Promoting the development of African American, Hispanic, and other individuals of color as community leaders
Strengthening Communities Through Sacrifice, Service & Survival
"Creating a Continum of Community Leaders of Color through Comprehensive Instruction, Professional Training, and Career Development Programs Designed to Improve their Skills and Capabilities"
Promoting the development of African American, Hispanic, and other individuals of color as community leaders
Strengthening Communities Through Sacrifice, Service & Survival
"Creating a Continum of Community Leaders of Color through Comprehensive Instruction, Professional Training, and Career Development Programs Designed to Improve their Skills and Capabilities"
Promoting the development of African American, Hispanic, and other individuals of color as community leaders
Strengthening Communities Through Sacrifice, Service & Survival
"Creating a Continum of Community Leaders of Color through Comprehensive Instruction, Professional Training, and Career Development Programs Designed to Improve their Skills and Capabilities"
Welcome to The Leadership Consortium
The Leadership Consortium (TLC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Established in 1999 and Incorporated 2002
The Leadership Consortium (TLC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1999 and incorporated in 2002, has a vision to promote leadership development within African American, Hispanic, and other communities of color. With a history of impactful programs and initiatives, TLC seeks to enhance the skills and capacities of individuals through professional training, career development, and instruction aimed at fostering leadership and community involvement.
Michael Kelly, one of the driving forces behind TLC, was pivotal in establishing the Community Alliance for Black Student Support, which later evolved into the Sankofa Leadership Institute in collaboration with Arizona State University. This program focused on recruitment and retention of African American students, underscoring Kelly’s long-standing commitment to Black empowerment in Arizona. He also contributed to key community initiatives like the Arizona Black Film Showcase, the Arizona Black Expo, and the Linking Sports and the Community project. Additionally, Kelly co-founded the Black Philanthropy Initiative at the Arizona Community Foundation, promoting greater charitable engagement within the African American community.
Community Initiatives
TLC's Vision & Mission
TLC’s vision is to promote the development of African American, Hispanic, and other individuals of color as community leaders. This is achieved through comprehensive instruction, professional training, and career development programs designed to improve their skills and capabilities.
TLC’s historic programs include:
- Community Alliance for Black Student Support (CABS): Established in 1999, this program, in partnership with Arizona State University, evolved into the San-ko-fa Leadership Institute, enhancing African American student recruitment and retention.
- Arizona Black Film Showcase: Founded in 2001 by Joanna DeShay, this event celebrated Black filmmakers and educated youth on filmmaking until 2011.
- Linking Sports and the Community: Launched in 2004 by Denise Meridith, this annual event highlighted career opportunities in sports-related fields for teens.
- Arizona Black Expo: Peaking in 2006, it provided networking opportunities for African American businesses, attracting over 10,000 attendees.
- Black Brown and College Bound Program: Initiated in 2018, this program aims to increase scholarship opportunities for African American and Hispanic students through a partnership with College Depot and the Greater Phoenix Area Delta Beta Omega Chapter.
TLC's Vision & Mission
TLC’s vision is to promote the development of African American, Hispanic, and other individuals of color as community leaders. This is achieved through comprehensive instruction, professional training, and career development programs designed to improve their skills and capabilities.
TLC’s historic programs include:
- Community Alliance for Black Student Support (CABS): Established in 1999, this program, in partnership with Arizona State University, evolved into the San-ko-fa Leadership Institute, enhancing African American student recruitment and retention.
- Arizona Black Film Showcase: Founded in 2001 by Joanna DeShay, this event celebrated Black filmmakers and educated youth on filmmaking until 2011.
- Linking Sports and the Community: Launched in 2004 by Denise Meridith, this annual event highlighted career opportunities in sports-related fields for teens.
- Arizona Black Expo: Peaking in 2006, it provided networking opportunities for African American businesses, attracting over 10,000 attendees.
- Black Brown and College Bound Program: Initiated in 2018, this program aims to increase scholarship opportunities for African American and Hispanic students through a partnership with College Depot and the Greater Phoenix Area Delta Beta Omega Chapter.
TLC's Notable Accomplishment
Sankofa Summer Leadership Institute: A four-day annual residential program was created to help incoming freshmen and transfer students connect, access university support services, and engage with African culture, positively influencing retention rates.
Collaborations with the Multicultural Student Center: This partnership introduced New programs for Black Students.
TLC AZ Delegation to the Congressional Black Caucus
CO-HOSTS 10th Anniversary of TLC AZ Delegation to the Congressional Black Caucus 2024
Kesha Hodge Washington & Kevin Robinson
As Councilmembers, Kevin Robinson and Kesha Hodge Washington mentioned, In 2024, TLC expanded its outreach by launching the Leadership Consortium Student Leadership Institute, (TLC-SLI) aimed at empowering students from diverse institutions, including Arizona State University, South Mountain Community College, the University of Arizona, and Tulsa Community College. TLC-SLI provided comprehensive support for 18 students, one alumni and their chaperones to attend the CBC in Washington, D.C. Over the past three years, 24 students attended the CBC sponsored by TLC. We are making progress.
This year’s delegation brought together a diverse group of leaders from every sector, including State Legislators, Corporate Executives, Medical Professionals, Judges, Attorneys, Educators, Clergy, and Community Leaders—along with students from community colleges and major universities. We would be remiss if we did not recognize Tempe Mayor Corey Woods’s outstanding contributions. He led the Arizona Delegation for several years and has been a vital advisor to The Leadership Consortium. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping this delegation, and we are grateful for his guidance as he passed the torch to us.
Testimonials
Opportunity shared is transformative today, tomorrow and in the future.
Jason Amok-Agyei
Recent ASU Graduate – Healthcare Adminsitration and Policy.
The opportunity to attend as a student delegate at the Congressional Black Congress in Washington was an amazing professional and cultural experience.
Sydney Beasley
Studying Secondary Education Empahsis in History
I was inived to attend the 52nd Congressional Black Caucus as a student representive provided the opportunity to meet influential people and learned how the political system in DC impact education in Arizona.
Malik Hakim
Major: Interdisciplinary Arts & Performance
Learning how hip-hop music impacts politics was an unforgettable experience.
Robert Van Arlen
Speaker and Entreprenuer
Last year was my first opporntity to experience the Congressional Black Caucus. The opportunities to network, share knowledge and learn from others was both meaningful and transformational.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the Mission?
A: TLC’s vision is to promote the development of African American, Hispanic, and other individuals of color as community leaders. This is achieved through comprehensive instruction, professional training, and career development programs designed to improve their skills and capabilities.
Q: What servicies do you offer?
A: Leadership Training Programs: Workshops and seminars that focus on leadership skills, including public speaking, strategic planning, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
Mentorship Programs: Pairing individuals with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities in their respective fields.
Career Development Services: Providing resume writing assistance, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional development workshops.
Educational Programs: Offering courses and certifications in various fields such as business management, community organizing, and social justice advocacy.
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities: Creating pathways for individuals to gain hands-on experience in leadership roles within the community or local businesses.
Entrepreneurship Support: Workshops and resources to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop business plans, secure funding, and manage their enterprises.
Community Outreach and Advocacy: Organizing events and initiatives that address the specific needs of communities of color, including voter registration drives, health fairs, and financial literacy workshops.
Networking Events: Hosting conferences, mixers, and forums that connect community leaders, professionals, and activists to share ideas and collaborate on projects.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Currently, TLC has volunteer opportunities for vetted individuals to work.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Include contact details such as phone numbers, email addresses, and physical locations.
Q: Who is eligible for your services?
A: African American, Hispanic, and Other Individuals of Color: Primary focus on individuals from these communities who are seeking leadership roles or career advancement.
Youth and Young Adults: High school and college students, as well as recent graduates, who are interested in developing leadership skills and pursuing professional opportunities.
Emerging Leaders: Individuals who are early in their careers or those who have shown leadership potential and are looking to enhance their skills and impact.
Community Activists and Organizers: Those actively involved in community work who want to gain additional skills, resources, and support to lead more effectively.
Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: Individuals from underrepresented communities who are starting or currently running businesses and need guidance, mentorship, or training.
Professionals Seeking Career Advancement: Individuals in various professions who are looking to move into leadership positions or transition into new roles.
Non-Profit Leaders: Leaders of community organizations or those aspiring to lead non-profits that serve communities of color.
Individuals Committed to Social Justice and Equity: Anyone dedicated to promoting social change, diversity, and inclusion within their communities or professions.
Q: What is the purpose of TLC?
A: The Leadership Consortium (TLC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1999 and incorporated in 2002. Initially organized for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes, TLC received its 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS in 2002 with the help of a development grant from Bank of America. Although TLC is a multicultural organization, its initiatives have historically focused on the local African American community.
2024 Arizona Delegation
Sponsors
