Our Community Needs Your Voice

Want to understand how to be the best board member?
Want to become more connected with the community?
Then check out AABLI!

Last February the United Way of the Wabash Valley launched the African-American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI).  The goal of this program is to increase the number and broaden the participation of African Americans in leadership roles in the Wabash Valley.  After the success of the first cohort, we are excited to launch our second cohort.

AABLI works to help provide skills and knowledge for potential community leaders by providing a deep-dive look into governance responsibilities through a variety of activities. Among these are monthly intensive in-person meetings that include group discussions, exercises, case studies, and the building of problem-solving skills during February- July 2024. Participants receive materials and templates to maximize the program’s effectiveness. Those who complete the AABLI program are eligible for assistance with placement on governing boards or commissions. This program will exemplify the powers of community collaboration in building not only leaders but strengthening business connections and representation at all levels of leadership.

Program Design

  • Monthly in person meetings
  • February – July 2024
  • Workshops, Group Discussions, Case Studies, and Guest Speakers
  • Connections in the Community
  • Cost = FREE

The program meets monthly on Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm on February 10, March 16, April 20, May 18, and June 15, and closes with a July event on a date to be determined.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley believes that to truly Live United we must include all voices in our community.  Research consistently shows that people of color remain underrepresented in nonprofit boards, compared to their representation in society.  This program will work to build up the strengths of African-American leaders and connect them in the community.

AABLI is open to any African American looking to be more prepared to give back to their community.  This could include anyone from young professionals looking to advance in their community to well-established individuals looking to have a better understanding of being involved in community boards.

This will be the second cohort of the program.  Contact Abby Desboro at [email protected] or 812-235-6287 with questions.

Support AABLI

AABLI is a program of the United Way of the Wabash Valley and is provided to participants at no charge.  But to make a program like this successful it takes resources and time to complete.  Please consider donating directly to the AABLI program to help offset costs for the cohort including facilitators and program supplies.  We appreciate your support as we work together to create a stronger Wabash Valley.

2024 AABLI Cohort Members

Email us at [email protected] to connect to an AABLI member!

Shaleena Barker

Vigo County Public Library, PR Manager

Bobby Bradley

Hamilton Center Inc., Navigator

Lakisha Bradley

ISU, Instructor & BSW Field Coordinator

Selanda Brown

Ivy Tech, Academic Testing Center

Selena Cannady

Hamilton Center, Provider Relations Specialist

TaMarra Cooley

Department of Treasury Revenue Officer

Arielle Craig

Special Collections Assistant Librarian

Earl Donald Sr.

Production Supervisor

Dasha Donald

Case Manager, Superior Court

Hiawatha Garrett

Care Manager III

Shena Gordon

ISU, Early Childhood Education Pre-K Teacher

Douglas Eugene Griffie Jr.

Walmart, Delivery

Roy Holliman

Overhead Door Corporation, Sr. Manager, Business Transformation

Courtney M. Holston (Lewis)

Thrive West Central, Associate Director of Care Management

Autumn Howell

Community Advocate

Uzziah Hutchinson

Vigo County School Corporation, Paraprofessional

Barry Turner

City Plumbing Inspector

Nichelle Washington

Mosaic

Theresa White

In Time Creative Counseling Services LLC/ Founder & CEO