Purpose

​The African American Leadership Academy (AALA) is designed to cultivate the next generation of transformative leaders within the Black community and beyond. The Academy goes beyond traditional professional development, offering a culturally responsive program that incorporates the unique perspectives of the African diaspora. By focusing on leadership across a wide array of sectors—including civic engagement, education, media, criminal justice, healthcare, law, nonprofit, and for-profit businesses—the AALA equips participants with the tools needed to drive meaningful change.

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This comprehensive  program fosters community transformation in Greater Des Moines, Iowa, through mentoring, active community building, and leadership development. The AALA program is aligned with the One Economy initiative, which addresses racial disparities in Employment, Education, Financial Inclusion, Health, and Housing within the Black community.

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Benefit of AALA

The African American Leadership Academy fills a crucial gap by addressing not only the professional skills necessary for success but also the culturally specific needs of Black leaders. AALA provides a collaborative and supportive environment where participants build a network of like-minded individuals committed to uplifting their communities.

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AALA alumni consistently highlight the lasting friendships, professional connections, and collaborative projects that emerge from the program. Alumni continue to work together across cohorts, making a positive impact in their professions and communities.

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Curriculum

​​The African American Leadership Academy runs from February through October, with one evening session per month, along with additional small group meetings. The program features a dynamic mix of half-day leadership workshops, panel presentations, keynote speakers, and roundtable discussions. Participants build long-lasting professional relationships and explore leadership through a variety of lenses, including:

• Civic Leadership & Public Affairs: Explore the civic landscape at local and state levels, analyzing the role of public policy and its impact on the Black community. Participants engage with elected officials and policymakers to understand advocacy and leadership in the public sector.

• Education Equity & Leadership: Focus on both K-12 and post-secondary education, discussing the role of public education in preparing Black students for success and exploring strategies to increase Black representation in educational leadership, administrative roles, and higher education pathways.

• Driving Change in the Nonprofit Sector: Understand the unique functions of nonprofit organizations and their intersection with for-profit enterprises, focusing on leadership that drives impact within Black communities and creates lasting social change.

• Black Heritage & Leadership: Explore the history of African Americans in Des Moines, highlighting trailblazers and community leaders who have shaped the city’s history. Focus on the legacy of leadership within the Black community and its influence on current and future leaders.

• Black Voices in Media: Shaping Narratives & Public Perception: Analyze how African Americans are portrayed in the media and discuss the role of Black leaders in shaping narratives, public perception, and policy.

• Criminal Justice: Leadership & Reform: Examine the justice system from multiple perspectives, including law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and juvenile justice, with a focus on reforming systems that disproportionately affect the Black community.

• Leading Change in Healthcare Disparities: Discuss disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for the Black community and explore leadership in healthcare advocacy and reform to address these inequities.

• The Role of Faith in Community Leadership: Explore the historical and current role of the Black church in shaping leaders, advocacy, and community service. Highlight faith-based leadership as a powerful force for social change.

• Personal Leadership Enrichment: Focus on individual growth and self-awareness. Participants complete the StrengthsFinder assessment to discover and develop their unique strengths. In addition, they engage in one-on-one coaching sessions with personal leadership coaches to enhance their leadership abilities, set personal development goals, and create actionable plans for their leadership journey.

 

The Des Moines, Iowa African American Leadership Academy is supported by The Directors Council.  The AALA is part of a regional network that was started by the Northwest Area Foundation.

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2025 Applications open October 20 and close January 6. 

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