African American Youth Leadership Conference-2025
Conference Theme: Breaking Barriers - Finding Unity in Our Differences
March 08, 2025  ·  Colorado College
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM (MT)

The African American Youth Leadership Conference is not just an event - it's a movement to empower and uplift the leaders of tomorrow!


Join us for an unforgettable day filled with interactive workshops on Leadership Development, Fine Arts, College Prep, Black History, STEM, and more.  In addition to the student workshops, The Village workshops are designed to equip parents, caregivers, guardians, community members, and educators with the tools and insights needed to support the success of our future leaders.  You will also enjoy live entertainment, prize giveaways, and meals - all included.


Additional Event Information:

We encourage all attendees to download the Event Leaf Guide app to maximize your conference experience. This app can be used throughout the conference to review your agenda and your selected workshop sessions, room locations, event messages, surveys and more! The Event Leaf Guide App is available for download via Apple App and Google Play Store by clicking the corresponding links at the end of this page under Get Guide App. 

*By completing registration and attending the AAYLC you are agreeing to the teams and conditions presented via this link: AAYLC Disclaimer | aaylc (aaylc-co.org)



Agenda
Saturday, March 8
7:00 AM - 7:50 AM
7:00 AM - 7:50 AM
STUDENTS - El Pomar Great Hall THE VILLAGE - Cornerstone Commons
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Live stream in Cornerstone Celeste Theater
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Workshops
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Workshops
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cornerstone
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
El Pomar Great Hall Gym THE VILLAGE - Lunch - Cornerstone
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Workshops
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Raffle prize giveaways and final remarks Live Stream in Cornerstone Celeste Theatre
Speakers
Bridging the Gap and Applying the BREAK's
Creative Pathways Counseling & Consulting
Dr. Tory White is a Registered Psychotherapist and owner of Creative Pathways Counseling & Consulting in Colorado Springs. She holds a master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and is currently completing her PhD in Christian Counseling.
Restorative Art Therapy
FamilyROCS
Afrah Caraballo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Therapist, Professor, and Consultant who is based in Colorado Springs. She is the founder and CEO of Family, Reaching Out Connecting and Supporting (ROCS).
It's A Different World! Attending an HBCU
Ethnogerontologist and Womanist Theologian
Aisha Young is an Ethnogerontologist and Womanist Theologian. She is an active volunteer in the community and holds leadership roles in local and state organizations. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, crafting and gardening.
Symptoms, Options, Support for Anxiety and Panic (S.O.S)
Coffee Talk LLC
Alice Miles is a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Social Work Candidate (SWC) pursuing a career and licensure as a licensed clinical Social Worker. Her private practice Coffee Talk LLC was built to destigmatize mental health.
Turn Up with Dance Fitness
ItsTheG, LLC
Angela, MBA, is a licensed Neuromuscular Therapist and Group Fitness Coordinator for Crunch Fitness in Colorado Springs. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the MixxedFit community
Nourishing the "U" in Community
Poetry719
Ashley Cornelius is the first Black Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate. She is a nationally recognized and multi-award-winning spoken-word poet, facilitator, and keynote speaker.
Finding Peace Through Creative Expression
Realtor and Mental Health Advocate
Ashley Finley is a Colorado-based Realtor and Mental Health Advocate, with a rich background in real estate, multifamily housing, and hotel and restaurant management.
To be a True and Impactful Leader, You Must First Love and Accept Yourself
Published Author, Trainer, and Coach
Carla Wink is a published author, creator of the LOVE method, speaker, trainer, trauma resolution coach, and transformational guide.
5 Secrets to Making College Affordable
Class 101
Dr. Charity Peak is the owner of Class 101, a full-service college planning and test preparation organization. She is committed to helping students connect their passions with their plans for the future.
Advocacy through Storytelling
One Colorado
Cordelia is a dedicated nonprofit professional with over six years of experience working with youth on social justice education. Cordelia works as the Youth Training Coordinator at One Colorado.
Unyielding Spirits; Pathways of Resilience and Leadership
CC Link/Loving Our Child Inc/Blended Magazine
Cynthia Camble is a Motivational Speaker, Author, Senior Executive and Consultant with more than 25 years of success across the Nonprofit, Compliance and Quality management industries.
Parental Engagement: How to Make it Work
Money Confident Kids
Deshandra Randle is an Associate Sales Director at T. Rowe Price. She is involved with several charity organizations around Colorado Springs and has a passion for volunteering and giving back to her community.
Using Gamification and Generative AI to Learn S.T.E.M. Topics
Colorado Technical University
Dr. Anastasia Biggs has multiple degrees in Information Technology and is the Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology Lead Faculty at Colorado Technical University.
Science Connections with the Science Guy
MAEA Interactive Science Programs (ISP)
As Founder and President of MAEA Interactive Science Programs (ISP), Dr. Baynes leads the creation of science presentations and professional development curriculum, training of program presenters, and delivery of program services.
Manifesting Your Dreams
Dr. Saadia Dumas is a dedicated educator, compassionate leader, and minister who has worked in education for over 16 years.
Breaking Barriers - Finding Unity in Our Differences thru Our Head, Heart and Hands
Children with Promise Educational Services, LLC
Empower to Elevate: Leading with Confidence, Wellness, and Vision
Definition Coaching & Consulting
Drew L. Houston (MS, CPC) is a Certified Professional Leadership Coach and Personal Development expert. She is the founder of Definition Coaching & Consulting which is based on the importance of recognizing Definition.
Putting Your Best Self Forward: The Power of Self-Care
Your Bliss Skin & Body Care
Giseleine Chain Dogon is the owner of Your Bliss Skin & Body Care, a lifestyle spa that focuses on natural skincare and holistic self-care practices.
Rooted in Wellness
Highroots Wellness & Consulting
Jennaya has been a dedicated health professional and advocate for nine years. Community health is her passion, and when she saw gaps that needed to be satisfied in the city she loves, she founded Highroots Wellness & Consulting.
Obtaining Success and Leadership: From Mentee To Mentor
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Leilah Swanson is a student leader at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). She currently serves as Vice President of the Black Student Union. She’s also a multicultural and LGBTQ student mentor.
Building Healthy Relationships: Empowering Youth for a Safer Future
Kingdom Builder's Family Life Center
Lisa Jenkins is a trailblazer in community service. Lisa is the visionary founder and CEO of Kingdom Builder's Family Life Center.
YOU can Become a Millionaire - Learn How!
Col. Mark Dickerson is former President and Board Chairman of a local Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) chapter. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent 7 years as a NASA Research Project Manager. He currently serves with 2 Colorado non-profits.
Dispelling the Myths of a Career in the Insurance Industry
One80 Intermediaries
Protecting your family and securing your future has never been more important. Dispelling the Myths of a Career in the Insurance Industry is an eye-opening and engaging discussion that dispels common myths about careers in the insurance industry.
Becoming Your Most Authentic Self: Debunking the Myth of Code Switching
ImpactU
Rashaad Johnson is a published author, motivational speaker, and CEO of ImpactU.
Insert Yourself Into the Electoral Redistricting Discussion
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Rebecca Theobald is an Associate Research Professor in the Geography and Environmental Studies Department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
The Importance of HBCUs and Voting
Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Eric Graham is a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army and a graduate of Morris College. He is a dedicated husband, father, and reverend at Emmanual Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Graham leads the biennial HBCU College Tour sponsored by his church.
Thriving Together: Empowering Black LGBTQ Youth and Their Village
One Colorado
Sage Sankofa is the current Youth & Community Engagement Manager with One Colorado. They are a dedicated advocate, educator, and creative professional who are passionate about uplifting Black LGBTQ youth and their communities.
Lead Girl Lead!
Colorado State Representative - District 17
State Rep. Dr. Regina English is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and godmother. She is Mrs. El Paso County 2024 and is the founder of two scholarship programs and a non-profit organization. She is also a life coach, and inspirational speaker.
Claiming Your Voice: Leadership, Civic Engagement, and the Power of the Vote
El Paso County Clerk & Recorder
Steve Schleiker is the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder. He oversees elections, motor vehicle services, recording, and clerk-to-the-board functions in one of Colorado's largest counties.
The Self-Care Compass: Navigating Your Wellness Needs
SMC Mental Health Services
Syretta McGraw is a local Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, owner of SMC Mental Health Services, and the current Committee Chair for the Physical and Mental Health committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Next Entrepreneur
Eagle Financial Group
Tariq Collins, Sr. pioneered Eagle Financial Group having 5 plus years in the financial services industry. Tariq and his firm pride themselves on serving their clients to the utmost.
The Purposeful Plan
Temiya Bryant is a retired United States Army veteran, wife, and mother. She holds a master's degree in social work and enjoys all things related to photography, designing, and the outdoors.
Identity Crisis! Understanding Peer Values, Identity, and Reality
The Brock Foundation
Wa’Kiem Brock is a USAF veteran and had an extensive career as a correctional professional in adult and youth facilities across the country. He uses his career experiences to divert those in BIPOC communities from justice system involvement.
"Young, Gifted, and Black": Being Black at UCCS
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Whitley Hadley, M.S., serves as the director of the multicultural office for student access, inclusiveness, and community (MOSAIC) and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

Dr. Tory White

Dr. Tory White is a Registered Psychotherapist and owner of Creative Pathways Counseling & Consulting in Colorado Springs. She holds a master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and is currently completing her PhD in Christian Counseling.

Afrah Caraballo

Afrah Caraballo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Therapist, Professor, and Consultant who is based in Colorado Springs. She is the founder and CEO of Family, Reaching Out Connecting and Supporting (ROCS).

Aisha Young

Aisha Young is an Ethnogerontologist and Womanist Theologian. She is an active volunteer in the community and holds leadership roles in local and state organizations. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, crafting and gardening.

Alice Miles

Alice Miles is a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Social Work Candidate (SWC) pursuing a career and licensure as a licensed clinical Social Worker. Her private practice Coffee Talk LLC was built to destigmatize mental health.

Angela Hall

Angela, MBA, is a licensed Neuromuscular Therapist and Group Fitness Coordinator for Crunch Fitness in Colorado Springs. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the MixxedFit community

Ashley Cornelius

Ashley Cornelius is the first Black Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate. She is a nationally recognized and multi-award-winning spoken-word poet, facilitator, and keynote speaker.

Ashley Finley

Ashley Finley is a Colorado-based Realtor and Mental Health Advocate, with a rich background in real estate, multifamily housing, and hotel and restaurant management.

Carla Wink

Carla Wink is a published author, creator of the LOVE method, speaker, trainer, trauma resolution coach, and transformational guide.

Charity Peak

Dr. Charity Peak is the owner of Class 101, a full-service college planning and test preparation organization. She is committed to helping students connect their passions with their plans for the future.

Cordelia Feess-Armstrong

Cordelia is a dedicated nonprofit professional with over six years of experience working with youth on social justice education. Cordelia works as the Youth Training Coordinator at One Colorado.

Cynthia Camble

Cynthia Camble is a Motivational Speaker, Author, Senior Executive and Consultant with more than 25 years of success across the Nonprofit, Compliance and Quality management industries.

Deshandra Randle

Deshandra Randle is an Associate Sales Director at T. Rowe Price. She is involved with several charity organizations around Colorado Springs and has a passion for volunteering and giving back to her community.

Dr. Anastasia Biggs

Dr. Anastasia Biggs has multiple degrees in Information Technology and is the Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology Lead Faculty at Colorado Technical University.

Dr. Darryl Baynes

As Founder and President of MAEA Interactive Science Programs (ISP), Dr. Baynes leads the creation of science presentations and professional development curriculum, training of program presenters, and delivery of program services.

Dr. Saadia Dumas

Dr. Saadia Dumas is a dedicated educator, compassionate leader, and minister who has worked in education for over 16 years.

Drew Houston

Drew L. Houston (MS, CPC) is a Certified Professional Leadership Coach and Personal Development expert. She is the founder of Definition Coaching & Consulting which is based on the importance of recognizing Definition.

Giseleine Chain Dogon

Giseleine Chain Dogon is the owner of Your Bliss Skin & Body Care, a lifestyle spa that focuses on natural skincare and holistic self-care practices.

Jennaya Colóns

Jennaya has been a dedicated health professional and advocate for nine years. Community health is her passion, and when she saw gaps that needed to be satisfied in the city she loves, she founded Highroots Wellness & Consulting.

Leilah Swanson

Leilah Swanson is a student leader at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). She currently serves as Vice President of the Black Student Union. She’s also a multicultural and LGBTQ student mentor.

Lisa Jenkins

Lisa Jenkins is a trailblazer in community service. Lisa is the visionary founder and CEO of Kingdom Builder's Family Life Center.

Mark Dickerson

Col. Mark Dickerson is former President and Board Chairman of a local Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) chapter. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent 7 years as a NASA Research Project Manager. He currently serves with 2 Colorado non-profits.

Martin Burlingame

Protecting your family and securing your future has never been more important. Dispelling the Myths of a Career in the Insurance Industry is an eye-opening and engaging discussion that dispels common myths about careers in the insurance industry.

Rashaad Johnson

Rashaad Johnson is a published author, motivational speaker, and CEO of ImpactU.

Rebecca Theobald

Rebecca Theobald is an Associate Research Professor in the Geography and Environmental Studies Department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Rev. Eric Graham

Rev. Eric Graham is a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army and a graduate of Morris College. He is a dedicated husband, father, and reverend at Emmanual Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Graham leads the biennial HBCU College Tour sponsored by his church.

Sage Sankofa

Sage Sankofa is the current Youth & Community Engagement Manager with One Colorado. They are a dedicated advocate, educator, and creative professional who are passionate about uplifting Black LGBTQ youth and their communities.

State Rep. Dr. Regina English

State Rep. Dr. Regina English is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and godmother. She is Mrs. El Paso County 2024 and is the founder of two scholarship programs and a non-profit organization. She is also a life coach, and inspirational speaker.

Steve Schleiker

Steve Schleiker is the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder. He oversees elections, motor vehicle services, recording, and clerk-to-the-board functions in one of Colorado's largest counties.

Syretta McGraw

Syretta McGraw is a local Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, owner of SMC Mental Health Services, and the current Committee Chair for the Physical and Mental Health committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tariq Collins

Tariq Collins, Sr. pioneered Eagle Financial Group having 5 plus years in the financial services industry. Tariq and his firm pride themselves on serving their clients to the utmost.

Temiya Bryant

Temiya Bryant is a retired United States Army veteran, wife, and mother. She holds a master's degree in social work and enjoys all things related to photography, designing, and the outdoors.

Wa'Kiem Brock

Wa’Kiem Brock is a USAF veteran and had an extensive career as a correctional professional in adult and youth facilities across the country. He uses his career experiences to divert those in BIPOC communities from justice system involvement.

Whitley Hadley

Whitley Hadley, M.S., serves as the director of the multicultural office for student access, inclusiveness, and community (MOSAIC) and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

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