Leadership Africa, the African Leadership Group’s comprehensive, nine-month leadership development program, launched its second cohort in mid-March, welcoming 30 new participants to what should be a profound, life-altering experience.
The new participants attended a 1-1/2-day workshop March 11 and 12 at the Denver Botanic Garden. The group will meet every month from now through November from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Leadership Africa is a professional and civic leadership program designed for members of the African diaspora, African Americans, and all Americans living and working in the greater Denver/Aurora area.
The program philosophy draws on best-practices in leadership development, and strengths inherent in traditional cultures and the resilience of African immigrant communities. Leadership Africa is ideal for professionals with a track record of giving back to the community and who can commit to engage in this rigorous program for the full nine months.
There are multiple high-quality civic and professional leadership development programs that exist in Colorado. However, none currently address the unique circumstances of professionals and leaders who have come to the U.S. as immigrants and are now permanent residents and citizens.
Leadership Africa will serve as a bridge for community members/leaders to identify their unique strengths and growth opportunities, and to engage more proactively in the development of their local communities and cities through civic and political participation, including as local elected officials.
In addition to the two-day opening session and monthly, day-long sessions, Leadership Africa consists of individual pre-work for each session, and a team leadership project. In addition, participants will complete a personal assessment model that guides their personal development objectives.
One highlight of Cohort two’s first session was the reading of “I Am” poems by each participant. Here are a few short excerpts:
“I serve others to feed my soul.”
“I am the voice of no voice. I am the light in the darkness.”
“I am a solutionist. I see problems as a space where solutions are welcome.”
“I am a spiritual being having a physical experience.”
ALG would like to expand Leadership Africa to meet growing demand. More than 50 people applied to join this latest cohort, so 20 people had to be turned away. If you would like to donate to hep make this possible, you can do so by following this link.
