AALI

African American Leadership Initiative

AALI

Diversity is a hot topic in today's society. Even here in Richland County, many businesses, boards, schools, social groups, and other organizations are spearheading efforts to increase their diversity and become more inclusive. Moreover, study after study has highlighted the social, intellectual, and economic benefits of diversity both in the workplace and in society as a whole. As a result of this, we've decided to launch AALI, the African American Leadership Initiative.

An initiative that encourages diversity

AALI is a new initiative brought to you by the North End Community Improvement Collaborative, Inc. (NECIC). NECIC is an asset-based community economic development corporation. In serving Mansfield's diverse population, we realized that many of the assets of the African American community were unrecognized. It is our goal, through AALI, to recognize and connect those assets, encourage leadership development, and support residents in building a network that will ensure success.

Are you a Black owned business in the Mansfield area? Complete the survey below to keep your business connected to our community.

Minority, Female, Black Owned Business Survey

Small Grant Opportunities for Black/Minority Owned Businesses.

Click here for more details about Small Business Grant Opportunities

AALI's Mission

The mission of AALI is to identify and cultivate African American leaders in Mansfield and Richland County. AALI functions to create a network of diverse leaders with relevant opportunities to connect and contribute.

AALI Logo

Our 2019 AALI Final Report

VIEW AALI REPORT HERE

Richland County African American Report

VIEW REPORT HERE

How are African Americans doing in our community?

AALI Speaks

AALI Speaks is a speaker series that provides a platform for inspiring African American speakers to share insightful and thought-provoking experiences and stories. A great way to inspire leadership and cultivate people's assets is to expose them to high-achieving individuals.

AALI Speaks is free to attend but you can pre-order lunch for $10 on the event registration below, or feel free to bring your own. Seats are limited, so make sure to get your tickets early! Tickets are required for every event.

Do you have a speaker in mind that you would like to hear at AALI Speaks? Feel free to recommend him or her by clicking the button below.

Suggest a speaker

The AALI Journey

This component of AALI is currently under construction. Please check back for updates!

AALI Membership and Support

Last year was a great start to AALI and we have tons of supporters to thank. We especially want to recognize the inaugural members of AALI below.

Trai'Shaun Beard	Aretha Grier
Wenda Burnom	Rachel Houston
Alicia Camak	Jason Lawrence
Renda Cline	Rhonda Marsh
Brigitte Coles	Pamela Williams-Briggs
LaMeshia Curry	Antwan Woods
Stephen Greene

You can also become an AALI supporter!

When you become an AALI supporter, your community support is shared with the public (unless you request to remain anonymous) through branding and marketing.

There are various opportunities to support AALI, such as sponsoring a membership or an event. In-kind donations are also welcome (and much appreciated!).

Please click the button in the table below to find out more.

Become an AALI Member	Become an AALI Supporter
Develop self-awareness and sharpen abilities through strengths-based approach	Invest in creating an environment that focuses on inclusivity
Adaptive leadership training through lecture and experiential activities	Showcase commitment to the importance of professional development
Broaden personal and professional networks	Equip employees with tools and confidence to display leadership qualities
Increase understanding of community landscape	Ensure continuous pipeline of quality leaders reflective of our diverse community
Become a Member	Support AALI