Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Celebrates Graduation of 26 Visionaries
In a momentous celebration of achievement and empowerment, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado (ULFC) recently honored the graduation of 26 African American leaders from its intensive 10-month leadership program. The diverse cohort, comprised of entrepreneurs, educators, artists, medical professionals, truck drivers and real estate agents, emerged from the program well-versed in interpersonal leadership, civic responsibility, politics, business and philanthropy.
At the helm of this transformative journey was President & CEO, Dr. Ryan Ross, whose guidance and expertise steered the fellows towards a profound understanding of their potential as leaders. Throughout the 10 months, the fellows focused on developing basic interpersonal leadership skills, fostering a greater sense of civic responsibility, understanding the nuances of politics, sharpening business acumen, and instilling a sense of philanthropy and servant leadership.
The curriculum also emphasized the significance of golf in business, self-care and mental health, providing the graduates with a holistic perspective to leadership. Dr. Ross, reflecting on the program’s impact, stated, “The future of Black leadership is in good hands, and we are immensely proud of the accomplishments of this outstanding group.”
2023 ULFC Connect Graduates
Devanae Allen • Kenya Fashaw Stephanie Laing • K’iara Roberts, Tamika Thomas • Kwasi Boadi-Amponing • Rossano Fisher • Elia Martin • Amelia Rose • Matiah Ulysse • Nakia Chisolm • Lawrence Goshon • Endiya McDaniel • Evan Simmons • Chabrie Davis-Walker, Paris Davis • Alisha Harris • Kohara Paige • Mauryell Smith • El Shaquae Williams • Te’Andis Elliot • Chara Harris • Dedra Prester • Nicole Spurlock • Whitney Whitaker • Brittany Winkfield (Photo by Miss Money Shot)
The graduation ceremony highlighted the remarkable achievements of the cohort, who not only demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities but also successfully completed a community service project as a graduation requirement. The cohort’s project, named “Food Warz,” promoted cooking, healthy eating and community connection. This initiative not only showcased the fellows’ commitment to community service, but also underscored their understanding of the importance of grassroots efforts in fostering positive change.
“Joining the ULFC Connect program has single-handedly been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Through the program, I was privileged to find my voice, my confidence, my passion, and more importantly, my purpose,” says graduate, Shaquae Williams.
Williams continued, “ULFC is a program that takes someone who is good and carries them across the line to greatness. Because of this program, I am empowered to embrace, stand tall, and walk in my greatness. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to elevate themselves and their life.”
Nakia Chisolm, another graduate, and recipient of the “2023 President’s Award,” shared her revelation during the program. She says, “I didn’t recognize how disconnected I was from the very community I lived in until I embarked on this life-changing journey with the ULFC Connect program.”
Chisolm emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “ULFC exposed me to black political leaders, executives, activists and other prominent figures within our community. What I learned was invaluable and pivotal to my future success. Hands down, ULFC Connect is unmatched, and I am proud to be an alumna of this organization.”
Keynote speaker and President and CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation, Dr. Karen McNeil-Miller, delivered a powerful message to the graduates. She reminded them that as they stand on the shoulders of ancestors, they are now elders and ancestors for those to come. The graduates were urged to lead and serve with this realization in mind, marking their responsibility to shape the future.
In his congratulatory comments, ULFC Board Chairman, David Allen, emphasized the significance of institutions and leadership entities recognizing the talent and intentionality within ULFC graduates. “Boards, commissions, and C-Suites everywhere need to focus on the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado because if they don’t, they will surely miss the leaders poised and prepared to take them and the community into the future,” he declared.
As applause filled the room, it became evident that the future of Black leadership is not only promising but already in action. The accomplishments of the 26 graduates serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the ULFC program in shaping empowered and purpose-driven leaders for the community and beyond.
Editor’s Note: For more information about ULFC, visit http://www.ulfcolorado.org.
