Photo of the second cohort of graduates in Southern Arizona from the African American Leadership Institute.

Congratulations to the 2nd Southern Arizona AALI Cohort!

The second cohort of graduates in Southern Arizona celebrated the completion of their 10-week course from the African American Leadership Institute at CFSA’s Campus on December 9, 2022.

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, the African American Legacy Fund, and the State of Black Arizona, along with reflections and inspiration from the program. The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and the African American Legacy Fund are honored to be part of this program, and look forward to continuing to support African American leaders in our community.

The African American Leadership Institute in Southern Arizona is funded by the African American Legacy Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

Congratulations to the Southern Arizona 2022 Graduates!

  • Arika Wells | Pima County Attorney’s Office
  • Demetry Simonton | Board of the Industrial Development Authority of City of Sierra Vista
  • Dennis Baker | AZ Prep Academy/Operation 132
  • Desiree Cook | I AM You 360
  • Dimitria Clayton | Pima County, Human Resources
  • Marlon Harmon | Freeport-McMoRan
  • Patricia Barcelo | Primavera Foundation
  • Stephanie Engs | KXCI Community Radio
  • William Pearson | Tucson Unified School District

AALI was founded in 2010 by Valle del Sol, in partnership with Arizona OIC and South Mountain Community College. Since 2017, The State of Black Arizona has led the facilitation of the institute’s recruitment efforts and curriculum development.