FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, JPMORGAN CHASE, Q2, H-E-B, AND AUSTIN TOGETHER FUND JOIN A HOST OF ALLIES TO LAUNCH THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

A concept that has been long talked about – and by many accounts, long overdue – will become reality for Central Texas starting late Spring 2021. The African American Leadership Institute (AALI) will emulate the Leadership Austin Essential program model, with a focus on increasing civic awareness, advancement opportunities, and employee retention specifically targeting Austin’s Black population. 

AALI participants will have opportunities to make connections to affect long-term action required to create equity, opportunity and a higher quality of life for all of Austin’s citizens. It will also engage corporations to explore policy, process, and cultural aspects that can improve their ability to attract, equip, retain, and promote more Black professionals. 

A growing, diverse group of Allies is listed on the aaliaustin.org landing page, which includes Mayor Steve Adler, City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion, Leadership Austin, and a growing list of executives who understand the importance of the issues AALI is designed to address. The first major corporate sponsors to commit to the launch of AALI include Facebook Austin, JPMorgan Chase, Q2, Google, and H-E-B, with a feasibility grant awarded by the Austin Together Fund to support the exploration of partnership possibilities and potential national expansion. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the African American Leadership Institute, which will be instrumental in our city’s future as we all strive to create equity, opportunity, and a higher quality of life for Austin’s Black citizens,” stated Katherine Shappley, VP of Global Business Group North America at Facebook. “This is a business imperative – not only because it’s the right thing to do – but also because diverse companies are more successful.” 

Rachel Jamail, Facebook Austin Site Lead, added, “The efforts of the African American Leadership Institute are vital for the future of our city, our communities, and our people at Facebook Austin. We are honored to be partners in the journey to build a better community for Black professionals in Austin, and we look forward to watching AALI’s impact make waves across our city.” 

“The commitment and drive of the African American Leadership Institute is making our city a better place by lifting up leaders who will build a more equitable Austin,” said Cindy Matula, managing director and market leader for JPMorgan Chase. “This is an exciting beginning to great and impactful work.” 

“Q2 is proud to partner with the African American Leadership Institute and other Austin leaders to increase civic awareness and leadership opportunities for Austin’s Black population,” said Q2 CEO Matt Flake. “Our relationship with AALI is evidence of how we live our mission – to create strong and diverse communities – and will have a tremendous impact on the Austin community by empowering Black people and companies alike to better attract, retain and grow Black professionals.” 

In addition to building a robust pipeline of trained and informed community leaders who are well-versed on Austin’s civic issues, AALI will serve as a powerful entry hub for newcomers to Austin seeking Black cultural and social opportunities and events. Given the wide disbursement of African Americans in the Greater Austin area, the resources AALI will discover and document will be of value whether you have called Austin home for days – or decades. 

Co-founded by two long-time community innovators, Heath Creech and BiNi Coleman, AALI’s inaugural class will be implemented by 212 Catalysts, an Austin-area 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with Leadership Austin. A launch committee consisting of 30 leaders from key agencies has been facilitated to solidify program details and support recruitment and promotion efforts. The application process will open in January, with an anticipated program start date in March 2021 and class sessions ending in November 2021.