Strong communities are built by leaders who reflect the people they serve and who understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities within their neighborhoods and are prepared to create meaningful change.
The African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), a United Way of the Wabash Valley initiative, is helping cultivate the next generation of Black leaders across the Wabash Valley.
This year, AABLI welcomed its fourth cohort: 26 emerging and established professionals committed to strengthening our communities through service, leadership, and civic engagement. Cohort members are taking part in a 5-month experience designed to expand board leadership skills, build professional networks, and create opportunities for lasting community impact.
Since launching, the institute has graduated 58 leaders who are serving local organizations, boards, and workplaces in various capacities throughout the region.
“AABLI is dedicated to expanding representation in leadership roles in the Wabash Valley,” Executive Director Dorothy Chambers said. “Adding diverse perspectives helps produce better outcomes for everyone. This is especially true in nonprofit and social sector spaces because there’s a better understanding of what’s actually happening in communities, and what we’re trying to support.”
AABLI is facilitated by Camille Wallace, founder and principal consultant of Global Perspective Culture Company. With a curriculum specially designed by Wallace for AABLI, workshop sessions focus on topics of board governance, civic engagement, leadership development, and problem-solving. Participants engage in case studies and real-world application designed to prepare them for leadership roles across sectors. AABLI also provides opportunities for cohort members to learn valuable lessons from experienced leaders. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of community leadership while also developing the confidence and tools to lead effectively.
For many cohort members, the experience is about more than professional growth. It is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community connections and discover new ways to create impact for future generations.
“We designed this program to give participants real opportunities to grow as community leaders,” said Camille Wallace. “The conversations are honest and designed to activate leaders in the Wabash Valley. The program challenges participants to think differently about the role they play in creating lasting change.”
That focus on long-term community impact aligns closely with UWWV’s broader commitment to building healthy communities across the Wabash Valley. By investing in leadership development, United Way is helping create pathways for future generations to thrive.
When young people see leaders who look like them serving in visible, influential roles, it expands what they believe is possible for their own futures. Programs like AABLI help strengthen that representation while building networks of leaders dedicated to improving outcomes across the region.
As the newest cohort moves through the program, the impact of AABLI continues to grow far beyond the classroom, shaping nonprofit organizations, civic spaces and communities throughout the Wabash Valley.
