Quarterly News and Updates | |
The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) wants to stay connected with you! Enjoy interesting facts, educational information, highlights and upcoming events. Have a question or comment? Please contact us at info@aaylc-co.org. | | |
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You don't have to be wealthy or have a lot of free time to enjoy the rewards of giving. Even little acts of kindness, such as holding the door for a stranger, have the ability to lower stress. | |
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Executive Director's Corner
First, I want to thank AAYLC for blessing me with the honor of serving as the new Executive Director. I am ecstatic to be a leading partner in a monumental community staple here in Colorado Springs. I pray that I do it justice as I stand on the shoulders of the great giants who paved the way. As we gear up for this upcoming planning season, I look forward to the kickoff celebration scheduled for October 18, 2023.
I intend to incorporate my passion for organizational justice into the inner workings of the conference planning process, to move forward with an inclusive and collaborative mindset, to continue to broaden our reach, and to celebrate our successes along the way. I'm looking forward to meeting new committee chairs, brainstorming new ideas, and interacting with the numerous volunteers and community partners that help to make this one of the most beneficial development events in the Pikes Peak Region and beyond. Expect excitement, innovation, and thought-provoking content that will leave you and your families talking about the experience throughout 2024. Throughout my tenure, I intend to serve the community and our youth in a meaningful and impactful manner.
Sincerely,
Ersaleen Hope
Executive Director
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Can Helping Others Help You Find Meaning in Life? | The idea that helping others is part of a meaningful life has been around for thousands of years. Aristotle wrote that finding happiness and fulfillment is achieved “by loving rather than in being loved.” According to the psychologist Carol Ryff, who reviewed the writings of numerous philosophers throughout history, relationships with others are “a central feature of a positive, well-lived life.” | | | | |
Student of the Month Recognition | | |
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October - Aicha Sy
Aicha is in her junior year at Spring Mills High School, but she is on track to graduate in May at the age of 16. We’re thrilled to honor this student who has shown nothing less than excellence! She fell in love with English at a young age and quickly outpaced her peers in reading. Aicha skipped the second grade and found her passion in the third grade! Once she was introduced to the Children’s Bill of Rights and how government works, she knew that she wanted to become a lawyer. Specifically, immigration law! As a child of immigrant parents, she understands the challenges with our immigration laws, and she is dedicated to improving them.
Learn more about this exceptional student
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September - Levi Turman
Levi is just starting his sophomore year at Odyssey Early College and Career Options, but he has big dreams and the work ethic to achieve them! Between his 4.7 GPA and straight A’s, even in his college-level courses, we’re confident that this student can do anything he initiates. Levi’s sharp intellect and curiosity started at a very young age. Being born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he was raised to speak both Portuguese and English fluently, and he recently started learning Spanish to become tri-lingual.
Learn more about this exceptional student
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August - Nariah Jiminez
Nariah is heading into her senior year at Harrison High School with a 4.7 GPA, and she is ready to do her part to make our world a better place for all! She has shown an unimaginable amount of resilience in her 3 years in high school. Nariah lost her mother during her freshmen year, but she tells us that “I am still able to strive in school and live everyday to the fullest. “While still being a year-round athlete in volleyball and tennis, Nariah has kept exceptional grades. She is also a student ambassador! She continues to search for ways to give back to her community while helping with community clean-up efforts, assisting with childcare, and being an active member of her church.
Learn more about this exceptional student
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The AAYLC Board of Directors is committed to providing students and their families with the resources they need to make a difference in their communities and beyond. We would like to express our gratitude to the following departing board members: Manya Whitaker, Clara Akins, and Lisa Fetman. Click here to learn more about our focused, devoted, and experienced team. | |
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Nicole Frazier
Board President
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Samantha Corinaldi
Board Vice President
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Paul Wiggins
Board Vice President
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Demetria Lister
Board Secretary
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Harold Geolingo
Board Treasurer
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Alice Miles
Board Director
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Blessing Fitzgerald
Board Director
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Maria Capp
Board Director
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Adrienne Patton
Board Director
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Cydnee Taylor
Student Board Member
12th Grade - Rampart High School
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DeShaun Ellison
Student Board Member
11th Grade - Widefield High School
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Welcome to the Team - Deputy Executive Director | |
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Debra Johnson possesses a wealth of qualities and abilities that will guide us to success. For eleven years, Debra was the Director of the Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center. She has volunteered with a number of organizations, including the AAYLC. Given her outstanding experience in leadership and marketing, we believe she will be instrumental in driving our mission forward and having a substantial influence in the community. Her granddaughter attended the AAYLC as a sixth grader in 2023.
Debra will work closely with our Executive Director and the planning committee to design and implement strategic initiatives that will ensure our organization's sustained growth and success.
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Planning Committee Chairs Wanted!
Have you ever considered using your skills to benefit others in the community? This is your golden opportunity! The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) is looking for individuals to lead one of its planning committees for the 2024 Conference. From marketing to parent workshop to food service, we have something for everyone. Join us as we strive to provide a fantastic conference experience for students. Click here the button below to express your interest by October 8th.
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Fall(ing) Back on Support
By Alice Miles, MSW/Social Work Candidate, Counselor at Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center & AAYLC Board Director
Across cultures, Fall has represented a time to take stock of what we’ve done and to harvest the benefits. This prepares us for the oncoming challenges we associate with long winter months. For families, it can be the start of a school year, a new job, or the rush into the holiday season. However, you may find that Fall is the perfect opportunity to identify and connect with the different kinds of support that are around you and available to your family. Read More
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AAYLC: Planning Committee Kick-Off Meeting
It's that time of year again! AAYLC is inviting everyone to its annual conference kick-off! We look forward to reconnecting, brainstorming, organizing, and coordinating the AAYLC 2024 conference in style! TOGETHER! If you've ever considered using your skills, talents, and/or contacts to help the AAYLC prepare for its annual conference, now's the time!
If you want to collaborate and prepare with us, please come to our AAYLC Kick-Off Meeting. We would be delighted to have you! Click here to RSVP. Unable to attend? Please RSVP so that we can connect with you.
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Community Collaboration: Filling in the Gaps...Post Secondary Seminar
The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC), in partnership with Education Children of Color (ECOC), Peak Education, and the Sachs Foundation's Elevated Program, is hosting a 2023 seminar featuring keynote speaker, Carlos Gonzalez Jr., Board President at Widefield School District 3. The event will feature workshops on CTE pathways, college planning, military career options, and 9th-12th grade workshops on financial aid, scholarship writing, and application processes. Don't miss an opportunity to participate in this special event! Click here to register.
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Outlets at Castle Rock: Shopping Extravaganza
September 9, 2023
Thank you to everyone who came out to support AAYLC at the Outlets at Castle Rock Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, September 9th. The weather was beautiful, and we were happy for the large turnout! Our AAYLC supporters won various prizes, enjoyed shopping at excellent prices, and witnessed the appearance of the huge In-N-Out Burger cookout truck. Thank you for your continued support and hope to see your smiling faces again next year!
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Doherty High School: Back to School Open House
August 24, 2023
The AAYLC would like to thank Doherty High School for inviting us to their open house on August 24th. This event was attended by our prior Executive Director, Shantelle Bridges, and previous board treasurer, Clara Akins. This event gave us the opportunity to develop valuable relationships, raise brand awareness, and show how the AAYLC can assist the high school community.
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