African American Leadership Institute

Dear Family, Friends, and Community, It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Heath Donell Creech—a son, brother, father, friend, mentor, leader, and a true heavyweight among us. Heath believed in the power of unity within the Black community. His motto was always Ujima—collective work and responsibility–which was exhibited through his life’s work. A man of unyielding strength, relentless vision, and boundless love for his community, Heath was more than a leader—he was a visionary in every sense of the word. A builder of ideas, a maker of men, a stoic force standing firm in his dedication to the people he served. Heath’s work ethic abandoned individualism–he understood how to amplify the gifts of others and gave countless opportunities that reached far beyond the rich community he built in Austin. He believed in the power of WE, in the hands that lift, the voices that unite, and the dreams that grow stronger when shared. He carried us all forward, not with words alone, but with action, integrity, and an unshakable faith in what we could accomplish together. Though our hearts ache, we are filled with immense gratitude for the beauty of Heath’s life and find comfort in his lasting memory that centers on recognizing and celebrating the beauty of our community. His presence is not lost—it is carried in every life he touched, every movement he sparked, and every soul he poured into. His legacy is not written in stone but in the people he empowered, the organizations he built, and the futures he shaped. Heath was a visionary, a catalyst for change, and a creator of dreams too big for this world to hold. He taught us to stand tall, move with purpose, and serve with heart. We are better because he walked among us. We are stronger because he believed in us. And though we grieve, we do not despair—because Heath’s words echo in our spirits: “Everything is in divine order and unfolding beautifully.” Let us continue his work. Let us honor his vision. Let us build together, as he taught us. Rest in Power, Heavyweight. Your work is done, but our work in your name has just begun. Together #WeRise Heath is survived by his loving mother, cherished son, devoted siblings, and a close-knit family of loved ones. As we navigate this time of remembrance, we ask our community to continue to rally together in love and support while respecting the family’s privacy. For details on how to honor his legacy and offer support please visit his memorial website: https://lnkd.in/gxRT3Rvx

Congrats to the AALI Class of 2025 Cohort-- I was honored to join the African American Leadership Institute (AALI) as we welcome the 2025 Cohort and celebrate an exciting new chapter with our new CEO, Daphne M. McDole, MBA! Daphne’s leadership marks a transformative step forward for AALI. Her vision, energy, and expertise are exactly what we need to strengthen our team and expand our impact. We’re thrilled to have her guiding AALI into this next phase of growth and empowerment. ?? Meet the 2025 Cohort: Join us in celebrating these exceptional leaders who are stepping into the AALI Fellowship to create lasting change in their communities: Raven Hogan, Brianna Clark, Shaquille Dillon, Ph.D., Aspen Nobles, Cortney Jones, MSW, Jonathan Bailey, Chelsey Barnes, Jeffrey Clemmons, Bri Nunn-Williams, Alexis Redick, CCUFC, CCM, Clarence B. Watson IV, DeAndre Wheeler, Denesha Newman, Durell Coleman, Jarvier Peeples M.S.Ed., Jason Brown, Josie Wheatfall, Kitty McLeod, Kourtnee Jones, Tomishia Williams, #StevenFlournoy, Stacey Batchelor, MBA, Sabrina Phillips, #ReginaW., Morgan Taplin, #MoniqueTyler, Michelle Hutson -Crawford M.S, #ChellyBuzbee, Meredith Sisnett, Marlon Johnson, Marie Ezell, Leslie Tucker, Le’Detrick Leonard, Latosha Thomas, LPC ?? Special Thanks: AALI would not be where it is today without the dedication and vision of BiNi Scoor, MBA, heath creech, and Ify O., whose tireless efforts have laid the foundation for everything AALI has achieved. Your leadership has been nothing short of inspiring, and the community owes you so much gratitude. ???? And Stephen Straus is nothing less than amazing! ?? Acknowledging Our Sponsors: This milestone would not be possible without the generosity of our major sponsors, including Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Q2, H-E-B, Google, JPMorganChase, Meta, Deloitte, St. David's HealthCare Foundation, and The Moody Foundation. To all our sponsors, facility partners, and community allies—THANK YOU for your unwavering support! ???? As we look ahead, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration, vision, and the incredible community that surrounds AALI. Please join us in welcoming Daphne and cheering on the 2025 cohort as we continue to empower Black leaders and build a brighter future for all. Together, #WeRise ???? #AALILeadership #BuildingLegacy #CommunityEmpowerment #2025Cohort

My first day as the CEO of the African American Leadership Institute has been so inspiring. I have been immersed in an environment surrounded by professionals who are passionate about empowering Black leaders and driving positive change. This day has set the tone for my journey of professional growth, community impact, and leadership development. The AALI team is amazing. Tiffany Young, Alyssa M. Reyna, M.S. , Courtney Bailey and Ify O. if I knew you guys years ago, I would be the ruler of the world. Your support today meant everything to me. Thank you BiNi Scoor, MBA and heath creech for leading the way! Three Chicks Soul Food was amazing! #Cohort5 #WeRise

Congrats to the African American Leadership Institute 2025 cohort! We warmly welcome you to our AALI family! Congrats Daphne M. McDole, MBA on an amazing day 1 as AALI’s first President and CEO! As always it’s great to run into my fellow AALI 2022 cohort alums Corey Tabor Eric L. Byrd Andrew Ward 2021 Phyllis Everette BA, MS, CLC and 2023 @Brandi Bufford Nice to see you BiNi Scoor, MBA and Quincy Dunlap Kudos to Tiffany Young for keeping the AALI wheels turning!

The unmatched joy that is any African American Leadership Institute event speaks volumes about its leaders, stakeholders, allies, and community organizations. Last night was the start of the 2025 cohort of their leadership program and the debut of the new CEO Daphne M. McDole, MBA! Look at the New Orleans line brining in the new cohort. (Well done, Nikki!) Thank you to BiNi and heath for the invitation!

I hardly have the words to explain what yesterday meant to me. Opening day for the 5th Fellowship Cohort for AALI Austin — absolute perfection ?????? I’ve started or boosted a number of programs, coalitions and initiatives over the years, and by far, AALI has been the most fulfilling to me personally and professionally. It’s solving a real problem…over 4 straight decades of decline in Austin’s Black population (as a percentage of the overall population)… and AALI is changing minds and causing people to stay. Why? Because they found their community. Finally, a solution that pulls together what is already existing so we can all find the right spaces to engage for full connection and ownership of our collective success as a region. Employers dealing with workforce retention issues, please pay attention and engage with AALI. People who actually care about the Black community, please support AALI. I am ecstatic about the arrival of AALI’s first official CEO, Daphne McDole ?? I absolutely love the AALI implementation team: Courtney Bailey, Tiffany Nycole Young, Heath Creech, Ify and Nikki Obiako/Dyme Agency, and Alyssa Reyna, plus others who have contributed over the past several years to make this movement what it is today. We couldn’t have done it without the support of key major sponsors/funders like Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Q2, H-E-B, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Meta, Deloitte, St. David’s Foundation, Living Well Foundation, Moody Foundation, Austin Together, Austin Public Health, Austin Community Foundation Black Fund, Amplify Credit Union, First United Bank, Prosperity Bank, Waymo, Four Seasons, and a host of facility sponsors and community partners who contributed time, treasure, and talent. It’s incredibly difficult to name everyone because the list is so very long…from the initial 40+ members of AALI’s Launch Committee to over 150 Fellows and Alumni to a cloud of allies who took this seriously, referred individuals to apply, and made real moves to make it happen. To all of you, I say THANK YOU! ?????? With the entry of our CEO, I will continue to represent and support AALI fully as co-founder, board member, and fiscal agent via 212 Catalysts, which has been the engine behind AALI since its inception and a fiscal sponsor and steward for numerous community groups. This has truly been a labor of love, and I extend my deep heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has spoken of and contributed to this movement positively and proactively over these years. This is truly a “village” scenario, and we couldn’t do it without all of you! As we now move into “AALI 2.0”, I hope that even more Central Texas leaders will lean in and support this data-driven, high-impact, illustrious initiative and the hard working team behind it. I promise, it will bring you fulfillment and joy beyond measure, and your investment will be well worth it. #WeRise African American Leadership Institute

Was thrilled to attend the African American Leadership Institute new cohort reception to celebrate some amazing and passionate individuals. I'm so proud and happy for Daphne M. McDole, MBA Jon Bailey and Alexis Redick, CCUFC, CCM. Excited for what is to come and ready to support in any way that I can! Vero Sandoval, CCUFC

It was a pleasure to attend the 2025 Cohort Opening Reception for the African American Leadership Institute . I have served on the application committee for the last 3 years and this 2025 class looks very impressive especially as they started their event with a second line. I was joined by my JPMorganChase colleagues Calvin Faison and Andrew Ward. It was also an honor to congratulate their new CEO Daphne M. McDole, MBA in person. To a great 2025 Cohort. BiNi Scoor, MBA Tiffany Young Alyssa M. Reyna, M.S. Ify O. #AustinLeadership #aali #ChaseAustin #wedothisworktogether

Congrats to the AALI Class of 2025 Cohort-- I was honored to join the African American Leadership Institute (AALI) as we welcome the 2025 Cohort and celebrate an exciting new chapter with our new CEO, Daphne M. McDole, MBA! Daphne’s leadership marks a transformative step forward for AALI. Her vision, energy, and expertise are exactly what we need to strengthen our team and expand our impact. We’re thrilled to have her guiding AALI into this next phase of growth and empowerment. ?? Meet the 2025 Cohort: Join us in celebrating these exceptional leaders who are stepping into the AALI Fellowship to create lasting change in their communities: Raven Hogan, Brianna Clark, Shaquille Dillon, Ph.D., Aspen Nobles, Cortney Jones, MSW, Jonathan Bailey, Chelsey Barnes, Jeffrey Clemmons, Bri Nunn-Williams, Alexis Redick, CCUFC, CCM, Clarence B. Watson IV, DeAndre Wheeler, Denesha Newman, Durell Coleman, Jarvier Peeples M.S.Ed., Jason Brown, Josie Wheatfall, Kitty McLeod, Kourtnee Jones, Tomishia Williams, #StevenFlournoy, Stacey Batchelor, MBA, Sabrina Phillips, #ReginaW., Morgan Taplin, #MoniqueTyler, Michelle Hutson -Crawford M.S, #ChellyBuzbee, Meredith Sisnett, Marlon Johnson, Marie Ezell, Leslie Tucker, Le’Detrick Leonard, Latosha Thomas, LPC ?? Special Thanks: AALI would not be where it is today without the dedication and vision of BiNi Scoor, MBA, heath creech, and Ify O., whose tireless efforts have laid the foundation for everything AALI has achieved. Your leadership has been nothing short of inspiring, and the community owes you so much gratitude. ???? And Stephen Straus is nothing less than amazing! ?? Acknowledging Our Sponsors: This milestone would not be possible without the generosity of our major sponsors, including Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Q2, H-E-B, Google, JPMorganChase, Meta, Deloitte, St. David's HealthCare Foundation, and The Moody Foundation. To all our sponsors, facility partners, and community allies—THANK YOU for your unwavering support! ???? As we look ahead, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration, vision, and the incredible community that surrounds AALI. Please join us in welcoming Daphne and cheering on the 2025 cohort as we continue to empower Black leaders and build a brighter future for all. Together, #WeRise ???? #AALILeadership #BuildingLegacy #CommunityEmpowerment #2025Cohort

Permission to Lead? I don't think so. A time was had at the African American Leadership Institute celebration this weekend, where we honored the new 2025 leadership cohort. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of connection. It was exciting to see community leaders and elected officials supporting such a fantastic program. Programs like AALI create spaces where people can see themselves reflected in leadership. These "connection hubs" don't just introduce emerging and existing leaders to the critical issues in our city—they help create actual pathways to get involved and have a seat at the table. Leaders are no longer asking for permission to lead; we are creating our own opportunities through the power of connection and leaning into the leadership that's always been within us. I'm thrilled to see my work bestie, Alexis Redick, CCUFC, CCM , in this year's cohort! Alexis, you will do big things; just know I'm one of your biggest cheerleaders! If this opening celebration indicates what lies ahead, this year's cohort is in for a fantastic experience. Congratulations to all the incredible people in this year's cohort—we see you and need you! Congratulations to Daphne M. McDole, MBA , AALI's new CEO! I'm excited to see the incredible impact you'll make and the great things you'll bring to the organization. #atxleaders #aali #512communities #buildingthebench