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Wed, Jul 23 at 8:58 AM

July 2025 | Volume 63

Essential Insights

Executive Director's Corner

As we step into a new season full of growth and opportunity, change is definitely in the air at the African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC)!

You may have already seen one exciting update—our new logo! It’s more than a fresh look. It’s a symbol of our renewed energy, our commitment to youth, and the future we’re building together.

But the updates go deeper. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes—strengthening partnerships, expanding programs, and improving how we operate—all with one goal: to better serve our students, families, and community.

These changes reflect our belief that we can always grow, evolve, and lead stronger for the next generation.

Thank you to all of our supporters, volunteers, educators, and families. Your passion powers our progress. We’re just getting started—and we’re excited to show you what’s next.

Sincerely,

Debra Johnson

Executive Director

Step Up. Lead. Make a Difference.

The AAYLC is now accepting applications for Student Liaisons to join our Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 school year!

This is a unique opportunity for students in grades 9–12 to:

Amplify youth voices on a real nonprofit board
Build leadership skills and gain hands-on experience
Collaborate with community leaders and adult board members
Boost your college and scholarship applications

Who Should Apply? Students who show leadership, responsibility, and a passion for community involvement.

Ready to make your mark? Apply today and be one of the voices helping shape the future of AAYLC and beyond!

Have Interest? Apply Here

Did you know?

Research shows that student-led initiatives increase engagement, boost confidence, and build critical skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. At AAYLC, we've seen firsthand how empowering youth leaders creates lasting impact—not just for them, but for entire communities.

Recognizing Student Excellence

Do you know a standout student who deserves to be recognized? The AAYLC Crown Scholar award honors exceptional students who excel in academics, sports, arts, or community service—leaders who inspire those around them. The application and nomination process are quick and easy, so don’t miss the chance to spotlight a deserving student. Let’s uplift and reward the next generation of leaders! Click here to Nominate Someone

July 2025 - Symone Pruitt

Symone is a dynamic senior at Discovery Canyon Campus with a 3.8 GPA and big dreams for her future! She is passionate about becoming an ultrasound technician—an ambition fueled by her faith in God, her supportive family, and her close friends. Her favorite subject is business, which comes naturally to her and keeps her fully engaged. A consistent high-achiever, Symone has proudly made the honor roll and earned academic and athletic letters every year since freshman year.

Learn more about this exceptional student

June 2025 - Mason Kirtley

At just 14 years old, Mason is already making serious moves—on the court, in the classroom, and in his community. A proud 8th grader at Fountain Fort Carson Middle School with a solid 3.65 GPA, Mason is driven by a dream: to play professional basketball in the NBA and become a powerhouse entrepreneur along the way.

Learn more about this exceptional student

May 2025 - Jaela Johnson

Jaela, an 8th grader at Soaring Eagles Community School, is already making waves with her unstoppable drive and infectious enthusiasm! With a 3.25 GPA, a love for learning, and a record-breaking track season under her belt, Jaela is setting the pace—both on and off the field.

Learn more about this exceptional student

Congratulations to Our 2025 Wynn/Marchman Scholarship & Grant Stars!

We are thrilled to congratulate our outstanding 2025 Wynn/Marchman Scholarship and grant recipients! Your dedication, hard work, and leadership truly set you apart, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish next. To everyone who applied, thank you for sharing your passion and your stories with us—your drive and ambition made this year’s selection process incredibly inspiring. We’re so proud to support such a talented group of future leaders, and we know you’ll continue to shine bright in your communities and beyond. Keep reaching for greatness—the AAYLC is cheering you on every step of the way!

Meet the 2025 Recipients

Explore, Grow, and Support

Matters of the Mind - Move, Feel, Grow: A Summer of Discovery

By Alice Miles, MSW/SWC, Psychotherapist and Adoption Placement Supervisor

Summer offers a welcome break from the structure of the school year, giving students, families, and communities the freedom to explore, recharge, and reconnect. These long, sun-filled days are the perfect opportunity to stay active and immersed in experiences that awaken all five senses—taste, touch, sound, sight, and smell.

But summer is also a great time to nurture two often-overlooked senses: proprioception and the vestibular sense. These are essential for body awareness, balance, and coordinated movement—skills that support everything from learning to physical confidence. So, while you’re enjoying the fun and freedom of summer, know that play, movement, and sensory-rich experiences are helping young minds and bodies grow in powerful ways.

Shop for a Cause: AAYLC’s Biggest Fundraiser Returns!

Get ready, shopaholics! The 20th Annual Shopping Extravaganza at the Outlets at Castle Rock is coming back on Saturday, October 4th — and you won’t want to miss it!

This is one of the largest and most exciting AAYLC fundraisers of the year, packed with unbeatable deals, local vendors, fun activities, and amazing community vibes.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect fall look or just love a great bargain, this is THE shopping event of the season. Bring your friends, family, and shopping spirit — the countdown to savings starts now!

Learn More

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors and community partners for supporting the AAYLC mission. Your generosity helps us empower, inspire, and uplift students across Colorado Springs—making our programs, scholarships, and annual conference possible. Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders! Interested in joining our community of supporters? Sponsor AAYLC- Learn More!

Across the Board

We’re excited to welcome our new board members and express heartfelt thanks to our outgoing leaders—Harold Geolingo, Adrienne Patton, and Jayne Dickey—for their dedication and service. The AAYLC Board remains committed to empowering students and families across our community. Click here to learn more about our focused, devoted, and experienced team.

Dr. Gail Lott

Deshandra Randle

Si'Mona Johnson

Public & Media Relations Board Member Wanted: Amplify Our Impact

The AAYLC is looking for a passionate and dynamic Public & Media Relations Board Member to help amplify our mission and expand our reach. If you have a knack for crafting compelling stories, building media relationships, and creating buzz that inspires action, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact. Join us and be the voice that shines a spotlight on the incredible work we do, connecting us with communities, partners, and supporters who share our vision for empowering youth. Ready to help tell the story that changes lives? We want you on our team! Apply Here

Together We Thrive

AAYLC Community Enhancement Prize

We’re excited to celebrate this year’s AAYLC Community Enhancement Prize recipients:

Psalm Delaney and Kayla Shelley! In May, each Colorado College student has been awarded $1,000 to support their commitment to creating positive change. Psalm, an alumna of Colorado College and current Master of Arts in Teaching student, is dedicated to advancing literacy and providing low-to-no-cost dyslexia intervention for at-risk students in the Pikes Peak Region. Her project aims to expand access to effective literacy support, helping empower students and break cycles of poverty.

Kayla, who recently graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Human Biology & Kinesiology, will be travelling to Indonesia to study the Subak system of communal farming. Her research will explore how this ancient practice addresses climate change, water conservation, and community resilience—lessons she hopes to bring back to strengthen small-scale farming and food access in the U.S.

We’re proud to be part of Psalm and Kayla’s journeys and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have in our community and beyond.

Building Connections at the T. Rowe Price Flyover Fair

On May 29, 2025, AAYLC Board President Dr. Paul Wiggins, Vice President Stanley Gbandawa, and Executive Director Debra Johnson represented the AAYLC at the T. Rowe Price Flyover Fair in Colorado Springs.

Held in celebration of the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation flyover, the event welcomed over 550 associates and featured local nonprofits, activities, and community connections.

The AAYLC team shared our mission and upcoming initiatives with T. Rowe Price employees and explored ways they can support our 2026 conference. Special thanks to T. Rowe Price for the invitation and ongoing support!

AAYLC Builds Community at Rooted Together Event

On June 3, 2025, Executive Director Debra Johnson represented AAYLC at the Rooted Together networking event. Thanks to Rooted Together for bringing local organizations together and to Stomping Groundz Coffee Cafe for hosting. We were excited to share our mission and connect with others, paving the way for impactful partnerships to benefit Colorado Springs. It was a fantastic evening of collaboration and community spirit!

Pikes Peak Reginal History Symposium

On June 14, 2025, our Executive Director and several AAYLC volunteers attended the Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium, where AAYLC co-founder Dr. Ron Wynn took the stage to present “Voices of Impact: Preserving the Legacy of the African American Youth Leadership Conference Through Oral Histories.” Dr. Wynn’s presentation introduced an inspiring oral history project featuring interviews with AAYLC founders, students, and organizers—capturing the conference’s lasting impact on our community. As a former superintendent and passionate advocate for education and equity, Dr. Wynn continues to uplift the legacy of AAYLC through his meaningful work. Thank you to everyone who joined us in support!

Shining Bright at the Juneteenth Celebration

From June 20 - 22, the blazing sun couldn’t slow down the incredible energy at the 3-day Juneteenth Celebration! Board member Angela Hall and other AAYLC representatives showed up with pride, passing out flyers and networking with vendors to explore partnership opportunities. Surrounded by delicious food trucks, vibrant local vendors, inspiring health panels, dance fitness, and a powerful gospel concert, we joined the community in honoring the rich history, culture, and resilience of African Americans across Southern Colorado. It was an unforgettable celebration of unity, joy, and empowerment.

Rising Stars Take the Stage at Boss Babes Academy

On Thursday, July 17, our Executive Director, Debra Johnson, had the pleasure of attending the Boss Babes Academy Graduation at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. It was inspiring to witness the growth and excitement of the 40 young graduates as they confidently shared their talents through song, dance, and spoken word. The eloquence and poise these young women displayed was truly remarkable. Congratulations to Kristen Faith and her team for another successful year! AAYLC is honored to sponsor the Boss Babes Academy and support the next generation of confident, empowered leaders in our community.