Overview
LISC LA is partnering with AABLI to support Black leaders at community development and racial justice organizations in Los Angeles in the Elevate Black Leaders program.
This year long professional development program aims to build a cohort of strong Black, next generation leaders with deep roots in their communities. By prioritizing Black-led organizations and leaders, the program supports a cohort of organizations that are addressing the economic, civic, and political outcomes of structural racism, have the capacity and infrastructure necessary to build the social and economic power of low-income communities, fight for racial equity and justice, and ultimately close the racial wealth gap.
Program Components
The program supports a cohort of 10 Black leaders at community development and social justice organizations. As part of the program, Cohort members have the opportunity to engage in a variety of professional development and capacity building activities including:
- 10 workshops covering leadership development; emotional intelligence and implicit bias; communication and storytelling; fundraising and development; building a strong team and managing staff; finance and budgeting; board governance; program development and design; strategic planning; and community partnerships
- One-on-one mentoring: Leaders will be provided one-on-one support by AABLI to work on an individual development plan and implementation strategy
- Networking and storytelling opportunities with community organizations and partners in the community development and racial justice fields
LISC LA provides a $2,500 stipend for cohort members to participate in the program.
Elevate Black Leaders Cohort
Adewale OgunBadejo
Workforce Development Manager for GRID Alternatives
Crystal Sims
Director of Compliance for Abode Communities
Deborah Roberson
Founder, Executive Director, and CEO of T.D.D. Supportive Living, Inc.
Jason Riffe
Director of Housing Initiatives for United Way of Greater LA
Joseph H. Paul, Jr.
Managing Director for LARRP
Martel Okonji
Director of Innovation for Safe Place for Youth
Reginald Johnson
Founder and CEO of Willowbrook Inclusion Network
Toni Wells-Bryant
Executive Director, CEO of M.E.N.T.O.R.S., Inc.
Yannis Oliver
Director of Finance for Venice Community Housing
This program was made possible through the generosity of our partner.
Elevate Black Leaders program is part of LISC LA's Black Economic Development Agenda, our 2021 initiative to close the racial wealth gap, support the local economies of historically Black neighborhoods, and empower Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles through LISC LA programs and resources.