ABOUT AAYLC

Empowering Youth.
Building Leaders.
Strengthening Community.

The African American Youth Leadership Coalition (AAYLC) creates opportunities for African American, Biracial, and Multiracial youth of African descent to develop leadership skills, strengthen cultural identity, and build meaningful connections through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

WHO WE ARE

Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2024, the AAYLC builds upon leadership development through the African American Youth Leadership Conference.

Our organization was created in response to students in Oregon who wanted year-round opportunities for mentorship, academic support, cultural education, and community connection.

Today, AAYLC serves youth and families throughout Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Lane, and Polk counties by creating programs that inspire leadership, encourage personal growth, and celebrate African American culture.

Our Programs

OUR STORY

Developing Confident Future Leaders & Celebrating Heritage.

The African American Youth Leadership Coalition has grown from a single annual conference into a nonprofit organization providing year-round leadership opportunities for youth and families.

2001 conference begins

The African American Youth Leadership Conference was established in Marion County to provide African American youth with opportunities to learn about leadership, history, education, and civic engagement.

2006 REgional Expansion

The conference expanded to include Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Lane, and Polk counties, bringing together students from communities across Oregon.

2024 AAYLC Founded

The African American Youth Leadership Coalition officially became a nonprofit organization after youth expressed the need for leadership opportunities beyond the annual conference.

today growing opportunities

AAYLC now provides initiatives that encourage leadership, mentorship, cultural pride, and community engagement throughout the year.

Mission

AAYLC creates a community environment that inspires and promotes leadership, advocacy, and excellence through programs and mentorship.

Vision

The AAYLC empowers confident, bold, and authentic leaders with high self-esteem and integrity to achieve their full potential.

core values

Growth, Community, Cultural Identity, Love & Compassion, Integrity, Pride, Resiliency, Education.

OUR TEAM

The board

The Board Members of the AAYLC hold ultimate responsibility for the organization’s financial management and governance. They review and approve all financial policies, procedures, and budgets, ensuring compliance with GAAP, nonprofit regulations, and legal requirements. The Board authorizes contracts, loans, leases, and program expansions, while overseeing the Treasurer’s and President’s financial duties, including day-to-day management, reporting, and tracking of restricted funds. Members also ensure adequate insurance coverage, adherence to record retention policies, and compliance with public inspection requirements. In addition, they provide training and oversight to strengthen organizational accountability, safeguard assets, and uphold the mission and integrity of AAYLC.

Ronnie Brooks

Retired

Sherrie Day

NAACP

Jason Dorsette

Linn-Benton Community College

Antonya Gemmill

Salem Keizer School District

Angel Harris

Bushnell University

Alex Johnson

Mayor, City of Albany

Trulife Financial Solutions

Gloria Kazimierski

The Whole Affair

Dwight Roberson

Salem Keizer School District

Dorian Smith

Oregon State University

Merilyn Stewart

Oregon State University

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee serves as the leadership body of the Board of Directors, providing oversight and guidance between full board meetings. It is responsible for reviewing financial practices annually, recommending policy revisions, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards. The committee acts on urgent matters when the full board is not in session, supports the President and Treasurer in financial oversight, and ensures that governance decisions align with the mission and integrity of the African American Youth Leadership Coalition.