In honor of Black History Month, the Colorado Chamber is recognizing Black business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and job creators who have grown their businesses from the ground up and are core to our local Colorado communities.
Today’s feature is Dr. Ersaleen Hope with the African American Youth Leadership Conference
Dr. Ersaleen Hope is the newly appointed Executive Director for the African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC), a non-profit organization located in the Pikes Peak region. The AAYLC is dedicated to fostering diverse student leaders through its innovative programs, providing educational, personal and leadership development opportunities for youth. Each year, the conference delivers innovative, evocative and engaging content, offering impactful developmental experiences for both youth and their families.
Dr. Hope brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion to her new role. Formerly serving as the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Equity and Belonging at Colorado College, she is a seasoned leader proficient in event coordination, program management, and social justice advocacy.
With a profound understanding of the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, Dr. Hope is well-positioned to guide AAYLC to greater heights. Her journey to leadership is rooted in personal experience, as she accompanied her eldest son to the AAYLC in 2023. Witnessing the collective effort toward a common goal firsthand ignited her passion to amplify student empowerment and drive positive change in communities far and wide.
Beyond her role at AAYLC, Dr. Hope has utilized her platform, H.O.P.E. in Action LLC, to champion organizational consulting and transformational coaching services, leaving an indelible mark on school districts, government entities and nonprofits.
As she steps into the role of Executive Director at AAYLC, Dr. Hope envisions a future where young minds are inspired to achieve the extraordinary, empowered with the tools to shape a more just and equitable society. Her dedication to fostering leadership and positive change aligns seamlessly with AAYLC’s mission, promising a future of continued growth and impact.
Learn more about the African American Youth Leadership Conference by visiting their website here.
Connect with the African American Youth Leadership Conference on social media:
Know of a Black-owned business you think should be featured by the Colorado Chamber? Nominate one here!
The Colorado Chamber is committed to promoting an inclusive state economy and diverse workforce, fostering economic opportunity for all. We appreciate our partnership with minority-owned businesses across Colorado and will continue to work with these job creators on state and federal policies that impact minority employers and their employees.
Resources:
Small Business Association: Minority Owned Business Resources
Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade: Minority Owned Business Directory
Minority Business Office of Colorado: Programs and Funding
Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber: 9 Black-Owned Small Business Directories
U.S. Chamber: 10 Resources for Black-Owned Businesses
Google for Small Business: How can I let customers know my business is Black-owned?