as its Director of Housing Finance and Sustainability.
VERONICA WARE- Panelist Loans Coordinator, Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) Veronica Ware is the new loans coordinator for the Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC). CHAC is a non profit organization that provides homeownership programs for low to moderate households and first time homebuyers throughout Colorado. Prior to becoming a stay at home mom and working as a paraprofessional at her children’s neighborhood elementary school, Veronica was Vice President and the Community Investment Manager for Commercial Federal Bank (Colorado and Arizona). She served as a liaison between the bank and community, originated financing for the production and development of affordable housing units and awarded grants and donations to nonprofit/ community organizations. Also in various capacities, she served on numerous community non- profit boards and committees. Veronica is now back working in the affordable housing community. She also is very active with her church homeless initiative and back to school supply giveaway event. She currently serves as Vice President on the East High School PTSA board.
ALG FUNDERS Anschutz Foundation Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Climb Higher Colorado Daniels Foundation Denver Foundation Donnell Kay Foundation Gates Family Foundation RootEd Rose Community Foundation Walton Family Foundation City of Aurora Margulf Schusterman EVENT SPONSORS Contribution of $10,000 and more Accenture Amazon Arvada Center Bank of the West Denver Botanic Gardens KeyBank Levitt Pavilion Denver Ready Colorado Walton Family Foundation Contribution of $5,000 and more Colorado Early College Aurora Colorado Succeeds Denver Home Healthcare Families Forward Resource Center First Bank MidWestOne Bank TBK Bank Thiry O’Leary Foundation In-Kind Donations Afro-Arab Colorado Early Colleges Inverness Concorde Career College DaVita Denver Digest Denver Urban Spectrum French American School of Denver Fwd.US | I Stand With Immigrants Heidi’s Colorful Colorado Podcast Jambo Motors Lucy Coffee Mountain View United Church NAACP Aurora Branch New American Leaders OEDIT – Minority Business Office Okunade, LLP Pacific Western Bank Tattered Cover Bookstore
Thank you for attending our 6th Annual Afrik Impact 2021 Celebration! FUNDERS, SPONSORS AND DONORS On behalf of the African Leadership Group, we thank you for your generous support. Your sponsorship, donations and funding are greatly appreciated and important to our success. With your generosity, our programs and services offered to the community continue to grow. WE APPRECIATE YOU! AFRIK IMPACT CELEBRATION WEEK PARTICIPANTS To all the Sponsors, Emcees/ Mr, Speakers, Panelists, Exhibitors, Elected Officials, Business Pitch Judges, Business Pitch Finalists, International Guests, Guests from Out of State, Community Leaders, Entertainers, Dance Performers, Afrik Impact Guests, Transportation and the entire Community at large; we are thrilled and can’t thank you enough for being a part of our special Afrik Impact week-long celebration. WE APPRECIATE YOU! Colorado Nonprofit Development Center (CNDC) Mountain View United Church (MVUC) Denver Botanic Gardens Program Books Design | Kolorgraphix | Jody Gilbert DJ Squizzy Taylor AMAZING STAFF, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS Thank you very much to our amazing staff, Board of Directors, committee members and volunteers for making this event happen! You are indeed the reason for our everyday success. You all performed with excellence, and this event could not have happened without the wonderful people like you. Each and every one of you is greatly appreciated! Job well done! You can reach out to us on our website: www.usalg.org WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ALL OF YOU NEXT YEAR FOR OUR 2022 AFRIK IMPACT CELEBRATION!
Thank You! The African Leadership Group